Supreme Court heard a case regarding the establishment of the Climate Change Authority. The court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the federal government’s delay in appointing the authority’s chairman and members.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked that climate change is a serious issue, and the government should act swiftly like a cheetah, but instead, it is moving at a turtle’s pace.
During the hearing, Additional Attorney General informed the five-member constitutional bench that the chairman's appointment process had been restarted for the third time, as shortlisted candidates were found to have dual nationality. The government’s policy does not allow individuals with dual nationality to hold high-ranking positions.
The provincial members of the authority have been appointed, and the draft rules for the authority have been prepared and sent to the Law Ministry for approval.
Justice Aminuddin questioned the appointment process, highlighting that in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a minister’s brother, Faisal Amin, was named a member, while Balochistan’s representative is a university vice-chancellor with no expertise in the field. Additionally, members from Punjab and Sindh were selected from the bureaucracy.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail pointed out that despite the Climate Change Authority Act being passed in 2017, neither a chairman has been appointed nor have its rules been finalized. He added that some compromises are inevitable when looking for a high-caliber candidate.
The court has adjourned the hearing for a month.
