ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN PAKISTAN: CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract

This research evaluated environmental impact assessment (EIA) advocates in Punjab, Pakistan, in order to evaluate their contributions to the profession and the obstacles they confront. The anticipated involvement of project proponents in EIA was calculated using regulations, guidelines, and suggestions. To evaluate the efforts of proponents, viewpoints from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and consultants were extracted from the available literature. In Punjab, forty semi-structured interviews with proponents from the commercial and public sectors were undertaken to learn about the difficulties they encountered at each stage of the EIA process. It is very rare for projects to begin before receiving a permission to safeguard the local environment. In the majority of situations, proper scoping is disregarded. EIA does not significantly engage stakeholders. When project proponents fail to provide consultants with all relevant project information, the quality of the report is compromised and timely decisions are delayed.Even some supporters attempt to sway the evaluation and decision-making procedure, and with the exception of a few multinational corporations, no one can guarantee that the approval requirements will be satisfied. The decision by the EPA to distinguish between public and private initiatives was a significant source of worry for advocates. The lack of professionalism and hazy decision-making of some experts also contributed to the situation. Despite the study's regional focus, its conclusions are relevant to EIA systems worldwide, particularly in nations with similar economic systems that confront the same trade-off between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Keywords:Development; Environment; Pakistan; Punjab; Sustainability