The Supreme Court (SC), on February 22, instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to hand back all three offices of the Islamabad Wildlife Board (IWMB) to the wildlife protection agency, deeming the closure of these facilities by the CDA as inappropriate.
The conflict between the CDA and IWMB arose when the former attempted to seal IWMB’s Public Information Centres within the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) without prior notice. This dispute led IWMB to petition the apex court, resulting in a hearing by a three-member bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa.
The court directed the CDA to return all three wildlife offices, including those situated on Trail 5 and Trail 6.
Additionally, the court requested detailed information, including photographs, of the CDA Rest House in Daman-e-Koh. The court emphasized that the rest house should serve the public rather than being reserved for CDA officials.
Furthermore, the court sought comprehensive details of all lands owned by the CDA within the national park area. Notices were issued to the attorney general and advocate general regarding a dispute over a private restaurant on military grassland.
The court also ordered the CDA to return seized office items and equipment collected from IWMB offices, emphasizing the importance of reinstating equipment to address potential fire risks in the national park.
“There is a risk of fires in the national park. The wildlife board should re-install its equipment to deal with the threats,” ruled the court.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the CDA vacated the sites without prior notice, a move considered inappropriate by the court.
The CDA’s counsel argued for shared use of the buildings, but the chief justice emphasized the need for public access and criticized the lack of consideration for IWMB’s mandate.
Referring to Islamic teachings and constitutional principles, Chief Justice Isa underscored the importance of public interest and the sovereignty of the state. He invoked Prophet Muhammad’s inclusive leadership and highlighted the constitutional provision acknowledging divine sovereignty, linking it to the MHNP’s jurisdiction.
In response to the court’s interventions, Umar Ejaz Gilani, Advocate, expressed a desire for constructive collaboration between the two organizations, emphasizing mutual cooperation rather than obstruction.
The court adjourned further hearings until March 11, signaling its commitment to resolving the dispute and ensuring the effective functioning of both entities in the interest of wildlife conservation and public welfare.
IWMB protests takeover of information centers by CDA
Following the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) takeover of information centres at Trail 5 and Trail 6, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), on February 18, staged a protest at Trail 5, denouncing the CDA’s actions and asserting that these centres were vital for wildlife preservation awareness.
During the protest aimed at safeguarding the Margalla Hills, IWMB Chairperson rallied support for the preservation of Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) and IWMB, with volunteers brandishing placards bearing slogans such as ‘No More Zoo’, ‘Stand Tall for Nature’, and ‘Save Margalla Hills for Future Generations’.
Last week, Rina Saeed Khan had criticized the CDA for ejecting furniture and other items from the visitor information centres on trails 5 and 6 without prior notice.
She highlighted that Trail 6 served as a leopard preserve zone where IWMB conducted guided tours, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these buildings for wildlife conservation efforts. “They have locked us out of the centers we used to raise awareness,” she said.
She further expressed concern over being barred from facilities crucial for IWMB’s outreach initiatives. Additionally, she stressed the need for staff accommodation to ensure prompt response to emergencies and to secure IWMB offices effectively.
CDA had claimed the facilities were established in collaboration with partners in June 2014 to mitigate forest fire risks in the Margalla Hills during summer.