Pakistan has applauded the historic advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal obligations of states regarding climate change. The ruling reinforces that countries must take stronger action to prevent climate-related harm under international law.
Key Takeaways from the ICJ Opinion
The court supported several critical arguments presented by Pakistan:
1️⃣ Preventing Environmental Harm is a Legal Duty
The ICJ confirmed that the longstanding principle of preventing significant environmental damage—rooted in customary international law—applies to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. This means states must take strict measures to avoid transboundary harm from activities within their borders.
2️⃣ Climate Treaties Don’t Override Broader Obligations
The court clarified that agreements like the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement do not replace the general duty of prevention under international law. Pakistan had argued that these treaties should not be treated as exclusive legal frameworks, ensuring accountability beyond their provisions.
3️⃣ Extraterritorial Human Rights Responsibilities
The ICJ recognized that states must uphold human rights obligations—even when their actions harm people in other countries. This aligns with Pakistan’s stance that nations must be held accountable for climate-induced human rights violations beyond their borders.
Pakistan’s Role in the Case
Pakistan actively contributed to the proceedings, submitting two written statements in 2024 and presenting oral arguments in April 2025. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan emphasized that climate harm prevention is a shared global duty, transcending national boundaries.
A Call for Urgent Action
As one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, Pakistan urged all states to fulfill their legal obligations and strengthen global cooperation against climate change. The ICJ’s opinion marks a critical step forward in holding nations accountable—because the climate crisis demands collective responsibility.