The Role of Environmental Law in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of Pakistan

In the light of environmental laws in Pakistan, this doctrinal legal research investigates whether or to what extent the environmental legislation of Pakistan is contributing or hampering the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals including climate action conserving the ecosystems and environmental governance. The study examines national legislation including Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 alongside provincial laws, landmark court decisions, and Pakistan’s international legal obligations like the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Results show that despite of Pakistan’s strong base of environmental law, which is indirectly connected to SDG’s and with absence of strong institutional support for implementation it has not been able to effectively translate international protocols into domestic law. The law courts have been instrumental in generating environmental rights, but systemic legal and administrative deficiencies persist. The report suggests amendments to legislation to incorporate SDG indicators as well as strengthen environmental enforcement and treaty implementation in national laws. These are the changes that are essential to support the shifting of Pakistan from a policy to a rule-based sustainable development approach that aligns with the 2030 Agenda.