Three men were arrested and 15 cases were filed for fires at Margalla Hills, where firefighting efforts were ongoing, confirmed by Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa. With a commitment to protect the hills, the CDA chairman ensured accountability for those responsible.
CDA spokesperson Kamran Aslam stated that the three involved men were caught and identified, with increased patrolling at Margalla Hills on the chairman’s instructions. Over 80 firefighters and a helicopter were engaged in controlling a fresh fire at the hills.
With high-speed winds and hot weather posing challenges, the operation was focused on the centre after controlling the blaze from the sides. Asif Majeed monitored the operation on CDA Chairman’s directives.
Suspecting human involvement, the interior minister ordered an inquiry and the formation of a committee over the fire incidents. Randhawa and city police chief Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi vowed to trace any possible human involvement.
Amid potential rifts between CDA and Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, deliberate fire incidents at Margalla Hills remain a concern, highlighted by recent fires in the Saidpur and Noorpur ranges.