LOGGING affects the poorest communities the most, while reforestation has become a global necessity.

Forests act as shields against the climate crisis and natural disasters and their destruction disproportionately impacts those who rely on them for basic human needs. Articles 9, 14 and 38(d) of the Constitution of Pakistan (1973) emphasize the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the public’s access to essential natural resources such as water, air and forests.

A landmark ruling in Shehla Zia v. WAPDA (PLD 1994 SC 693) laid the foundation for Pakistan’s environmental constitutional jurisprudence, recognizing that pollution from electric transmission towers posed a risk to life and health under Article 9. This case affirmed the link between environmental protection and fundamental rights.

The escalating climate crisis has led to severe natural disasters—floods, droughts,........

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