Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently ordered the launch of ‘Marghalla Trail Patrol’ to provide security on the trails that zigzag across the hills. The decision has been widely criticised by netizens for its potential to harm the wilderness of the trails.
Naqvi said in a tweet, “We’re launching the Margalla Trail Patrol to secure the beautiful trails of Margalla, especially for the safety of foreigners who love exploring them. Our tri-pronged security cover includes Trail Motorcycles, mounted Police (horses), and foot patrolling.” The minister even shared pictures of patrol police.
Renowned journalist Gharida Farooqi responded by pointing out how the motor vehicles will violate the wilderness and climate protection concept. She wrote, “Wrong decision to introduce motor vehicles to Margalla Hills Trails. Basically against the preservation of wilderness and climate protection concept. This must be reversed.” Gharida demanded, “Protect and save Margalla Hills”. In the end she added that “safety of everyone is vital alike; be they [are] locals or not.”
Netizens also jumped in the debate as another user agreed with Gharida by posting, “True. Safety matters”
Social media climate activist Dawar Butt shared his two cents by posting , “So, Motorcyclists are banned in the National Park because it disturbs wildlife, but Motorcycle mounted security guards constantly patrolling the national park are fine?”
Urban development specialist Momin Sheikh’s had a cynical response as he said, “This is the first time I’m seeing a country introduce petrol motorbikes on a hiking trail inside a national park. Who says we don’t innovate, we are the world leaders in horrible ideas”
Another user pointed out that Rangers are already appointed in Margallas. It could have been better had they been empowered more by the government.
Others pointed out that bikes will being noise and air pollution in the trails.
