Understanding the 1997 Environmental Protection Act: A Turning Point for Pakistan’s Environmental Laws
Understanding the 1997 Environmental Protection Act: A Turning Point for Pakistan’s Environmental Laws 1. Introduction Pakistan has faced varying environmental challenges, prompting different policy responses over time. Recognizing the need for comprehensive ecological legislation, Pakistan enacted the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) in 1997. It passed the Pakistan EPA Acts, Orders, Rules, and Regulations . This Act aimed to protect, conserve, rehabilitate, and improve the environment, prevent and control pollution, and promote sustainable development Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 . The PEPA 1997 demonstrates that environmental law principles have matured, possessing their own identity. 1.1 Environmental Challenges in Pakistan Before 1997 Before the enactment of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) in 1997, Pakistan faced significant environmental degradation due to: Unregulated industrialization: Rap...