ISLAMABAD: Fires erupted at three points on Margalla Hills on Monday, but were put out ‘completely’, forcing the Islamabad administration to close the trails.

Spread over 12,605 hectares, the Margalla Hills National Park witnesses frequent fires during the summer season, which, in recent years, have become a matter of concern for the government, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB).

The fires were put out by officials of the environment wing with the help of locals. Later on, the Islamabad administration stated that the flames had been extinguished and cooling process was underway.

In March this year, the city managers held a meeting to address the issue of constant fire incidents in Margalla Hills during summer. It was decided that IWMB, CDA and district administration will work as one unit to prevent fire incidents. Moreover, it was decided that the number of pickets on the hills will be increased to further improve monitoring.

An official of the environment wing said that the number of pickets had already been increased to 37. “Due to coordinated efforts of all concerned departments, the fires were extinguished,” he said and added that the cause of the fire was not determined yet.

It is relevant to note here that in the past, in some cases, deliberate attempts to ignite fire were also discussed and on several occasion, the city managers got FIRs registered against unknown elements.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2026