The claim that the land belonged to General Headquarters’ (GHQ) Remount Veterinary and Farms Directorate was refuted
CDA has claimed the ownership of the land on which the Monal restaurant is built on. The nominated parties in the case claimed the land belonged to the General Headquarters’ (GHQ) Remount Veterinary and Farms Directorate owned the land, for whom the administration of Monal took permission for the development. The claim refuted by the authority. Currently, the status of Monal is under debate in the Supreme Court as the restaurant has been sealed.
An FIR was launched against the cutting of trees near the restaurant in May. According to CDA, the land is its ownership and was acquired by the CDA in 1965 in exchange for monetary compensation to its local population. A team of the authority, led by Tehsildar Yasir Shah, carried out demarcation and said the land belonged to the CDA.
CDA land records show that the land in question is within Saidpur, which consists of Khasra No.2422 to 2445 – a total 753 kanals that were acquired by the CDA in exchange for money paid to locals through a land award dated Feb 10, 1965. It was also clarified that the land belonging to GHQ’s Remount Veterinary and Farms Directorate was located in the East and the South while the land under discussion in the North.
An unfortunate turn of events
Monal has been a center of attraction for many years. It is a popular destination, especially with the tourists who like to see a bird’s eye view of the picturesque federal capital. It was constructed during the era of Military Rules Pervez Musharraf. While there are certain issues that need to be addressed, it is important that the landmark establishment is not removed from the capital’s map.