Environment
The Right to Clean Water and Environmental Accountability
Clean Water
PILAP has highlighted the dire public health crisis caused by limited access to safe drinking water in Pakistan. Contaminated water supplies remain a major contributor to illness and preventable deaths, often linked to industrial waste, poor filtration systems, and weak enforcement of environmental safety standards.
In response, PILAP has used Right to Information laws to seek accountability from environmental regulators and relevant public authorities. These inquiries aim to obtain transparency on how industrial pollutants are monitored, how water safety standards are enforced, and what measures are being taken to protect public health and the environment.
Through this initiative, PILAP emphasizes the urgent need for effective policy enforcement to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water as a fundamental human right.
The Mercury Tide: Accountability at Gadani Ship Breaking Yard
Ghadani Ship Breaking
PILAP undertook legal efforts to address a serious environmental crisis involving a vessel carrying toxic mercury sludge.
Despite warnings from Interpol and international organizations, the hazardous ship was permitted to dock at the Gadani Ship Breaking Yard after reportedly being rejected by other countries. The matter raised grave concerns regarding the risks posed to marine ecosystems, public health, and the safety of industrial workers.
Through Right to Information requests, PILAP sought accountability from relevant government agencies regarding the handling and disposal of hazardous contaminants. These inquiries aimed to obtain transparency on official investigations, regulatory failures, and the specific measures taken to protect the environment from chemical exposure.
Through this initiative, PILAP highlighted the urgent need for stronger regulatory oversight, responsible hazardous waste management, and effective safeguards to prevent harm to the Arabian Sea, coastal communities, and workers at ship-breaking sites.
The Sindh Plastic Ban and Environmental Accountability
Plastic Bags
PILAP has undertaken a legal initiative to challenge the continued use of prohibited plastics in Sindh.
Despite official government bans introduced in 2014 and 2019, non-biodegradable plastic bags continue to remain in circulation, causing serious environmental damage and posing risks to marine life. These materials also block drainage systems, contributing to urban flooding, public health hazards, and infrastructure failures during the rainy season.
To address this lack of enforcement, PILAP has used Right to Information requests to seek accountability from relevant environmental authorities. These inquiries aim to determine why statutory regulations against the production, sale, and use of harmful plastic materials have not been effectively implemented.
Through this initiative, PILAP highlights the urgent need for government transparency, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and effective waste management policies to protect communities and the environment.
Preserving Pakistan’s Wilderness: RTI Advocacy Against Poaching
Pouching Animals
PILAP has highlighted the need for stronger action against the illegal poaching of wildlife in Pakistan’s mountainous regions.
Focusing particularly on Chitral District, the initiative raises concerns over threats faced by vulnerable species, including snow leopards and various bird species, due to weak law enforcement and unchecked hunting practices.
To address these gaps, PILAP has used Right to Information requests to seek accountability from environmental and climate change authorities. These inquiries aim to clarify how provincial wildlife laws and international biodiversity commitments are being implemented to protect endangered and vulnerable species.
Through this advocacy, PILAP seeks to ensure that government agencies uphold their conservation responsibilities and take effective measures to protect Pakistan’s wildlife and natural heritage.