ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has strongly endorsed the International Court of Justice’s new climate advisory opinion, which holds states legally accountable for preventing climate harm and protecting vulnerable nations.
The ICJ’s decision, issued Wednesday, makes clear that climate change is an “urgent and existential threat” requiring global cooperation and stronger legal compliance. It further stated that countries failing to fulfill their climate duties could face litigation from those suffering climate impacts.
Pakistan’s Legal Stand Vindicated
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan represented Pakistan at the ICJ in April 2025, urging the Court to recognize states’ duty to prevent environmental harm beyond borders.
Islamabad also filed comprehensive written submissions in 2024, emphasizing that:
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Greenhouse gas emissions fall under the international law principle of preventing transboundary harm.
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Specialized climate treaties like the Paris Agreement cannot replace broader legal obligations under customary law.
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Nations bear human rights responsibilities for climate damage caused outside their borders.
The ICJ’s opinion confirmed all these points, a move hailed by Pakistan as a crucial step for global climate justice.
ICJ Climate Opinion Backed by Pakistan as Historic Win for Vulnerable Nations by The Catchline
Implications for Global Climate Policy
“As one of the countries hit hardest by climate disasters,” Pakistan said, “we call on all nations to honor their legal responsibilities and collaborate on mitigation and adaptation.”
The opinion was welcomed by environmental advocates as a lifeline for small island and developing nations, who had asked the Court to clarify states’ climate obligations.
The ruling followed two weeks of hearings requested by the UN General Assembly, which sought answers on how international law applies to greenhouse gas emissions and what consequences should follow for states that damage the climate.
Wealthy nations argued for relying on non-binding treaties like the 2015 Paris Agreement, but developing countries pressed for legally enforceable obligations and reparations for climate damages.
The ICJ decision comes as the UN warns that current policies will cause 3°C warming by 2100, threatening millions with rising seas, droughts, and extreme weather.
Already, climate lawsuits are surging globally, with 3,000 cases filed in nearly 60 countries, a trend likely to accelerate after this ruling.