Court directs demolition of illegally constructed portion of Monal Restaurant

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday directed the authorities to demolish the illegally constructed portion of Monal Restaurant at Margalla Hills.

According to sources, a bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmad was hearing a petition regarding the protection of Margalla Hills.

The top judge instructed concerned authorities to review the matters pertaining to lease of points in the Margalla Hills. The apex court also barred all illegal construction on mountain areas, including Margalla hills, sources added.

The chief justice remarked that the Monal restaurant owner cut several trees illegally. He also instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to make sure plantation of new trees, adding that protection of the hilly areas will be ensured at every cost. The court will resume hearing of the case after Eid.

Sources further informed earlier Members of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change had recommended demolishing all illegal constructions in Margalla Hills National Park.

The lawmakers had believed that their recommendation was in line with the Islamabad Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Ordinance 1979.

The ordinance provided for the protection, preservation, conservation and management of wildlife after the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) was established in 1979.