The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the closure of restaurants operating within the Margalla Hills National Park, including the popular Monal Restaurant. The court has granted a three-month period for relocation.
The decision comes after a lengthy legal battle between the Monal Group and the Islamabad authorities. The court upheld the Islamabad High Court’s order, which deemed the lease agreement between Monal and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to be expired.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa emphasized the court’s priority of preserving the national park. He pointed out that allowing commercial activities like restaurants is detrimental to the park’s serenity. And is not practiced elsewhere in the world.
Monal Restaurant has been directed to relocate within three months. The CDA is instructed to facilitate their move to a suitable location. The court also ordered the transfer of rent payments made by Monal during the dispute to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board for conservation efforts.
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The hearing also highlighted concerns regarding forest fires in the Margalla Hills. The CDA chairman reported 21 fire incidents this season, attributing some to unidentified individuals within the authority. The court expressed concern and stressed the importance of fire prevention measures.
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