Reforming Waste Management Laws In Pakistan: A Legal, Islamic, And International Perspective With Special Focus On Gilgit-Baltistan’s Emerging Framework

Abstract

This research critically examines the waste management system in Pakistan with a particular focus on Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The study highlights the legal loopholes, the absence of enforcement mechanisms, and the socio-environmental challenges that are exacerbated by tourism and poor governance. Special attention is given to the GilgitBaltistan Waste Management Company (GBWMC), its establishment with new operational model, its dependence on Governmental Aid, and the systemic flaws in its approach for sustainability. Integrating Islamic environmental principles, international waste management conventions, and public policy reforms, the study provides actionable recommendations to create a sustainable, community-driven, and law-abiding waste management framework for GB. The research uses secondary data sources, comparative legal analysis, and thematic evaluation of international best practices to propose legal reforms that can be implemented in GB and extended to other regions of Pakistan.