Advocating for Clean Air and a Sustainable Environment: The Compassion Welfare Foundation (TCWF) has taken a monumental step towards environmental justice by filing a writ petition in the Honorable Islamabad High Court. Led by Mukhtar Ahmed, our dedicated Chief Operating Officer, and represented by Barrister Shahid Rasool Chaudhary and Rais Muhammad Afzal, this petition addresses a pressing concern: the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

The Petitioner:

The Compassion Welfare Foundation (TCWF), through its authorized representative Mukhtar Ahmed, COO, resident of Korang Road, Banigala, Islamabad.

The Respondents:

Below are the Respondents in this Petition.

• Federation of Pakistan through Secretary, Cabinet Division, Cabinet Secretariat, Cabinet Block, Islamabad.
• Ministry of Climate Change of Pakistan through IGP, Islamabad, having its office at G-5/2, Islamabad.
• Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PAK-EPA), through Director General, having its office at H-8/2, Islamabad.
• Capital Development Authority (CDA) through its Chairman, having its office at CDA Board, Block-V, Sector G-7/4, Islamabad.
• Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) through Commissioner, having its office at ICT Administration Complex G-11/4, Islamabad.
• National Highway Authority (NHA) through its Chairman, having its office at 28 Mauve Area, Kashmir Highway Service Road South G-9/1, Islamabad.
• National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) through its IG, having its office at Street No.6, H-8/2, Islamabad.
• The Traffic Police, Islamabad, through DIG, having its office at Traffic Police Shakarparian, Islamabad.

PRAYER IN THE PETITION:

• That this Honorable Court by way of writ continuing mandamus may be pleased to issue directions to the Respondents to:
• Immediately formulate and implement comprehensive policies and action plans to reduce air pollution in Islamabad.
• To implement the fundamental right of clean, healthy and sustainable environment for all the citizens especially residents of Islamabad and ensure the forest cover and preserve flora, fauna and biodiversity and wild life.
• To launch awareness campaigns for the preservation of clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
• To ensure the educational activities are not hindered by the adverse environmental effects.
• To provide conducive environment for the commercial, social and economic activities of the citizens and ensure freedom of movement and activities.
• Establish effective monitoring systems and publicly report real-time air quality data to increase transparency and accountability.
• Enforce strict regulation and penalties on vehicles, industries, and construction projects contributing to poor air quality.
• Implement stringent checks on compliance with environmental standards, especially by construction and transport sectors.

Interim Relief Sought:

• That this Honorable Court may direct the Respondents to provide an interim report detailing immediate steps and actions to address the current air quality issues in Islamabad.

• That this Honorable Court may suspend all high-polluting activities by industrial and construction projects within Islamabad until compliance with the prescribed environmental standards is demonstrated.

Any Other Relief:

Any other relief deemed just and proper by this Honorable Court may also be granted.

The Crisis at Hand

Pakistan faces an alarming rise in air pollution, with cities like Lahore and Multan reporting Air Quality Index (AQI) levels exceeding 2,000, rendering the air hazardous. Islamabad, too, is witnessing a steady degradation in air quality, threatening the health and well-being of its residents. Contributing factors include unchecked vehicular emissions, industrial activities, deforestation, and poorly managed urban development. This environmental crisis has far-reaching impacts, including health risks, restricted mobility, and disruption of educational and economic activities.

Our Constitutional Demand

The writ petition invokes Article 199 of the Constitution of Pakistan, along with Articles 9A, 14, 26, and 38, emphasizing the constitutional obligation to provide a clean and sustainable environment. It highlights the failure of relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Climate Change, PAK-EPA, and Capital Development Authority (CDA), to enforce environmental laws and regulations. The petition calls for immediate action, including:

• Implementing policies to control vehicular and industrial emissions.
• Conducting environmental impact assessments for urban projects.
• Halting deforestation and promoting reforestation efforts.
• Launching public awareness campaigns on air quality and its impacts.

The Human Cost of Inaction

The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) reveals that air pollution reduces life expectancy in Pakistan by an average of 5.5 years, particularly in Punjab. Compared to nations like Switzerland, where life expectancy is nearly 84 years, this disparity underscores the devastating impact of environmental neglect. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are the most vulnerable to these adverse effects.

Our Call to Action

TCWF’s petition seeks to enforce accountability and mobilize change. We demand that authorities take immediate steps to regulate air pollution, safeguard public health, and protect our natural resources. We urge policymakers, stakeholders, and citizens to recognize that clean air is not just an environmental issue—it is a fundamental human right.

Join Us in the Fight for Clean Air

The Compassion Welfare Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for environmental justice. We invite you to support our mission by raising awareness, participating in our campaigns, and pushing for stronger enforcement of environmental laws. Together, we can secure a future where clean air and a sustainable environment are realities for all.

Let’s breathe life into our cities, ensuring that every breath is a step towards a healthier, greener Pakistan.