ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday ordered authorities to seal off Monal Restaurant today and take over navy’s Margalla Greens Golf Club built on encroached land.
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah issued the ruling while hearing a case against encroachments in the Margalla Hills National Park. The chief justice directed Islamabad Capital Territory Chief Commissioner Amer Ali Ahmed to implement the orders immediately.
The court remarked that commercial activities on the national park land cannot be allowed at any cost. “Under what law are you using this land?” the court questioned.
IHC also declared the military’s claim to 8,000 acres of Margalla Hills National Park illegal, saying that the land should be considered under the ownership of the national park.
Justice Minallah remarked all rules applied to the three wings of the Pakistan armed forces. He questioned whether the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had gotten approval from CDA to carry out its constructions.
During the hearing, Justice Minallah said: “Seal Monal restaurant if its lease has ended”. Following the judge’s directives, CDA officials left for the restaurant to seal it.
The high court also directed Environment Protection Agency to submit a report on the damages caused by construction on the national park.
The chief justice said that the defence secretary should inquire about the illegal construction of navy golf course and take action against those who are involved in it.
On November 9, the high court had held several authorities responsible for being complacent about the damages to Margalla Hills National Park and the wildlife sanctuary. The court had also sought a report on destruction of the national park.
Read more: https://pakobserver.net/monal-restaurant-violates-environmental-laws/
