Margalla Hills Park: A Battle for Pakistan's Green Heart

Environmental leaders, policymakers, and legal experts have issued an urgent call to protect Pakistan's Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP). This comes in the wake of a significant Supreme Court decision and an ongoing review petition. The discussions, held during a webinar organized by Devcom-Pakistan, focused on environmental protection, pollution control, and the critical issue of encroachments within the park.

The Supreme Court's ruling has been described as a defining moment for Pakistan's environmental governance. It reaffirmed the necessity of safeguarding the park and removing illegal encroachments. Experts also highlighted concerns regarding environmental pollution and the inadequate management of facilities operating within and around MHNP, stressing the need for improved waste management.

Hammad Naqi of WWF-Pakistan emphasized that effective implementation of the court's ruling remains a challenge. He noted the park's immense ecological significance, serving as a habitat for a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including nearly 40% of Pakistan's bird species and the elusive common leopard.

A key point of discussion involved land-use regulations. Speakers examined ongoing debates surrounding permissible structures like restaurants and tourism facilities within the park. They stressed that all activities must strictly align with the approved master plan and conservation objectives to ensure the park's ecological integrity for future generations.