Margalla Hills: An Abode to Diverse Habitat
Abdul Samad Tariq
Islamabad: Just a stone’s throw from Pakistan’s bustling capital, the Margalla Hills stand as a serene sanctuary of life—lush, wild, and full of stories. This majestic stretch of the Himalayan foothills not only offers a scenic backdrop to Islamabad but is also a thriving ecosystem brimming with biodiversity.
Winding through the heart of the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), the road leading to Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa, and further into Haripur district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, enchants travelers with its mesmerizing landscapes. For residents of the twin cities and beyond, this journey offers an accessible escape from urban chaos—an alternative to long treks into the northern areas.
But the Margalla Hills are more than a weekend retreat. They are a living classroom for students and researchers and a delight for tourists—especially during the monsoon, when misty clouds hang low, the pine trees whisper in the breeze, and the air turns crisp with earthy fragrance.
Yet, as Islamabad expands and urbanization creeps closer, conservationists are racing against time to protect this ecological gem.
A Biodiversity Treasure Trove
Spanning over 17,000 hectares, MHNP is a biodiversity hotspot. According to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), it hosts more than 600 plant species, 250 bird varieties, 38 mammals, and 27 reptile species. Among its elusive and prized inhabitants are the leopards, gray gorals, and the critically endangered Himalayan pangolin.
“The Margalla Hills is a unique ecological zone where the Himalayan and Indus plains’ species converge,” explains Dr. Shujaul Mulk Khan, an ecologist at Quaid-i-Azam University. “This makes it a critical habitat for species that are rare or declining elsewhere in Pakistan.”
For birdwatchers, the hills are a paradise. Cheer pheasants, kalij pheasants, and migratory peregrine falcons are frequent sightings, especially along the famous Trail 3 and Trail 5, which are celebrated for their rich avian diversity.
Natural Filter and Floral Glory
The landscape is dominated by a mix of subtropical pine and deciduous forests—with pine, oak, and fig trees forming the backbone of the ecosystem. Color bursts from wild olives, kachnar, and amaltas, while local communities rely on medicinal herbs like wild mint and basil.
“The vegetation here acts as a natural air filter for Islamabad,” warns Dr. Sajida, a prominent botanist. “Unchecked construction and deforestation could disrupt this balance, worsening pollution and causing landslides.”
Conservation Under Pressure
Despite its national park status, the Margalla Hills face mounting threats—encroachment, illegal construction, deforestation, littering, and the pressure of rising tourist numbers.
In response, the IWMB has ramped up conservation efforts: introducing wildlife rescue teams, trail monitoring, anti-poaching patrols, and awareness campaigns.
“We’ve reintroduced fines for littering and educated the public about the dangers of feeding wildlife,” shares IWMB spokesperson Umar Bilal Khan. “But community cooperation is essential.”
Compared to urban green spaces like Lahore’s Jallo Park or Karachi’s Mangroves, Margalla Hills enjoy greater protection—but experts believe stronger regulations and enforcement are needed to safeguard its future.
Voices from the Wild
Hikers and researchers speak of unforgettable encounters in the hills. Wildlife photographer Irshad recalls spotting a leopard cub near Pir Sohawa—proof that apex predators still roam freely.
Others share stories of rare sightings of the yellow-throated marten or the Himalayan palm civet, underscoring the area’s ecological richness. But not all tales are joyful.
Residents on the outskirts report vanishing wildlife. “Earlier, we could see foxes and porcupines near our fields. Now they’ve moved deeper into the hills,” laments Haji Matloob, a local from Talhar village.
As population pressure mounts and housing encroaches into wildlife corridors, the ecosystem is becoming increasingly fragile.
The Need for Eco-Conscious Action
Nazia Abrar, Director General of Environment at CDA, emphasizes the need for stronger eco-tourism policies, reforestation, and community engagement.
“The Margalla Hills National Park is more than just a recreational spot,” she stresses. “It’s a lifeline for countless species, including some on the verge of extinction. Losing them would mean losing our natural heritage.”
Though today’s well-carpeted road from Daman-e-Koh to Pir Sohawa ensures safer travel, many nature lovers recall a time when the rugged track preserved the region’s raw, untouched beauty. Now, the ease of access has led to greater human impact—and greater responsibility.
Summer wildfires, often sparked by carelessness, pose yet another existential threat to the hills’ forests, wildlife, and flora.
The Road Ahead
As Islamabad’s skyline stretches ever outward, the battle to preserve this ecological haven grows urgent. For now, the Margalla Hills remain a resilient symbol of nature’s endurance. But for how long?
The answer lies in the hands of policymakers, conservationists, and every visitor who treads its trails.
It’s time we not only admire the hills—but also protect them. Educating visitors, issuing advisories, and enforcing penalties for littering, habitat damage, and wildlife disturbance can make a lasting impact. Only with collective effort can we ensure that the Margalla Hills continue to flourish—for generations to come.
