ISLAMABAD: Environmental leaders, policymakers, conservationists and legal experts have stressed the urgent need to safeguard one of Pakistan’s most significant ecological assets, the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), while ensuring that environmental laws and land-use regulations are effectively implemented.

They were speaking at a webinar held to discuss the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision concerning Margalla Hills National Park and the implications of the ongoing review petition before the Federal Constitutional Court.

The event, organised by Devcom-Pakistan on Monday, focused on three critical aspects of the Supreme Court’s ruling, including the protection and conservation of the environment, addressing environmental pollution, and tackling encroachments within Margalla Hills National Park. Participants emphasised that the case represents a defining moment for environmental governance in Pakistan and carries broader implications for conservation policy and constitutional jurisprudence.

Speakers included former adviser to the prime minister on environment and climate change Malik Amin Aslam Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan Hammad Naqi Khan, former Director General of Pak-EPA and environmental expert Asif Shuja Khan, Shakir Toor, Dr Pervez Hassan, Dr Amir Haider, environmental advocacy expert Ali Jabir, Naseer Gilani, former CDA Director General Dr Sarwar Sandhu, Munir Ahmed and others.

Malik Amin Aslam reflected on the significance of the Supreme Court’s decision, which reaffirmed the importance of environmental protection and called for the removal of illegal encroachments and activities that threaten the integrity of the national park.

He also discussed concerns related to environmental pollution and inadequate management of facilities operating within and around the protected area.

He emphasised the importance of improving waste management systems and ensuring that commercial activities do not compromise the ecological character of the park.

Speaking on behalf of WWF-Pakistan, Hammad Naqi emphasised that effective implementation remained a major challenge despite the clarity of the court’s ruling.

He highlighted the ecological significance of the park, noting that it provides habitat for a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including approximately 40pc of Pakistan’s documented bird species, as well as iconic species such as the common leopard.

Munir Ahmed said the future of Margalla Hills National Park depended on decisive action, strong institutional coordination, and an unwavering commitment to conservation principles.

The webinar concluded with a collective call for citizens, policymakers and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at preserving this irreplaceable natural heritage for future generations.

A key focus of the webinar was the need for clear and enforceable land-use regulations. Speakers examined ongoing debates regarding permissible structures and activities within the national park, including restaurants, tourism facilities and other developments.

Experts stressed that any activity within the protected area must align with the approved master plan and conservation objectives.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2026