The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) to take possession of the Monal restaurant, along with La Montana and Gloria Jeans, located inside the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP). The court has also directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Capital Territory police to assist the wildlife board in this matter.
The court’s decision comes after a long-standing dispute over the restaurants’ presence in the national park. The Supreme Court had previously ordered the relocation of the restaurants within a period of three months. However, the Monal owner allegedly launched a smear campaign against the judiciary, which led to a contempt notice being issued.
The Supreme Court’s judgement emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural environment and wildlife, stating that “Earth becomes bereft of birds, animals, insects, trees, plants, clean rivers, unpolluted air, and soil it will be the precursor of our destruction.”
The IWMB will now take possession of the restaurants, barricade the entrances, and demolish the infrastructure with minimal disturbance to the wildlife and trees. The debris will be removed and disposed of properly outside the national park.
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