ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday reserved its judgement in a case relating to construction of Margalla Avenue without approval, keeping in view environmental hazards.

Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC heard the case filed by citizens of the federal capital against construction of the avenue.

The petition stated that the application for approval of construction was given after it was started.

The court inquired about what the future of Margalla Avenue would be if the approval was not granted.

The lawyer of Capital Development Authority (CDA) Ali Bokhari pleaded that Margalla Avenue package-I had continued since 2012 and 50pc work on it had been completed.

Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) adopted the stance that it was responsible for protection of Margalla Hills and it was not consulted on the matter.

CDA’s lawyer said there were neither houses nor trees in right of way of the project. However, the court observed that anyone could file a petition regarding an environmental problem.

The court remarked that not only trees but wildlife and prevention of pollution was part of environmental protection.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2021