Islamabad: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the closure of all restaurants including Monal established in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHPN).
A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard the petitions filed by Monal Restaurant, established in the Margalla Hills, as well as the Wildlife Department.
During the hearing, CJP Isa remarked that the SC had sought a report on several other restaurants. He noted that the report also mentioned the Sports Club Pak-China Center and Arts Council National Monument, which he commended as a display of the honesty of CDA officials.
The CJP then questioned whether the apex court building and the CDA office were also situated in the Margalla National Park. CJP Isa suggested that if that were the case, it would be preferable for the authority to demolish its own building.
In March, the SC ordered to de-seal Islamabad’s Monal Restaurant, overturning the Islamabad High Court verdict of sealing and taking over possession of the restaurant.
A three-judge bench of the apex court headed by Justice Ijazul Ahsan issued the verdict.
On January 11, the IHC ordered to seal off Monal Restaurant immediately.
While hearing a case regarding encroachment in Margalla Hills National Park, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah ordered Islamabad chief commissioner and Capital Development Authority (CDA) to seal off Monal Restaurant and take control of the Margalla Greens Golf Club built on encroached land, also declaring illegal the military’s claim to 8,000 acres of Margalla Hills National Park.
