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Environmental law encompassing aspects of the law that provide protection to the environment, a co-related but diverse set of regulatory managements, now strongly inclined by environmental legal principles, focus on the administration of specific natural resources, such as forests, minerals, or fisheries.
We at Kakakhel Law Associates understand the technical aspects of Environmental Law including toxicology, epidemiology, hydrogeology, biology and engineering. Many of attorneys have formal technical training in the area of Environmental Science. In addition, we consult with Environmental Analysts-both in-house and outside the firm. We also draw on the multidisciplinary resources of attorneys of the extended law team of the firm. We have played an important role in some of the most complex and influential cases of recent time.
The law firm, in competition with other firms, is a leader in the provision of civil law services to citizens, companies, local authorities and government bodies. Services in this field are provided, in particular, in civil, labour and family law relationships. Thanks to their long experience in this field, some attorneys lecture and publish on it. The law firm provides its clients with both advice and comprehensive solutions. It drafts legal documents, contracts dealing with legal relations between clients and agreements settling disputed issues, always attempting to find the best solution for the client which gives him the greatest legal certainty. For this reason, the law firm also represents estate agents, whom it provides with legal services during conveyancing and agreements resolving relations between property owners. As such relations are very wide-ranging, the skills of the law firm's employees are constantly being perfected.
They also obtain information about the scientific questions that are at the heart of environmental challenges, including identifying the health risks of pesticides, providing model habitat restoration plans, and providing information about the best available technology to reduce industrial pollution.
Kakakhel Law Associates provides comprehensive advisory services in environmental management and related technologies, in addition to offering expert legal advocacy. Our expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including safety, health, and environmental consultancy; the audit and preparation of hazard management plans; and water resources management for environmental development. We assist with water supply, sewerage, and drainage management, as well as solid waste management, plumbing, and industrial waste solutions.
Our services extend to pollution control for air and noise, ecological investigations, environmental risk assessments, and comprehensive environmental planning and management. We specialize in total environmental management, environmental monitoring of stack emissions and ambient air quality, and the preparation of environmental impact statements and assessments. We also offer guidance on cleaner production practices, waste characterization, and laboratory testing of natural gas, industrial fuels, and contaminated soils.
Our Environmental Lawyers in Islamabad and Peshawar are experienced in establishing and managing environmental laboratories, training staff, and conducting environmental surveys and energy audits. We provide quality management services, including ISO-9000 and ISO-14000 compliance, as well as GAP analysis and technology transfer. Additionally, we promote public awareness and offer advice on the statutory and legal frameworks in Pakistan, as well as compliance with major international environmental agreements and conventions.
Our firm collaborates closely with clients to develop practical solutions to environmental challenges, leveraging our legal skills and experience. We assist clients in formulating strategies to address their environmental concerns and offer robust defense in adversarial matters. Our experienced litigators represent clients in enforcement proceedings before the Environmental Protection Council, Environmental Protection Authority (at the provincial level), Special Judicial Magistrates/Environmental Magistrates, and the Environmental Protection Tribunal.
We undertake analysis of both the risk of environmental liability and the best manner in which to eliminate or manage that risk in virtually every financing, acquisition, development, and leasing transaction. At the inception of a project, we counsel our clients to structure the transaction in a manner that minimizes environmental risks. During the negotiation process, we work with clients to understand and allocate remaining risks in ways that minimize client obligations and liabilities. We advise a broad range of clients including corporate entities, industrial facilities, real estate developers, lenders and trade associations, non profit organization and local governments. Further, our clients including large and small companies engaged in manufacturing, mining, oil refining, hazardous and solid waste management and disposal.
Our Environmental Lawyers in Islamabad possess extensive knowledge of environmental statutes and regulations, a deep understanding of remedial technologies, and years of litigation experience. This expertise enables them to handle everything from preparing feasibility reports with a focus on environmental concerns and safeguards to drafting initial Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). They adeptly manage cases at the level of the District Officer (Environment), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and, when necessary, represent clients before the Environmental Protection Tribunal under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997.
The following Laws, Rules and Regulations have been issued under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997.
