The Supreme Court has issued a detailed ruling on the Margalla Hills restaurant case, mandating the demolition of eateries and their transfer to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. The 25-page judgment, authored by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, states that the Wildlife Board will assume control of these establishments on September 11, 2024, with the support of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Capital Territory Police. The entry points to the area will be secured.
This ruling follows the court’s earlier decision on June 11, which ordered the closure of Monal Restaurant and other eateries within the Margalla Hills National Park. The Supreme Court’s latest order responds to a March 11 directive requesting a complete record of the land ownership of these restaurants and mandates their relocation within three months.
In its decision, the Court emphasized its commitment to preserving the National Park. It also declared all leases granted to restaurants in the National Park null and void. The judgment calls for the demolition of these structures with minimal disruption to wildlife and protection of the park’s trees.
The Wildlife Board is tasked with evaluating the best use for the mountain ridge where the eateries were situated. This may involve consulting experts on whether to remove the foundations of the structures or repurpose them for environmental benefits, such as creating an artificial lake for rainwater collection to aid in firefighting.
The Supreme Court’s order insists that the site must not be left abandoned or littered with debris. Efforts should be made to reintegrate the land into the National Park seamlessly. Additionally, the Defence Secretary is instructed to enforce existing laws, while the CDA Chairman is to guide the relevant ministry. The Ministry of Climate Change Secretary and Environmental Protection Director General are also directed to survey the area and assess the environmental impact, implementing measures to prevent further degradation.
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