Experts urge protection of Margalla Hills amid review of SC verdict

Environmental experts, conservationists and legal practitioners on Monday called for strict implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Margalla Hills National Park, warning against development activities that could undermine the protected area’s ecological integrity

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jun, 2026) Environmental experts, conservationists and legal practitioners on Monday called for strict implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Margalla Hills National Park, warning against development activities that could undermine the protected area’s ecological integrity.

Speaking at a webinar organised by Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan), participants described the park as a vital ecological asset and stressed that the ongoing review proceedings before the Federal Constitutional Court should reinforce, rather than dilute, environmental protections established by the apex court.

The speakers said the Supreme Court’s decision represented a significant milestone in environmental governance, particularly in addressing encroachments, environmental degradation and land-use violations within the national park.

Former prime minister’s adviser on climate change Malik Amin Aslam said the ruling reaffirmed the importance of environmental protection and highlighted the need to remove illegal encroachments and activities threatening the park’s ecosystem.

He also raised concerns about pollution, waste management and poorly regulated infrastructure within and around the protected area.

WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan said implementation of the court’s directives remained a major challenge despite the clarity of the judgment.

He noted that the park was home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including nearly 40 per cent of Pakistan’s documented bird species and the common leopard.

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He called for the removal of encroachments, restoration of degraded areas and improved coordination among government agencies, conservation organisations and technical experts for accurate demarcation of park boundaries.

Participants described Margalla Hills National Park as the “lungs of Islamabad”, noting its role in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, air quality improvement and public recreation. However, they warned that increasing urbanisation, commercial interests and unauthorised construction continued to place pressure on the protected area.

The discussion also focused on land-use regulations and ongoing debates over commercial and tourism-related activities within the park.

Experts stressed that any development must remain consistent with the park’s master plan and conservation objectives, cautioning against policy changes that could weaken its protected status.

Former Pak-EPA director general Asif Shuja Khan suggested raising the issue before the National Assembly’s relevant standing committee to seek clarity on permissible activities within the park.

Former CDA director general Dr Sarwar Sandhu called for strict adherence to the park’s master plan, while environmental expert Naseer Gilani urged greater alignment between environmental policy and implementation to prevent misuse of planning provisions.

The webinar concluded with a call for stronger institutional coordination and sustained commitment to conservation efforts to safeguard Margalla Hills National Park for future generations.