| Monal Restaurant | |
|---|---|
| | |
| |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 2006 |
| Closed | September 2024 |
| Food type | Pakistani cuisine, Continental cuisine |
| Dress code | Casual |
| Street address | Pir Sohawa Road, Margalla Hills National Park |
| City | Islamabad |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Coordinates | 33°44′35″N73°01′39″E / 33.7431°N 73.0276°E |
| Other locations | Lahore, Peshawar, and others |
| Website | themonal |
Monal Restaurant was a restaurant and dining place located in the Margalla Hills National Park, Islamabad, Pakistan. It started in 2006 and was known for serving Pakistani cuisine, along with some continental food. [1] The restaurant became popular among locals and tourists because of its high location and wide view of the city. [2] [3]
It was ordered to be closed by the Islamabad High Court in September 2024 due to land ownership disputes. [4] [5]
Monal Restaurant was built under a lease agreement on state-owned land. It offered many traditional Pakistani dishes, including barbecue, karahi, biryani, and daal. The restaurant had indoor and outdoor seating and was visited for its scenic view of the city. [2] [6]
In June 2024, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the removal of commercial activities from the Margalla Hills National Park, saying it is protected land. As a result, Monal Restaurant was closed on 11 September 2024 after around 18 years of operation. [7] The restaurant was demolished later by government officials. [8] [9] The closure affected many workers and regular customers. [10] [11] Later it was reported that the Supreme Court of Pakistan judge Inamullah was suspended, who issued stay order. [12]
In January 2025, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) decided to challenge the closure and demolition of Monal Restaurant, following court directives concerning its location on protected Margalla Hills land. [13] [14] [15]