CLIMATE CHANGE, CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, AND THE FUTURE OF PAKISTAN

Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Over the past few years, we have witnessed a dangerous shift in weather patterns — unpredictable rains, extreme heat, melting glaciers, flash floods, and landslides. These events have affected millions of people, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), where communities are directly exposed to the harsh realities of climate change.

At the same time, Pakistan’s Constitution has taken a historic step through the 26th Constitutional Amendment, by introducing Article 9A. This Article clearly states:

“Every citizen has the basic right to a clean and healthy environment.”

This means that clean air, safe water, and protection from environmental destruction are no longer just social demands — they are now constitutional rights guaranteed to every Pakistani citizen.

Climate Change and Its Devastating Impacts in Northern Pakistan

The northern areas of Pakistan, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan and KPK, are at the frontline of climate disasters. These regions are home to some of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions, but due to rising global temperatures, these glaciers are melting at alarming rates.

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): As glaciers melt, lakes form behind weak natural dams. When these lakes burst, they unleash devastating floods that destroy homes, roads, schools, and agricultural lands.

Heavy Rains and Flash Floods: In recent years, heavy monsoon rains have caused sudden floods, sweeping away entire villages and leaving families displaced.

Landslides: The combination of melting ice and heavy rainfall triggers frequent landslides, cutting off communities and damaging infrastructure.

Water Insecurity: Although glaciers are a source of fresh water, their rapid melting creates future risks of water shortage for both local communities and the entire country.

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan and KPK are among the most affected, despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. This is an issue of climate justice.

Linking Article 9A to Climate Change

Now, under Article 9A, every citizen can claim their right to a clean and healthy environment. But what does this mean in practice?

Government Responsibility:

The state is now legally bound to protect the environment and reduce the risks of climate change. It cannot ignore floods, glacier melt, or pollution because these directly violate citizens’ rights.

Public Power:

Citizens, communities, and civil society groups can now demand action. If the government fails to take preventive steps, like setting up early warning systems, protecting forests, reducing pollution, or managing water resources, people can go to court and say:

“Our constitutional right under Article 9A is being violated.”

Accountability of Funds:

Every year, millions of rupees and international funds are allocated for climate adaptation projects. If these funds are wasted due to corruption or poor planning, citizens can challenge it under Article 9A, since misuse of funds directly affects their right to live in a safe and healthy environment.

Why This Matters for Gilgit-Baltistan and KPK

For the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and KPK, this new constitutional right is extremely important:

When floods destroy homes, citizens can demand better disaster management systems.

When glaciers melt and lakes burst, citizens can demand effective early warning systems and safe infrastructure.

When air and water become polluted, they can demand cleaner alternatives and stricter environmental policies.

When forests are cut down, they can demand reforestation and legal action against those responsible.

In short, Article 9A connects the fight against climate change with the legal and constitutional rights of every citizen.

Building Awareness Among Citizens

Most people do not know that the right to a healthy environment is now a part of the Constitution. It is important that communities, especially in climate-vulnerable regions, understand that:

This is not a favor from the government, it is their legal right.

Citizens should raise their voices collectively, demand action from local authorities, and, if necessary, approach courts.

Civil society, youth groups, and local organizations should spread awareness about this right so that it becomes a powerful tool against negligence and corruption.

Pakistan is facing a climate emergency. The devastating floods, melting glaciers, and extreme weather are not just natural disasters — they are a warning that our environment and future are at risk.

But now, through the 26th Constitutional Amendment and Article 9A, the people of Pakistan have a stronger voice. They can demand from their leaders, their institutions, and even from the courts that their right to a clean and healthy environment be protected.

For the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and KPK, this is not just about law — it is about survival. Protecting the environment means protecting their homes, their lands, their water, and the lives of future generations.

 In simple words:

Every Pakistani now has the power to say:

“We have the right to a clean and healthy environment. Protecting us from climate change is not optional — it is the government’s constitutional duty.