The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has taken possession of Monal Restaurant in Islamabad following orders from the Supreme Court, with demolition expected to begin today or tomorrow.
This action marks a significant step towards reclaiming illegally occupied land within Margalla Hills National Park. Representatives from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and district administration were present during the handover. Similar actions have been taken against other restaurants within the park’s boundaries, including La Montana.
To enforce the Supreme Court’s decision, the IWMB has formed a committee tasked with closing down illegal establishments within the national park. The committee comprises officials from the Wildlife Department, CDA, district administration, environmental experts, and legal representatives.
According to the board, the operation aims to restore the natural landscape of the area by dismantling the restaurants and rewilding the surroundings. Machinery and labor provided by the CDA will be used to remove debris and ensure the complete removal of these structures.
The IWMB has detailed plans to restore the hilltop area once the buildings are dismantled. Before large restaurants were constructed on Pir Sohawa Road, this breezy hilltop offered free public access and panoramic views of Islamabad.
The board intends to reintegrate the area into the natural landscape, creating an open-air space that promotes both public engagement and wildlife conservation. The restoration model includes the installation of comfortable benches, the planting of local flora to support biodiversity, and educational displays featuring indigenous wildlife species.
In addition to enhancing public enjoyment, the restoration plan includes sustainable features such as a water harvesting system and reservoir to manage water use. The retaining walls of the existing terraces will remain, but the concrete inside will be removed to allow for more natural plant growth.
An Emergency Response Facility will also be established to provide quick response and first aid services, especially for firefighting emergencies, as part of the new setup. A lighting management policy will be implemented, ensuring that solar lights are switched off at sunset to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
The demolition and restoration efforts follow a landmark judgment by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Qazi Faez Isa, upholding an earlier ruling by the Islamabad High Court.
In his order, the Chief Justice emphasized the responsibility to protect and conserve natural landscapes, stating, “We must fulfill our designated role as stewards of the earth (khalifa fil ardh), embrace, protect, and conserve the natural world; in it lies our survival, and our salvation.” The IWMB has expressed gratitude to the judiciary for supporting the protection of Margalla Hills, as it aims to restore the area to its original state and make it accessible to the public once more.
