SC Orders Wildlife Board to Assume Control of Margalla Hills Restaurants

Margalla Hills Restaurants

In a detailed verdict issued on September 11, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board to assume control of the restaurants located in Margalla Hills National Park.

This move follows the Court’s earlier orders and is intended to address concerns over the environmental impact of these eateries.

According to the 25-page judgment written by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, the Wildlife Board is to take possession of the restaurants with the support of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Capital Territory Police.

The entrances to the affected area will be barricaded to prevent unauthorized access. This directive is part of a broader initiative to safeguard the National Park and restore its natural state.

The Supreme Court’s action is a continuation of its June 11 decision, which had ordered the closure of Monal Restaurant along with other dining establishments within the Margalla Hills National Park.

This earlier decision followed a March 11 court order demanding a comprehensive review of the land ownership records related to these restaurants. The Court had previously set a deadline for the eateries to relocate within three months.

The Supreme Court emphasized that its primary goal is to ensure the protection of the National Park. As part of this objective, the Court has terminated any unnecessary notices issued to other restaurants outside the park.

The verdict declared that all leases granted to restaurants within the National Park are null and void.

Chief Justice Isa’s detailed judgment upholds the ruling made by Islamabad High Court’s former judge, Athar Minallah. The Supreme Court instructed that the demolition of these restaurants should be carried out with minimal disturbance to the park’s wildlife and trees.

The Court also suggested that the Wildlife Board consider consulting experts and environmentalists to determine the best use of the land where the eateries were located.

Potential options include removing the foundations or using them to create an artificial lake for rainwater collection, which could help manage fires in the park.

The Court has specifically directed that the area should not be left abandoned or littered with debris. Instead, efforts should be made to ensure that the land is seamlessly reintegrated into the National Park.

In addition to these directives, the Supreme Court has mandated that the Defence Secretary enforce existing laws and that the CDA Chairman provide guidance to the relevant ministry.

The Ministry of Climate Change Secretary and the Director General of Environmental Protection have been instructed to survey the buildings in the area, assess environmental damage, and implement measures to prevent further degradation.

This comprehensive ruling reflects the Supreme Court’s commitment to preserving the ecological integrity of Margalla Hills National Park while addressing the environmental impact of commercial activities within its boundaries.