ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court ordered closure of all restaurants including Monal within Islamabad’s National Park.

Three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard petitions from Monal Restaurant administration and Wildlife Department. Court instructed Capital Development Authority to provide original records concerning 8,600 acres of parkland. Additional Attorney General said that Military Estate Office claims ownership of land. However, Chief Justice Isa asserted that land belonged to government of Pakistan and questioned whether it was owned by CDA or another entity. During hearing, Supreme Court rejected CDA’s report and summoned CDA Chairman. Chief Justice Isa criticised inclusion of unrelated constructions in CDA report and questioned CDA’s integrity. In response to court query, CDA Chairman revealed that Margalla Hills experienced 21 fires this season. Supreme Court directed that all restaurants, including Monal, must relocate within three months to ensure protection of National Park.

Court also said that these restaurants should be preferred while leasing lands outside park. Court nullified all leases granted to restaurants within park and ordered cessation of commercial activities in National Park.