Islamabad:Environmental leaders, policymakers, conservationists, and legal experts convened in to discuss the Supreme Court’s landmark decision concerning Margalla Hills National Park and the implications of the ongoing review petition before the Federal Constitutional Court.
The discussion underscored the urgent need to safeguard one of Pakistan’s most significant ecological assets while ensuring that environmental laws and land-use regulations are effectively implemented.
The webinar focused on three critical aspects of the Supreme Court’s ruling: the protection and conservation of the environment, addressing environmental pollution, and tackling encroachments within Margalla Hills National Park.
Participants emphasized that the case represents a defining moment for environmental governance in Pakistan and carries broader implications for conservation policy and constitutional jurisprudence.
Among the distinguished speakers were former Advisor to the Prime Minister on Environment and Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan Hammad Naqi Khan, former Director General Pak-EPA and environmental expert Asif Shuja Khan, Shakir Toor, Dr. Pervez Hassan, Dr Amir Haider, environmental advocacy expert Ali Jabir, Naseer Gilani.
Opening the discussion, participants highlighted the unique status of Margalla Hills National Park as an urban national park that serves as the “lungs of Islamabad.” The speakers noted that the park continues to face mounting pressures from unsustainable development, commercial interests, and unauthorised construction activities.
Concerns were also raised regarding the ongoing review petition before the Federal Constitutional Court, with speakers stressing the need to preserve the legal and environmental gains achieved through the original judgment.
They also discussed concerns related to environmental pollution and inadequate management of facilities operating within and around the protected area. Environmental degradation, unmanaged waste disposal, and poorly regulated infrastructure were identified as growing threats to wildlife and ecosystem health.
Naqi Khan outlined the organization’s role in advocating for the demarcation of park boundaries and the removal of encroachments. He reiterated WWF’s commitment to supporting implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision through the removal of encroachments, restoration of degraded areas, and mobilization of resources for rewilding initiatives.
The webinar concluded with a collective call for citizens, policymakers, and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at preserving this irreplaceable natural heritage for future generations. A key focus of the webinar was the need for clear and enforceable land-use regulations.
Speakers examined ongoing debates regarding permissible structures and activities within the national park, including restaurants, tourism facilities, and other developments. The participants also discussed the critical role of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, the Capital Development Authority, and other regulatory institutions in ensuring compliance with environmental laws and implementing the national park’s master plan.
The webinar concluded with a set of recommendations and next steps aimed at strengthening protection efforts for Margalla Hills National Park. Asif Shuja commented to raising the issue of land use and development in Margalla Hills at the highest policy levels, including before the National Assembly’s Standing Committee, to seek clarity regarding permissible structures and activities within the protected area.
