The well-known hilltop restaurant La Montana has announced plans to return to the Margalla Hills after a major court decision reopened the legal dispute over commercial activity inside the national park.
The announcement follows a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which overturned the Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment. That earlier decision had ordered the closure and demolition of restaurants operating inside Margalla Hills National Park.
Although La Montana has confirmed its intention to reopen, its return is not yet guaranteed. The restaurant must still receive the required legal and regulatory approvals before it can resume operations.
The FCC accepted appeals filed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). The ruling reopened the legal case and allowed the dispute to be reconsidered by lower courts.
The latest decision has revived hopes for businesses that were forced to shut down nearly two years ago. However, the final outcome will depend on future court rulings and official permissions.
Soon after the verdict, La Montana shared its plans through a social media statement. The restaurant described the decision as a significant legal victory and said it hopes to rebuild at its former Pir Sohawa location.
The management said it looks forward to welcoming visitors back to its popular hilltop site. However, officials have made it clear that no reopening can take place until all legal requirements are met.
The future of other former restaurants, including Monal and Gloria Jean’s, also remains uncertain. Their return will depend on the same legal process and government approvals.
The restaurants had originally operated under leases issued by the Capital Development Authority. La Montana’s lease dates back to 2006. Over time, those lease agreements became part of a lengthy legal dispute.
In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that commercial businesses inside Margalla Hills National Park were not compatible with the area’s protected environmental status. The court ordered restaurants, including Monal, La Montana, Gloria Jean’s, and others, to vacate the park.
The judgment stated that protecting the national park and preserving its natural environment should take priority over commercial interests. Following the ruling, the affected restaurants closed their operations.
The legal case attracted nationwide attention and sparked debate among environmental groups, business owners, and the public. Environmental advocates supported stronger protection for the national park. Meanwhile, restaurant owners argued that their lease agreements and business rights should also be considered.
With the FCC sending the case back to lower courts, the legal process is not yet over. La Montana has announced its intention to return, but its reopening depends on future court decisions and regulatory clearance.
In other news read more about FCC Overturns SC Ruling Ordering Closure of Monal Restaurant in Margalla Hills
For now, the future of commercial activity in Margalla Hills National Park remains uncertain. The final decision will shape whether the former restaurants can operate again while balancing environmental protection and business interests.
