Environmental Law in Pakistan - IUCN

given certain environmental and natural resource responsibilities, but there is no legal frameworkproviding for coordination between local bodies, provincial environmental protection agencies andother authorities responsible for natural resources.Related to the absence of a legal framework enabling public participation is the lack of access tothe information that is held by various government authorities, regarding natural resources and theirmanagement.Given the gaps in the statutory regime, it is fortunate that in the Shehla Zia case the Supreme Courtof Pakistan declared the right to a healthy environment to be part of the fundamental constitutionalright to life guaranteed to all citizens. Although the case was concerned with pollution rather thannatural resources, the Supreme Court’s endorsement of the constitutional right to a healthyenvironment, and of the precautionary principle, provides a solid basis for exerting similar rights withrespect to natural resources and using the courts to advance the law in this field.07Summary andConclusions78EnvironmentalLaw in PakistanFederal