The Supreme Court (SC) constitutional bench has instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to submit a detailed report on illegal constructions in the Margalla Hills area.
A seven-member bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, was hearing a case regarding unauthorized developments on the Margalla Hills.
During the proceedings, a lawyer for a private hotel argued that while their restaurant was demolished per court orders, 134 illegal hotels, restaurants, and bars continued to operate in the area.
Justice Mazhar Ali Akbar Naqvi emphasized that the Margalla Hills is a protected area, declaring all construction within the park illegal. He inquired about the total number of remaining unauthorized structures.
The Municipal Corporation’s lawyer reported that between 80 and 132 illegal constructions still existed. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail questioned whether previous court orders applied to all constructions or were specific to the private hotel and criticized the CDA for failing to enforce the court’s decisions.
The Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that around 50 kiosks remained operational on the Margalla Hills, contributing to environmental degradation.
Justice Musarrat Hilali criticized the CDA for disregarding court directives and pointed out the environmental consequences, referencing similar issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Municipal Corporation’s lawyer revealed that the Islamabad Club is located within the Margalla Hills National Park. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan noted that, according to the 1960 master plan, the SC itself is within the park’s boundaries.
Justice Mazhar suggested that the CDA prioritize addressing illegal constructions around the Margalla Hills before involving other institutions.
Justice Mandokhail reiterated that the focus should remain on illegal developments within the Margalla Hills, rather than shifting discussions to unrelated matters like the SC and Islamabad Club.
The CDA DG informed the court that demolition of kiosks had been halted following previous court orders. Justice Aminuddin Khan directed the CDA to provide a comprehensive report detailing the number of kiosks and other illegal structures on the Margalla Hills.
