A total of 167 unauthorized structures, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and government buildings, have emerged within the boundaries of Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), raising alarms in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change.
Officials from the Ministry of Climate Change reported that 137 of these buildings lie directly inside the protected zone. Among them are 26 restaurants, 22 tuck shops, 8 hotels, 55 government offices, 10 religious structures, and 3 marquees—primarily located in the Shakarparian area of the park.
The committee criticized the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for allowing these constructions without prior consultation with the Ministry of Climate Change. When questioned, the CDA’s environment member stated that he was unaware of whether these developments were permitted under current regulations, noting that he had only recently assumed his role. Committee Chairperson Munaza Hassan expressed frustration, stating that regardless of his recent appointment, he should have been well-prepared for the meeting. She also demanded clarity on whether proper environmental evaluations and sewerage systems had been implemented before any construction was approved.
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The Ministry’s secretary informed the committee that zoning and demarcation efforts are underway. He also warned that restaurants contributing to pollution within the park would face legal action.
It was also noted that the Wildlife Management Board has now been granted authority under the new Wildlife Act to regulate activities in MHNP and penalize offenders. However, members of the committee voiced disappointment that the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board has yet to be fully established, despite a delay of over four months. The chairperson questioned why suitable experts from across the country had not yet been appointed and noted that the ministry had already made multiple appeals to the Law Ministry to expedite the process.
During the session, the committee reviewed two environmental amendment bills. It approved Senator Nuzhat Sadiq’s Pakistan Environmental Protection Amendment Bill 2024, with the exception of clauses concerning glaciers, which were considered a provincial matter. Minister of State for Climate Change Dr. Shaza Fatima Khawaja supported the bill, emphasizing its importance in enhancing environmental protections. However, the committee deferred consideration of Shahida Rehmani’s 2025 amendment bill due to her absence.
Underscoring the need for urgent and effective environmental governance, Chairperson Munaza Hassan declared that the ongoing degradation of Margalla Hills National Park is unacceptable. She proposed that, if necessary, the committee could recommend a complete ban on commercial operations within the park.
The committee concluded by instructing the Wildlife Department, CDA, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a joint meeting to address institutional miscommunication and develop a coordinated response to the unauthorized construction activities in MHNP.
