Supreme Court Demands Detailed Report from CDA on Illegal Constructions in Margalla Hills

Islamabad: The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to submit a detailed report on illegal constructions in Margalla Hills National Park.
During the hearing, the lawyer representing a private hotel stated that, following the court’s orders, their restaurant had been demolished. However, he pointed out that there are still around 134 hotels, restaurants, and kiosks operating in the area.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked, “You say you won’t let anyone eat, nor will you eat yourselves.” Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar noted that Margalla Hills is a protected area, and all types of construction in the park are illegal. He questioned how many illegal constructions remain in the area. The lawyer for the municipal corporation informed the court that between 80 and 132 constructions are still standing.
Justice Mandokhail further asked whether the Supreme Court’s order only applied to the private hotel, emphasizing that the court had already established clear principles regarding construction in Margalla Hills. He questioned why CDA had not taken action.
The Director-General of the Environmental Agency revealed that over 50 kiosks are still operating in Margalla Hills, contributing to environmental issues in the area.
Justice Musarat Hilali raised concerns over CDA’s non-compliance with the court’s orders, asking why they were violating judicial directives. The municipal corporation’s lawyer also mentioned that Islamabad Club is being constructed in Margalla Hills National Park, further complicating the situation.
Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan referred to the 1960 Master Plan, noting that even the Supreme Court itself had sanctioned construction in Margalla Hills National Park. Justice Mazhar advised CDA to first focus on removing illegal constructions around Margalla Hills before tackling the issue within the park.
The CDA’s Director-General explained that the court’s orders had prohibited the demolition of kiosks. Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan directed CDA to submit a report on the exact number of kiosks in the area.
Justice Mandokhail expressed frustration over the diversion of focus from Margalla Hills to Supreme Court-related issues, while Justice Hilali emphasized the severe environmental damage that has already been done in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Margalla Hills.
Overseas Pakistanis’ Voting Rights Case:
In a separate case regarding voting rights for overseas Pakistanis, both NADRA and the Election Commission submitted their reports on the issue. Justice Mazhar reminded that the court had previously issued multiple directives on this matter.
The Additional Attorney General informed the court that NADRA and the Election Commission had submitted the required reports, and the bench directed that copies be provided to all parties involved.