Pakistan's Environmental Policy is based on participatory approach to achieving objectives of sustainable development through legally, administratively and technically sound institutions. The Federal Environment Ministry was established in Pakistan in 1975 as follow up a Stockholm Declaration of 1972. The Ministry was responsible for promulgation of the environmental Protection Ordinance of Pakistan in 1983. It was the first comprehensive legislation prepared in the country. The main objective of Ordinance 1983 was to establish institutions i.e. to establish Federal and Provincial Environmental Protection agencies and Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC). In 1992 Pakistan attended the Earth Summit in state of Brazil (Rio-De Janeiro) and thereafter became party to various international conventions and protocols. This political commitment augmented the environmental process in the country. Same year, Pakistan prepared National Conservation Strategy (NCS), provides a broad framework for addressing environmental concerns in the country. In 1993 Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) were designed. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 was passed by the National Assembly of Pakistan on September 3, 1997, and by the Senate of Pakistan on November 7, 1997. The Act received the assent of the President of Pakistan on December 3, 1997 and was enacted on 6th December 1997, repealing the Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance, 1983. The PEPA 1997 provides the framework for implementation of NCS, establishment of provincial sustainable development Funds, Protection and conservation of species, conservation of renewable resources, establishment of Environmental Tribunals and appointment of Environmental Magistrates, Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The apex body was first constituted in 1984 under Sec. 3 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance (PEPO), 1983, with President of Pakistan as its Chairman. In 1994, an amendment was made in the Ordinance to provide for the Prime Minister or his nominee to be the head of the Council. The Council was reconstituted after enactment of the new law i.e. Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997. It is headed by the Prime Minister (Chief Executive) of Pakistan. The council is represented by trade and industry, leading NGOs, educational intuitions, experts, journalists and concerned ministries.
In 1993, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) was established under Section 6 (d) of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance, 1983. The Agency started with meager staff and resources. However, number of action were taken which included notification of NEQS in 1993 for municipal and liquid industrial effluents and industrial gaseous emissions, motor vehicle exhaust, and noise. The functions and responsibilities of the Agency enhanced and it was strengthened technically and logistically to meet the environmental challenges. Pak-EPA also provides technical support to the Ministry of Environment. Salient feature of various Sections of Pak-EPA, 1997:
In all four provinces, Environmental Protection Agencies were created under the provision of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997. Federal Government has delegated its powers to the provincial governments and they have further delegated powers to the provincial Environmental Protection Agencies.
Environmental Assessment (EA) is a process to examine the environmental risks and benefits associated with the developmental projects. IEE and EIA process has begun in the country in an organized manner. Section 12 explains that no proponent of a project shall commence construction or operation unless he has filed with the Federal Agency an Initial Environmental Examination or, where the projects is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect, an Environmental Impact Assessment, and has obtained from Federal Agency Approval. An IEE/EIA Regulations, 2000 has been notified under this section.
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 requires that no person may import hazardous substances of which chemical activity is toxic, explosive, flammable, corrosive, radioactive, cause directly or in combination with other matters, an adverse environmental effect.
Operation of a motor vehicle from which gaseous emission or noise exceeds the NEQS, or other standards established by Pak-EPA where ambient conditions so require, have been prohibited. To ensure compliance with the NEQS, the Pak-EPA has been empowered to direct that pollution control devices be installed in motor vehicles or fuels specified by Pak-EPA be used in them or specified maintenance or testing be carried out on them.
The Government is empowered to constitute Environmental Tribunals to hear cases relating to Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997. The Federal Government has established four Environmental Tribunal one in each province.
The Federal and Provincial governments have designated senior civil judges as Environmental Magistrates to take all contraventions punishable in respect of handling of hazardous substances and pollution caused by motor vehicles.
The Environmental Magistrate has been authorized to award compensation for losses or damage under Section 17(5). Endorse a copy of the order of conviction to concerned trade or industrial association; Sentence him to imprisonment for a term which may extend up to two years; Order the closure of the factory; Order confiscation of the factory, machinery and equipment, vehicle, material or Substance, record or document, or other object used or involved in contravention of the provision of the Act
Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development had delegated functions and powers of it and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency under Section 26 of the Act to the Provincial governments. The Provincial Governments have further delegated these powers and functions to Environmental Protection Agencies and also planning to sub-delegate selected powers to the local governments.
