The Supreme Court’s senior-most judge, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, has emphasized the urgent need for Pakistan to adopt modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to address the growing challenges posed by climate change.
Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, Justice Shah called for the creation of a National Climate Science Authority and a dedicated climate accountability department to monitor and implement climate-related actions. He criticized the limited role of the Meteorological Department, stating that it needs to evolve beyond basic forecasting and transition into a “forecasting data intelligence agency.”
“If you are not moving to AI and modern software, you will be left behind,” Justice Shah warned, stressing the importance of integrating advanced tools and data science in climate-related planning and decision-making. "There is limited use of artificial intelligence in the Meteorological Department."
He noted that while the Ministry of Climate Change and the Met Department exist, their current efforts are not sufficient to meet the scale of the environmental crisis. He urged both institutions to play a more effective role, particularly in areas like climate modelling, loss and damage analysis, and policy development.
"We have to take proactive steps on scientific grounds," Justice Shah remarked, adding that accountability was essential in environmental matters in the present era.
Justice Shah lamented the lack of serious climate discourse in academic institutions, stating, “No university in Pakistan discusses the challenges of climate change in depth.” He also proposed the establishment of a climate court where environmental issues can be debated and addressed more formally.
“Pakistan's youth will face the most severe consequences of inaction,” he warned. “If we don’t act today, the next generation will bear the brunt of our negligence.”
Calling for unity across sectors and institutions, Justice Shah stressed that the country must move from policy talk to practical, science-based solutions. He said the younger generation must be involved through climate councils and hands-on work in climate mitigation and adaptation.
