A recent review by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Climate Change has revealed an alarming proliferation of commercial and institutional buildings within the boundaries of Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP). According to the Ministry of Climate Change, a total of 167 unauthorized structures have sprung up across the park, igniting concerns over habitat degradation and regulatory oversight. 
these 167 edifices, 137 now stand squarely within the park’s legally protected zone. The breakdown includes 26 restaurants catering to tourists, 22 small tuck shops, eight hotels providing on-site accommodation, 55 government offices, 10 religious facilities, and three large marquees—most of which are concentrated in the Shakarparian sector of MHNP.
During the committee session, members sharply criticized the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for permitting these developments without engaging the Ministry of Climate Change. When pressed, the CDA’s newly appointed environment member admitted uncertainty over whether the constructions had ever received proper clearance, noting that he had only recently assumed his portfolio. Committee Chairperson Munaza Hassan rebuked this unpreparedness, insisting that thorough environmental impact assessments—including adequate sewerage systems—must precede any future approvals.
In response, the Ministry’s secretary outlined ongoing efforts to demarcate park boundaries and warned that operators contributing to pollution would face legal consequences. Moreover, the Wildlife Management Board has been empowered under the new Wildlife Act to regulate activities within MHNP and impose penalties on violators. However, committee members expressed frustration that the Board itself has yet to be fully constituted, despite being approved over four months ago.
The session also examined two environmental amendment bills. Senator Nuzhat Sadiq’s Pakistan Environmental Protection Amendment Bill, 2024 received broad support—save for clauses related to glacial policy, which were deemed a provincial matter. In contrast, Senator Shahida Rehmani’s 2025 amendment was deferred due to her absence. Minister of State for Climate Change Dr. Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that strengthening environmental legislation is vital for safeguarding Pakistan’s natural heritage.
In closing, Munaza Hassan warned that continued encroachments on Margalla Hills are intolerable and suggested the committee may recommend a total ban on commercial operations within the park. She directed the Wildlife Department, CDA, and Environmental Protection Agency to convene a joint meeting aimed at resolving institutional miscommunications and crafting a unified strategy to address these unauthorized development
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