ISLAMABAD: Nearly 1,500 citizens have so far signed a petition to save the Margalla Hills National Park amid concerns that the court’s review of the restaurant demolition case in the protected area could pave the way for the revival of commercial activities.

The group, Friends of Margalla Hills National Park, warned that reopening such cases may weaken earlier rulings that clearly banned commercial use within the protected area. They said decisions by the Islamabad High Court in 2022 and the Supreme Court in 2024 had established an important legal principle that national parks were meant for conservation and biodiversity protection, not business activity.

Calling the rulings a milestone in Pakistan’s environmental legal history, the group had submitted a public petition urging authorities to fully implement the Supreme Court’s judgement of August 21, 2024.

In that verdict, the Supreme Court ordered the closure and demolition of several restaurants operating inside the park, including Monal, La Montana and Gloria Jeans. The court ruled that such commercial leases violated the Islamabad Wildlife Ordinance of 1979.

The petitioners have demanded immediate action to carry out the court’s orders. They stressed that all structures should be demolished carefully, without harming wildlife or damaging trees in the park.

They also called for full restoration of the affected areas through plantation of native trees and vegetation to bring back the park’s natural ecosystem. According to the petition, Margalla Hills serves as a vital catchment area for rainfall, a natural air filter for Islamabad, and a habitat for wildlife.

The group further demanded a complete ban on any future commercial activity in the core area of the park, including restaurants, hotels, and housing schemes. They noted that the Supreme Court itself had observed that such activities were not allowed inside national parks anywhere in the world.

In addition, the petition highlighted that around 113 other illegal structures existed in the Margalla Hills area. It called for a transparent survey and strict legal action against all violations.

The group also urged the government to empower the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) by granting it full administrative authority over the park, free from political influence, so it could effectively enforce conservation laws.

The petitioners made a strong appeal to the government and relevant authorities to implement the Supreme Court’s decision in letter and spirit, and avoid any attempt to weaken it through review petitions. It emphasised that protecting the national park was essential for the environment and for future generations.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026