Thandiani project targets Rs23bn private investment

September 11, 2026 (MLN): The Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) expects around Rs23 billion in private investment under the Thandiani Integrated Tourism Zone (ITZ) project, with the initiative projected to generate nearly Rs2.5bn in revenue for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

GDA Director General Mohammad Fawad said the project involves the integrated development of nearly 400 kanal of land in Thandiani.

The project is expected to introduce modern tourism infrastructure while maintaining the ecological character of the area.

According to the authority, the private investment is expected to generate new employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in the region.

The GDA has also introduced measures aimed at limiting environmental damage and uncontrolled construction across Galiyat.

The authority has banned concrete construction over the past year and mandated prefabricated and wooden structures in an effort to protect the area's forests and mountain landscape.

Under the new Building Control Regulations (BCR-2026), maximum permitted building heights in sensitive ecological and tourism zones have been reduced from seven floors to five.

The authority has also introduced electric sightseeing carts at key tourist destinations to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

Meanwhile, construction is underway on a water treatment plant in Nathiagali aimed at preventing sewage and wastewater from contaminating natural springs and freshwater sources.

The GDA said the Thandiani project represents a shift towards lower-impact tourism infrastructure while seeking to attract private capital into the province's tourism sector.

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