ISLAMABAD: Following the orders by the Islamabad High Court, the officials of the Capital Development Authority went to Monal Restaurant earlier today to seal it. The IHC ordered the closure of the popular eatery while hearing a case pertaining to the encroachments at Margalla Hills National Park.
The order was issued by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah who stated that the court would protect the wider public interest. Justice Minallah sought explanation from the Pakistan Air Force as to whether the armed wing took the permission from the CDA prior to the developmental activities it carried out in the National Park.
Justice Minallah pointed out to the climate change secretary – who appeared on behalf of the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam – that ministry’s admission of encroachment of public space by private parties was well-documented. Giving the defence secretary some relief, Justice Minallah said that the PAF could have done so on grounds of security worries.
He said that the defence secretary should also be listened to and that all the rules and laws be rigorously applied. Justice Minallah is said to have remarked, “Seal Monal if its lease has ended”.
