Published on, Sept. 15 -- September 15, 2025 1:11 AM

Every city has its icons. For Paris it is the Eiffel Tower. For New York it is Times Square. For Istanbul it is the Bosphorus. And for Islamabad, nestled in the heart of the Margalla Hills, that icon was Monal.

For years, Monal was more than just a restaurant. It was a symbol of Islamabad's charm, a blend of nature and modernity where families gathered, diplomats entertained, and tourists discovered a softer, brighter side of Pakistan. It represented the capital at its best, with green hills, fresh air, and a panoramic view that reminded everyone why Islamabad is often called one of the most beautiful capitals in the world.

And now, it is gone.

The loss of Monal is not just about on...