The Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Constitutional Bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, held a hearing on illegal constructions in the Margalla Hills National Park on Friday. The bench emphasized that the Margalla Hills is a protected area, and all types of construction are illegal there. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar inquired about the number of remaining illegal constructions, to which the municipal corporation’s lawyer reported that 80 to 132 constructions were still standing. The Environment Agency’s director general also informed the bench that over 50 kiosks were still operating in the area.
Monal Restaurant’s lawyer raised concerns about the discrepancy, pointing out that while Monal was demolished under the court’s order, around 134 hotels, restaurants, and kiosks remain in the Margalla Hills. Justice Mazhar reiterated that the Margalla Hills had been declared a protected area, where no construction was allowed. Justice Jamal Mandokhel further emphasized that the court’s regulations regarding construction in the park should be followed strictly.
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Justice Musarrat Hilali criticized the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for not enforcing the court’s orders and allowing illegal constructions to persist. Justice Mazhar ordered the CDA to prioritize the removal of illegal constructions around Monal. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan also emphasized the need to adhere to the 1960 master plan for the preservation of the Margalla Hills National Park, which includes protecting the area surrounding the Supreme Court building. The CDA’s director general explained that the demolition of kiosks was being hindered by court orders, and Justice Khan demanded a complete report on the number of kiosks in the area.
In another matter, the bench discussed voting facilities for overseas Pakistanis, with the court being informed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) had submitted their respective reports. Justice Mazhar emphasized the importance of ensuring that the right to vote for expatriates is implemented and instructed that the reports be shared with all parties for further progress.
