Supreme Court Calls for Action on Illegal Constructions in Margalla Hills

In a significant move to safeguard the Margalla Hills National Park in Islamabad, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has sought a comprehensive report on illegal constructions in the area. During a session held on Friday, a six-member Constitutional Bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, emphasized the need to uphold the park’s status as a protected area and strictly enforce the ban on unauthorized structures.

The Case Against Illegal Constructions

The session revealed startling information about the persistence of illegal construction activities in the Margalla Hills:

• The Municipal Corporation reported that 80 to 132 unauthorized constructions are still present.
• Over 50 kiosks are operating in the park, as reported by the Environment Agency.

Monal’s lawyer expressed concerns, highlighting that while the court had ordered the demolition of Monal Restaurant, many other hotels, restaurants, and kiosks—approximately 134—continue to operate unlawfully.

Upholding the Law in a Protected Area

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar reiterated that Margalla Hills is a protected area and no construction should occur there. Justice Jamal Mandokhel stressed that the court’s established rules for construction in the region must be adhered to, without exception.

Justice Musarrat Hilali criticized the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for its failure to enforce the court’s directives, calling for immediate action against violators.

The Role of the Master Plan

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan emphasized the importance of adhering to the 1960 Master Plan, which protects the Margalla Hills. He also pointed out that this includes reviewing constructions near the Supreme Court building itself.

The court instructed the CDA to prioritize removing illegal constructions near Monal and submit a comprehensive report detailing the number and locations of kiosks and other structures.

Overseas Pakistanis’ Voting Rights Discussed

The session also touched upon another significant issue: voting rights for overseas Pakistanis. Reports from NADRA and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) were submitted, detailing progress in enabling expatriates to vote. Justice Mazhar emphasized the importance of ensuring these rights and called for clarity on the implementation status.

A Call for Accountability

This session underscores the Supreme Court’s commitment to preserving Pakistan’s natural heritage and ensuring fair governance. The Margalla Hills case is a reminder of the importance of upholding laws designed to protect the environment and maintain transparency in governance.

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