The Supreme Court of Pakistan has halted the transfer of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board from the Climate Change Ministry to the Interior Ministry

Islamabad 12-08-2024: The Supreme Court of Pakistan, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, along with Mr. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Mr. Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, has postponed further action on contempt petitions filed by environmentalist / Chairperson of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB). The petitions allege the government's violation of the Court's previous order dated June 11, 2024, concerning the protection of the Margalla Hills National Park.

During the proceedings, the Court questioned the decision to transfer control of the IWMB from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination to the Ministry of Interior, a move that the petitioners argue was done without proper consultation and threatens the conservation of the National Park.

The Court was particularly concerned about potential conflicts of interest and nepotism, given that Kamran Ali Afzal, Secretary of the Cabinet Division and one of the respondents, is the brother of Luqman Ali Afzal, who had previously obtained a controversial lease for the Monal Group within the National Park.

The Attorney-General of Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan, assured the Court that the contested notifications and orders transferring the IWMB would not be enforced until the next hearing, allowing time for reconsideration by the Prime Minister. The Court also issued notices to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to disclose details about the alleged "Pine City" project, which could further impact the National Park.

The case is scheduled to continue on August 15, 2024, with key government officials summoned to provide further explanations. The Supreme Court's interim order underscores the ongoing judicial scrutiny over the government's management of Pakistan's protected areas and the potential implications for environmental conservation efforts.

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