26 Restaurants, 22 Shops, 8 Hotels and 3 Marquees Constructed in Margalla Hills National Park

A total of 167 buildings, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and government structures, have been constructed in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), sparking serious concerns in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change.

Officials from the Ministry of Climate Change revealed that 137 of these constructions fall within the protected park zone, including 26 restaurants, 22 tuck shops, 8 hotels, 55 government buildings, 10 religious structures, and 3 marquees—mostly concentrated in the Shakarparian area.

The committee questioned the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for allowing these constructions without prior consultation with the Ministry of Climate Change.

Chairperson of the committee Munaza Hassan grilled the CDA’s environment member, who admitted ignorance about whether these constructions were approved under the new laws, stating he had only recently joined the board. The chairperson expressed displeasure, saying, “Even if you joined last night, you should have come prepared.” She further demanded clarity on whether any environmental assessments or sewerage systems had been put in place before these permissions were granted. The secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change added that zoning and demarcation work was ongoing and warned of action against restaurants polluting the area.

The committee was informed that the Wildlife Management Board has been tasked with regulating investments in MHNP and has recently been granted powers under the new Wildlife Act to take action against violators. However, the committee expressed frustration over the incomplete formation of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board despite four months passing. “Can’t you find experts across the entire country?” the chairperson asked, adding that the ministry had repeatedly written to the Law Ministry regarding board appointments.

The Standing Committee also discussed two environmental bills. It approved Senator Nuzhat Sadiq’s Pakistan Environmental Protection Amendment Bill 2024, except for clauses related to glaciers, which were deemed a provincial subject. Minister of State for Climate Change, Dr. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, endorsed the proposed amendments, noting they would strengthen environmental protections. The committee, however, deferred Shahida Rehmani’s 2025 amendment bill due to her absence.

Reiterating the urgency of environmental governance, the chairperson stressed that the destruction of Margalla Hills National Park cannot be tolerated.

She suggested that if necessary, the committee may consider recommending a complete shutdown of commercial activities within the park. The committee directed the Wildlife Department, CDA, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to hold a joint session to review the issue and resolve the communication gap between the institutions.