Monal, one of Islamabad’s oldest and most famous restaurants, announced its closure next month in compliance with the Supreme Court’s June 11 judgment.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the Monal restaurant revealed that it will cease operations on September 11, 2024, following the Supreme Court’s directives for the closure of all restaurants in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills National Park within three months.
The restaurant management expressed gratitude to customers for their support and loyalty over the years. “Dear valued customers, thank you for trusting us and allowing us to serve you with dedication, which has earned us recognition and a special place in your hearts,” the statement said.
The Monal administration added, “Since 2006, it has been an absolute pleasure for the Monal family to serve and present a positive image of Pakistan and its beautiful people.”
The restaurant bid a heartfelt farewell, noting that the journey was filled with success stories and emotional moments for its team.
Separately, LaMontana also announced its plans to close the eatery on September 11.
“It’s very painful to announce the closure of LaMontana Restaurant on 11th September 24, in accordance with the order of Supreme Court Pakistan,” LaMontana management said in a statement.
The LaMontana administration said it felt “sorry” for its employees, whose families were dependent on then since 1999, and were now being terminated with a one-month notice.
“We apologise to our guests and employees for having to take this hard and shocking decision,” the LaMontana administration said.
“By announcing this closure, where employees are losing jobs, the owners will lose an investment of 1 billion Rupees,” it added.
On June 11, the Supreme Court ordered the closure of all restaurants, including The Monal, in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills National Park within three months.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa stated that commercial activities could not be permitted in the National Park area and requested details of all restaurants located there. The Chief Justice instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to prioritize alternative locations outside the National Park for affected restaurants. The Supreme Court’s verdict mandated the complete cessation of restaurant operations in the park within three months.
Monal agreed to relocate within this timeframe. However, it has no current plans for relocation or future operations outside the park. Other restaurants in the park are also required to move within the same period.