Citizens laud CJ on IWMB transfer case

Islamabad : Citizens, sustainable development experts and environmentalists have come together to express their heartfelt appreciation for the Chief Justice of Pakistan, 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) here on Saturday. An overwhelming participation included well-known environmentalists Asif Shuja Khan, Azhar Qureshi, T.A. Bhutta, Amara Javed, Mushtaq Gill, Asif Khawaja, Muhamad Sarmad Khan, Amar Abbas, Ambreen Hussain, Fatima Noor, Fatima Anwar and Saleh Hyat.

The participants of the webinar termed the decision to retain the IWMB under the Ministry of Climate Change a significant victory for environmental protection efforts in Pakistan. The IWMB plays a pivotal role in the conservation and management of the MHNP, a protected area that serves as a critical habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Common Leopard, Barking Deer, and various bird species. “The Chief Justice’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 Ministry of Interior could have diluted its focus on conservation and opened the door to policies that prioritize security over environmental protection. We are grateful for this timely reversal.” During the webinar, participants raised alarms about a disturbing request letter currently circulating, issued by the military estate department. The letter has sought the government approval to acquire 3,481 kanals of land within the Margalla Hills National Park under the “pretext” of defense 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. “This is not just a matter of acquiring land; it is about the potential irreversible damage to one of the country’s most treasured natural reserves. The Margalla Hills are already under significant pressure from unchecked urbanization, and this latest attempt at land acquisition could be the final nail in the coffin.”

Another participant, T.A. Bhutta pointed out that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) side of the Margalla Hills National Park has already been compromised by illegal land grabs, driven by powerful land mafias and influential figures. This has led to deforestation, loss of wildlife habitats, and the proliferation of unregulated construction activities, including luxury resorts and private housing schemes. “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.

“We have witnessed the degradation of natural landscapes, the disappearance of wildlife, and the encroachment of private interests into public land. The authorities must act now to prevent similar destruction on the Islamabad side.”

Asif S Khan also urged the Prime Minister to convene the National Environment Council’s meeting as soon as possible to discuss the national environmental degradation and climate change challenges. Amra Javed highlighted the growing threats to the Margalla Hills National Park from various commercial activities, including the construction of housing units, hotels, play lands and resorts. These developments, often carried out without proper Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), have not only led to the fragmentation of wildlife habitats but also increased the risk of soil erosion, water pollution, and other environmental hazards.

“The Margalla Hills National Park is a vital ecological and recreational asset for the residents of Islamabad and beyond," said Amar Abbas. “However, the increasing commercialization of the park is jeopardizing its ecological integrity. If immediate action is not taken, we risk losing this precious natural resource forever.” The webinar concluded with a collective call to action, urging the judiciary, government authorities, civil society, and environmental organizations to work together in safeguarding the Margalla Hills National Park. Participants stressed the need for stronger enforcement of existing environmental laws, stricter controls on land use within the park, and the development of sustainable tourism practices that do not compromise the park's ecological health.

“We call upon the Chief Justice to continue his proactive role in environmental conservation and to ensure that the Margalla Hills National Park is protected from any form of encroachment or commercialization,” the participants emphasized. “Our natural heritage is at stake, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve it for future generations." Jawad Zaki, an environmental engineer, highlighted several significant threats to the Margalla Hills National Park.