ISLAMABAD – Supreme Court of Pakistan directed famous eateries including Monal Restaurant to close operations in Magalla Hills National Park.
The key restaurants are operating in Margalla Hills National Park, which form the foothills of the Himalayas, along with Shakarparian Park and Rawal Lake. The apex court mandated the closure of all restaurants operating within national parks, including the Monal restaurant in Margalla Hills National Park.
A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, reviewed an appeal against January 11, 2022, Islamabad High Court ruling that had favored the Monal group.
During the hearing, CJP Isa lamented Capital Development Authority (CDA) non competence and demanded a comprehensive list of all restaurants within the park. He expressed concern over the CDA’s lack of awareness about the numerous restaurants and commercial activities within the protected area.
The CDA’s lawyer presented a report detailing all structures within the park. However, the Chief Justice noted that the report included the Pakistan-China Sports Complex and the National Art Council, questioning the CDA’s understanding of the park’s boundaries. Consequently, the court rejected the CDA’s report and summoned the CDA Chairman.
The Supreme Court decreed that all restaurants within the national park must be dismantled within three months. While acknowledging the necessity to relocate the affected restaurants, the court emphasized that commercial activities are not allowed within the park.
These famous restaurants are polluting Margalla Hills National Park. Monal, and other eateries were accused of solid waste. The restaurants were earlier directed to construct a septic tank to control water pollution, but lawmakers questioned its adequacy.
