PESHAWAR: Special Assistant to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister for Tourism, Culture, Archaeology and Museum Malik Adeel Iqbal on Sunday expressed serious concern over the illegal construction Galiyat and directed the relevant authorities to take immediate and effective measures to stop all unauthorised development.
Accompanied by Director General Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) Muhammad Fawad, Director General Tourism Shahid Khan and other concerned officials, the CM aide visited Galiyat, where illegal construction activities were witnessed in the area, said an official communique.
Speaking on the occasion, Adeel Iqbal said that construction activities in Galiyat remain banned under court orders and that strict compliance with the judicial decision would be ensured. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against those involved in illegal activities and that the natural beauty and environment of Galiyat would not be allowed under any circumstances.
He also appealed to citizens to immediately inform the authorities if they witnessed anyone damaging the natural environment.
He said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan had introduced revolutionary initiatives such as the Billion Tree Tsunami, which continued to benefit the province.
He also announced that he would establish his office in Galiyat to facilitate tourism development and ensure the prompt resolution of public issues.
During his visit to the Ayubia chairlift site, Adeel Iqbal said that the Ayubia chairlift was the first one in Asia and served as the crown jewel of tourism in Galiyat. He said that all necessary measures had been taken to make the chairlift operational at the earliest.
He added that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had taken a special interest in the restoration of the chairlift and had initiated practical measures, while several meetings with all stakeholders had been held over the past few days. He noted that the restoration of the chairlift would significantly boost local businesses and tourism activities.
The CM aide also inspected the Tourist Facilitation Centre at Dungagali and directed the Tourism Department to prominently display its complaint/helpline number at public locations to facilitate tourists.
Later, he inaugurated the 700-meter Dungagali Town Road. During the briefing, officials informed him that the GDA had completed the blacktopping of the road leading to the Mushkpuri Track.
He also inaugurated the wastewater collection and treatment system, where officials informed him that the project, financed by the provincial government, would be completed within the current year. Under the Wastewater Collection and Treatment System, a total of 11 treatment plants would be installed, while wastewater from hotels in six towns of Galiyat would be treated before being discharged into forest areas.
