ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to submit a comprehensive report on over 100 illegal hotels, restaurants, and kiosks still operating within the Margalla Hills National Park.
During the hearing, it was revealed that despite earlier demolitions ordered by the court, approximately 134 illegal establishments remain functional in the park. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the CDA’s inability to enforce its previous directives and raised concerns about persistent violations.
The court specifically questioned why the CDA had not acted to remove illegal constructions in the park, particularly in the vicinity of the Monal restaurant area.
Environmental Concerns
The Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that these illegal structures, including kiosks, are contributing to significant environmental degradation in the park. Justice Musarat Hilali emphasized the severe impact on the park’s endangered wildlife and ecological balance.
Judicial Observations
Justice Jameel Mandokhel inquired whether the court’s earlier orders pertained only to the Monal restaurant or applied universally to all illegal constructions in the park. Justice Aminuddin Khan reiterated that Margalla Hills is a protected area and emphasized that any construction within the park should be considered unlawful.
Next Steps
The court has set a deadline for the CDA to present its findings on the matter, underscoring the importance of protecting the Margalla Hills National Park. The hearing remains ongoing as the court examines measures to address the violations effectively.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
