ISLAMABAD, NOV 28 /DNA/ – So-called climate activist Rina Saeed Khan, widely known for her role in the Supreme Court case that led to the closure of Islamabad’s iconic Monal Restaurant, has hired one of the country’s top legal minds to defend herself in an ongoing FIA investigation.
According to official documents, Khan has submitted a power of attorney authorizing Barrister Salman Safdar, Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan, to represent her in all legal proceedings related to the inquiry. The document grants the counsel full authority to appear, plead, file applications, receive records, and pursue all necessary legal remedies.
Sources familiar with the matter say Khan’s decision to hire a high-priced, top-tier lawyer has raised eyebrows in various quarters. Critics allege that her move reflects concerns that the FIA inquiry could lead to serious legal challenges. Some officials claim that Khan may be attempting to “shield herself from possible financial misconduct findings”—allegations she has consistently rejected.
According to individuals close to the FIA investigation, the probe revolves around claims of financial irregularities during her association with wildlife-related projects. Some insiders allege that donor-funded initiatives suffered major setbacks due to mismanagement and improper financial transfers. These accusations are currently under review by investigators.
Rina Saeed Khan figures during environmental petitions before the Supreme Court that contributed to the decision to shut down Monal Restaurant, once considered a major cultural and tourism landmark of the capital.
While environmental groups hailed the ruling as a win for conservation of the Margalla Hills National Park, large segments of the public, business community, and civic groups strongly opposed the closure. Many accused environmental activists — including Khan — of exercising undue influence and using personal connections to secure the verdict. The decision, delivered during the tenure of then–Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, sparked intense debate about the balance between environmental protection and tourism development.
It may be added that several other commercial establishments also operate in the area commonly referred to as the National Park Zone. However, only Monal and La Montana were proceeded against. During the Supreme Court hearings, this point was also mentioned, with some stakeholders questioning why action was limited to selected properties while others remained untouched. Therefore, targeting Monal and La Montana allegedly indicates personal grudge on the part of Rina Khan and her like-minded friends.
