ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN PAKISTAN: CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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