ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to set up a Safari Park in the Malpur Forestry Park area as a consultant is finalising the feasibility study and design of the project.
Sources in the environment wing of the CDA told Dawn that the site had been finalised for the Safari Park, which will be developed on 360 acres.
An officer of the environment wing of the CDA, when contacted, said the spirit of the forestry park will not be defeated, rather the site was ideal for the Safari Park where animals will be provided best environment amid trees and forest covers.
“After detailed discussion, this site [Malpur Forestry Park] has been finalised for Safari Park,” he said and added that the park will remain intact and the Safari will be an addition.
Consultant finalising feasibility study and design of project, says official
The officer said the CDA’s hired consultant, namely ECSP, was working on the feasibility and designing of the project.
“After completion of the feasibility study and engineering designing, we will move for the tendering work,” he said, adding that animals, who acclimatise in the environment of Islamabad will be placed in the Safari under the forest environment. “The consultant will guide us about animals,” the officer said.
Last year, CDA’s Development Working Party had approved the PC-II worth Rs173 million for the ‘hiring of consultancy firm for feasibility study and detailed engineering design of development of Safari Park project. Subsequently, CDA hired the consultant for the project.
Last year, in response to a question asked by MNA Tahira Aurangzeb in the National Assembly during the question-hour session, the interior ministry in its written reply had said: “It is a fact that CDA is going to construct the Safari Park in Islamabad; however, the construction has not started yet. The estimated cost of the project is Rs10.00 billion approximately. The expected completion time is 18 months approximately,” read the reply.
It is relevant to note here that Islamabad had a zoo namely Marghazar Zoo, which was closed down on the direction of the Islamabad High Court due to mismanagement and its operations, including its land and infrastructure, were handed over to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB).
Some years ago, the CDA had showed its intent to revive the zoo by stating that Islamabad High Court in its 2020 decision had not directed that the zoo be closed forever, but ordered that an animal shelter/zoo infrastructure be built as per international zoological and animal husbandry standards. CDA had been stating that the zoo had previously played a ‘critical role’ in the conservation, preservation and protection of different animal and bird species in the Margalla Hills National Park.
“It [zoo] actively participated in the breeding and release of various birds and animals and contributed to the maintenance of the city’s ecological balance. However, since its closure, there has been a noticeable decline in the fauna of the hills.
“The zoo’s absence has disrupted the natural habitat and ecosystem of certain species, further emphasising the importance of reinstating its operations. Not only will this help restore the biodiversity in the area, but also demonstrate the commitment of Islamabad to preserve its natural heritage,” read a working paper of CDA prepared in 2024.
However, now CDA is no more focusing on revival of the zoo, rather has decided to develop a Safari Park instead.
Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2026
