GDA Anticipates Private Investment of Rs 23bn Under ITZ Project
PESHAWAR, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – September 11, 2026) The Director General (DG) Galiyat Development Authority (GDA), Mohammad Fawad has stated that promoting eco-friendly tourism and preserving natural beauty are amongst their primary concerns. A substantial investment of Rs 23 billion is expected from a private investor under the Thandiani Integrated Tourism Zone (ITZ) project.
Addressing a group of journalists from Peshawar during a visit organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, the GDA chief outlined several key initiatives undertaken by the authority. These measures aim to safeguard the region’s ecological balance and lush forests while providing tourists with modern, safe, and environmentally conscious facilities that also enhance the standard of living for the local community.
Among these initiatives is the introduction of electric sightseeing carts, designed to reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution at popular tourist spots while offering visitors a more enjoyable travel experience. Furthermore, over the past year, GDA has implemented a complete ban on concrete construction, encouraging the use of prefabricated and wooden eco-friendly structures instead. This policy aims to protect Galiyat’s fragile mountain landscape and forests from the negative impact of uncontrolled urban development.
To prevent haphazard high-rise construction, the authority amended its 2020 building control rules with new Building Control Regulations (BCR-2026). These updated guidelines strictly regulate building heights and volumes in sensitive ecological and tourist zones, reducing maximum permitted building heights from seven floors to five to preserve scenic views and maintain the region’s distinctive alpine character.
A significant milestone in Galiyat’s tourism development is the agreement signed with a private investor for the integrated development of approximately 400 kanal of land in Thandiani. Besides the anticipated private investment of around PKR 23 billion, the project is expected to generate nearly PKR 2.5 billion in revenue for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. Local authorities describe the Thandiani project as a flagship endeavor that will deliver modern, low-impact infrastructure, create new job opportunities, and stimulate economic activity without compromising the natural environment.
Upgrades to water systems are also underway to protect natural springs and freshwater sources from pollution. A water treatment plant is being constructed in Nathiagali to prevent sewage and wastewater from contaminating local water supplies. Overall, GDA’s ongoing reforms signal a shift towards a sustainable tourism model that preserves Galiyat’s forests, hydrology, and unique ecological identity as a world-class destination.
APP/aqk
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