Employees of Monal are protesting against the Islamabad High Court (IHC) decision of sealing the iconic restaurant in Islamabad. The protestors also chanted slogans against Capital Development Authority (CDA).
Tuesday, IHC ordered the city administration to seal the Monal Restaurant at the Margalla Hills National Park area. The order came during a hearing presided over by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah of a case related to the encroachments on the Margalla Hills National Park.
Justice Minallah said the national park’s land belongs to the state, therefore no one can carry out any commercial activities.
“No one can even cut the grass on the land,” the Chief Justice reportedly said.
The news raised alarm among netizens since the Monal Restaurant is a popular tourist attraction owing to its location and beautiful views.
Read more: Tourism Traffic: Beautiful Pakistan sees Substantial Boost in Foreign Tourists
Similarly, the employees of Monal also protested against the decision since they will be losing their jobs when the restaurant shuts down for good. According to reports, more than 500 employees work at Monal.
Our children will go hungry: Monal employees
The employees heavily criticized the government. They expressed disappointment at the government and said the government promised more employment opportunities. However, the government did not fulfill its promise of ending unemployment.
Employees of Monal also urged the authorities to take back its decision so that they can continue working. If Monal closes down, then the people who relied on the restaurant will have no other means of income.
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Important to note, lately strict action is being taken against illegal encroachments in Islamabad. Recently, a golf club belonging to Pakistan’s military was closed Wednesday after a court ruled it encroached on national parkland in the capital and breached environmental regulations.
Prior to this, IHC ordered the demolition of the Navy Sailing Club established at the bank of Rawal Lake. Owing to its illegal construction, IHC ordered its demolition within three weeks.
Read more: IHC orders demolition of Navy Sailing Club
According to IHC, Pakistan Navy does not have the authority to undertake a real estate venture. Furthermore, no one can use the name of the institution for such activities.