SC reserves verdict on Monal review petition

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its judgment on a series of petitions seeking review of the apex court’s ruling wherein it had declared all commercial installations within the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) illegal.

During the June 11 hearing, CJP Qazi Faiz Isa had remarked that commercial activities could not be allowed in the National Park area and sought details of all other restaurants located in Margalla Hills National Park.

The decision led to the closure of top eateries within the park, including Monal, which said in a statement it was ceasing its operations on September 11, 2024.

On Tuesday, CJP Faez Isa observed that the real owners of the beautiful and scenic MHNP were the people of this country, adding that commercial activity will endanger the protected Margalla Hills.

The Supreme Court had previously directed the authorities concerned to take over what was left of restaurants including Monal, Gloria Jeans and LA Montana.

In a detailed verdict issued, SC ordered the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Capital Territory Police to assist the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) in taking over the possession of said restaurants on September 11, 2024.