Major crackdown on encroachments in Galiyat; hotel owners fined

ABBOTTABAD: On the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tourism Advisor Zahid Chanzeb and Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) Director General Shahrukh Ali, a major crackdown was launched on encroachments in various parts of Galiyat.

The operation was led by GDA Director of Administration Fawad Khattak and Director of Building Control Authority Asghar Ali.

During the operation, illegal constructions and encroachments in and around Galiyat Bazaar were removed. Dozens of hotel owners were issued formal notices, and many were also fined for violations.

According to Fawad Khattak, the crackdown was initiated in response to growing public complaints and the rising trend of encroachments, which are impacting the natural beauty, cleanliness, and tourist-friendly environment of Galiyat.

Also read: Punjab’s clean-up operation is tackling air pollution, encroachments

He said that prior warnings had already been issued to hotel owners, shopkeepers, and other business operators, making it clear that encroachments would not be tolerated.

Khattak emphasized that under GDA’s zero-tolerance policy, strict and ongoing action will continue against all forms of illegal encroachment, and no individual—regardless of influence — will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.

Director Building Control Asghar Ali said that such encroachments not only create inconvenience for pedestrians but also deteriorate the overall tourist environment.

He reiterated the authority’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to transform Galiyat into a model tourist destination, and ensure that the law is applied uniformly without discrimination.