The Supreme Court of Pakistan has rejected review petitions against its ruling to shut down Monal, La Montana, Gloria Jeans, and other restaurants in the National Park area, upholding its earlier decision.
In a concise judgement, the court reiterated that the restaurants had agreed to cease operations within three months. It criticized the review petitions as “disrespectful” and emphasized the importance of honoring the closure commitment.
Read more: Supreme Court Orders Monal Building Demolition; Wildlife Board to Take Control from September 11
Previously, the Supreme Court had directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to prioritize finding alternative locations for these restaurants.
The court has now withdrawn its earlier observation that granted preferential treatment for new leases, stating that the court’s decisions must be implemented exactly as specified.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the relocation of Monal Restaurant from Margalla Hills National Park. In a detailed 25-page judgment issued on Thursday, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa highlighted the fundamental rights to life and dignity, as outlined in Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution.
The judgment emphasizes that the right to life and dignity involves living in a world with diverse species. It cites scientific evidence showing that the loss of birds, animals, insects, plants, and clean environments would signal impending disaster. The court stresses that every element of nature has intrinsic value and purpose.
According to the court order, the Wildlife Board will take control of Monal, La Montana, and Gloria Jean’s restaurants on September 11, with full support from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Capital Territory Police.
The entrances to the area will be secured with barricades, and the structures will be demolished with minimal disruption to wildlife, ensuring that trees in the National Park are not harmed. The debris will be carefully removed and disposed of outside the park’s boundaries.
The Wildlife Board will oversee the future use of the mountain ridge where these restaurants were situated. They may consult with experts and environmentalists to determine if the foundations should be removed or repurposed, possibly to create an artificial lake for rainwater collection, which could be used for firefighting in the park.
The judgment specifies that the buildings must not be left abandoned or in disrepair, and no debris should remain on-site. Efforts must be made to restore the land as part of the National Park.
Additionally, it was noted that Monal Restaurant’s lease agreement with the CDA has expired. The judgment requires the secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and the director general of the Environmental Protection Agency to jointly survey Monal Restaurant and other buildings in the area to evaluate environmental damage and implement measures to prevent further harm.