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) an attached Department of the Ministry of Environment responsible for enforcement of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 and its enabling rules and regulations. It also deals with public complaints and carries out research and investigation in different fields of environment. Being the technical arm of the Ministry of Environment, it prepares reports on different environmental issues and prepares national environmental policies for approval of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council.
The National Environment Policy provides an overarching framework for addressing the environmental issues facing- Pakistan, particularly pollution of fresh water bodies and coastal waters, air pollution, lack of proper waste management, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, desertification, natural disasters and climate change. It also gives directions for addressing the cross sectoral issues as well as the underlying causes of environmental degradation and meeting international obligations. The National Environment Policy, while recognizing the goals and objectives of the National Conservation Strategy, National Environmental Action Plan and other existing environment related national policies, strategies and action plans, provides broad guidelines to the Federal Government, Provincial Governments, Federally Administrated Territories and Local Governments for addressing environmental concerns and ensuring effective management of their environmental resources. The Provincial, AJK, Northern Areas and Local, Governments, however, may devise their own strategies, plans and programs in pursuit of this Policy.
The National Environment Policy aims to protect, conserve and restore Pakistan's environment in order to improve the quality of life of the citizens through sustainable development.
Industrial pollution has become one of the most serious threats to the environment and public health in Pakistan. From toxic smoke billowing out of factory chimneys to untreated chemical waste being dumped into rivers, the impact is devastating. People living near industrial areas often suffer from respiratory diseases, skin allergies, contaminated drinking water,
In an era of rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, forests—vital lungs of our planet—are increasingly under threat from construction projects. Whether it's highways cutting through woodlands, housing developments encroaching on protected areas, or industrial zones bordering green belts, the clash between development and environmental preservation,
Environmental sustainability is no longer just a global concern—it is a legal obligation in Pakistan. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) plays a central role in ensuring that development projects do not cause irreversible damage to the environment. It is a mandatory legal process under Pakistani law for certain types of industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects,
Environmental damage—whether it’s polluted drinking water, toxic industrial waste, or the destruction of forests—is not just an inconvenience; it’s a direct threat to public health, biodiversity, and Pakistan’s sustainable development goals. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, Pakistan’s legal system has created a specialized judicial body, the Environmental Protection Tribunal (EPT),
Noise pollution is more than just an annoyance; it's a serious environmental and health issue that can significantly impact quality of life. In Pakistan, the law provides a robust framework for addressing this problem, but navigating it requires a clear and strategic approach. This guide, brought to you by Kaka Khel Law Associates, is designed to demystify the legal process for residents,
Clean water is not just a resource—it's a basic human right essential for health, agriculture, and sustainable development. In Pakistan, where water pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and urban sewage poses severe threats, legal action can be a powerful tool to enforce accountability and drive change. This blog post provides a detailed guide on how individuals,
Hazardous waste dumping poses a severe threat to public health, ecosystems, and sustainable development in Pakistan. With rapid industrialization and urbanization, regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Peshawar, and Islamabad have seen increased incidents of illegal dumping, often involving toxic materials from industries, hospitals, and even imported waste.
Illegal tree cutting in Pakistan is more than just a crime against nature — it’s a direct attack on our environment, climate, and the livelihood of communities that depend on forests. In recent years, areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Islamabad have seen a worrying rise in unauthorized deforestation, whether for construction projects, illegal timber sales, or clearing land for agriculture.
Pakistan’s major cities, particularly Peshawar and Islamabad, are undergoing rapid urban transformation. New housing societies, commercial plazas, road expansions, and industrial projects promise economic growth and improved living standards. However, these development projects often come at a cost — deforestation, loss of agricultural land, increased air and noise pollution,
Your Rights If a Factory Pollutes Your Land in Pakistan (KPK & Islamabad) Finding out your land has been polluted by a nearby factory can be a devastating experience. The harm goes beyond just the visible damage; it can insidiously affect your health, erode your property's value, and jeopardize the future use of your land. In Pakistan, the legal system offers powerful tools to hold polluters accountable.