ISLAMABAD: A disagreement has arisen between the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) over the construction of a golf course on the land of Margalla Hills National Park.
The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, chaired by Senator Seemee Ezdi, expressed deep concerns about the encroachment on the National Park’s land in the federal capital.
A comprehensive update was provided to the committee regarding the ongoing construction of a golf course within Margalla Hills National Park near Sinyari village.
Rina Saeed, Chairperson of IWMB, stated that the ongoing demarcation of the National Park’s boundary was following court directives.
She added that 138 acres of land had allegedly been allocated by CDA for the construction of the golf course, a move contested as an encroachment upon Margalla National Park Land.
CDA officials argued that the 138 acres were part of Chonthra village, not the National Park—an assertion contradicted by IWMB officials.
Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Minister Senator Sherry Rehman stressed the need for a clear demarcation of the National Park’s boundary to prevent further encroachments.
She also mentioned her efforts to address the construction of a road through the National Park Land and noted that road construction was still ongoing based on information from IWMB officials.
During the meeting, Ministry officials also provided a briefing on Pakistan’s comprehensive strategy to address Climate Change.
Source: APP
