Monal restaurant to open again in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills?

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has decided to build a new Margalla Viewpoint and an information center on the site of Monal and an adjacent restaurant in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP).

IWMB spokesperson Omar Bilal stated that after the demolition of restaurants, the site will be repurposed for conservation and educational purposes. However, there are no reports about the reopening of The Monal. 

He said that a survey will be conducted for a new Margalla Viewpoint, adding that the site will also hold an information center, where students from universities can conduct research on wildlife and the environment.

IWMB official stated that the move is part of efforts to protect the wildlife and natural environment in the park, which have been adversely affected by human activity in the area. The goal is to restore the Margalla Hills to their original, natural state to ensure the protection of local wildlife, IWMB spokesperson added.

Wildlife Management Board has already initiated the demolition of the iconic Monal Restaurant, La Montana, and Gloria Jeans, located in the MHNP following the directives from the Supreme Court.

On August 21, the Supreme Court ordered the removal of several restaurants including Monal for operating in a protected area of Margalla Hills National Park. In its detailed ruling, the court directed the IWMB to take control of restaurants for the demolishing process.