The renowned Monal restaurant in Islamabad has announced its closure, effective September 11, following orders from the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The popular dining establishment announced on social media, stating,
It’s time to say Goodbye. As per Honorable SCP directions, we are closing on 11/09/2024.
The Supreme Court’s directive mandates the shutdown of all restaurants, including Monal, operating within Margalla National Park in Islamabad, a move aimed at preserving the park’s rich biodiversity. The ruling emerged from a case addressing the legality of these establishments within the protected area.
The court emphasized that all restaurants in the national park must cease operations and be removed within three months. Monal, situated in the scenic Margalla Hills National Park, has long been a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. However, the park’s biodiversity has faced increasing threats from human activities and traffic, prompting the court’s decisive action.
The Supreme Court’s order highlights the need to protect natural habitats and biodiversity from further degradation. The relocation of Monal and other restaurants is intended to mitigate human impact on the park and ensure the preservation of its ecological balance.
Monal’s closure marks the end of an era for the iconic restaurant, which has been a significant part of Islamabad’s culinary landscape. The management has yet to announce any plans for relocation or future operations outside the park’s boundaries.