CJP's role applauded for protecting MHNP

Citizens, sustainable development experts and environmentalists came together to express their heartfelt appreciation for the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Justice Qazi Faez Isa, for his decisive intervention in reversing the government's controversial decision to transfer the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) from the Ministry of Climate Change to the Ministry of Interior.

This crucial action was lauded during a recent high-profile webinar focused on the conservation challenges facing the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP).

The webinar on the subject "Threats to Margalla Hills National Park – the way forward" was organised by the Devcom-Pakistan (Development Communications Network) on Saturday.

"The CJP's intervention has reaffirmed the judiciary's commitment to environmental conservation in Pakistan," said Munir Ahmed, a well-known environmentalist and the Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director who hosted the webinar. "The IWMB's transfer to the MoI could have diluted its focus on conservation and opened the door to policies that prioritise security over environmental protection."

During the webinar, participants raised alarms about a disturbing request letter currently circulating, issued by the military estate department. The letter has sought government approval to acquire 3,481 kanals of land within the Margalla Hills National Park under the "pretext" of defence and security needs. Environmentalists have categorically opposed this move, arguing that it threatens to disrupt the ecological balance of the park and could lead to further encroachments.

"We strongly urge the Chief Justice to take Suo Moto notice of this issue," said Azhar Qureshi, an environmentalist. His suggestion was supported by other activists in a unanimous call.

Another participant, T A Bhutta pointed out that the KP side of the Margalla Hills National Park has already been compromised by illegal land grabs, driven by powerful land mafias and influential figures.

"The situation on the KP side of the Margalla Hills serves as a stark warning of what could happen if the Islamabad side is not protected," said Asif Shuja Khan, a conservationist and former Director General Pak-EPA.

Amra Javed highlighted the growing threats to the Margalla Hills National Park from various commercial activities, including the construction of housing units, hotels, playlands and resorts.