The Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) was developed in the late 90s. Among its various objectives, which will be discussed later in the blog, the most important ones are to promote tourism in Pakistan, project a tourist-friendly image of the country across the world and build infrastructure for tourists and locals in the Galiyat region.
Development of the tourism sector is one of the many tasks the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) performs on a regular basis. For a detailed overview, keep reading the blog in which we have listed GDA’s history, objectives, services and tourist destinations.
Overview Of Galiyat Development Authority (GDA)
In 1961, the government of West Pakistan issued a notification for the formation of Rawalpindi and Hazara Hill Tract Improvement Trust. The trust was responsible for the development of abandoned Cantonments of Ghoradhakka, Khanspur, Changla Gali and Khaira Gali into hill resorts. Later in 1970 Nathiagali and Donga Gali were also included in hill resorts plan. The Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) was established on 8th June, 1999, as a succession body of Hazara Hill Tract Improvement Trust under the GDA Act of 1996.
The development of the authority’s constitution, functions and authority and appointments of Director General and his executives, all are in accordance with the GDA Act of 1996.
The region of Galiyat is full of beautiful green mountains which turn white due to snowfall in winters. Earlier, when other northern areas like Hunza, Gilgit, Kaghan Valley, etc., were not as popular tourist spots as they are now, most visitors would flock to different places in Galiyat for vacations.
Objectives Of GDA
With the mission “to create an enabling environment for Pakistan’s tourism industry and work towards the infrastructure development,” according to its official website, the GDA has set the following objectives to play its part in the economic development and stability of the country:
- To project Pakistan as tourist-friendly nation
- Communicating Pakistan’s tourist products locally as well as internationally
- To build synergy with private sector for development and promotion of tourism
- Development of infrastructure
Functions Of GDA
The Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) not only works towards the development and promotion of tourism, but also carries out a number of other duties and functions.
During winters, mountains, as well as roads, are covered with snow due to which tourists and residents often have to bear traffic jams. One of the services that GDA provides is the control room for snow clearance which operates 24/7. It also disseminates information regarding weather conditions, road situations and snow or landslide clearance. Some other services provided by GDA are:
- To build infrastructure for residents and visitors
- Tax collection
- To sell, lease, exchange or dispose of property
- To exercise and control building regulation through BCA and building by-laws
Besides planning and developing the area into hill resorts, it is also tasked with:
- Supply of water
- Sanitation
- Beautification of Galiyat
- Building road infrastructure
- Installation of street lights
- Developing parking areas
- Development of parks in entire Galiyat townships
Projects Of GDA
Currently, there are three priority projects of the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA):
- Galiyat Snow Festival
- Opportunity for branding
- Establishment of a camping domes resort, with a park and a pedestrian-only street
Galiyat Snow Festival
As mentioned above, the green mountains of Galiyat are covered in snow during winters which makes it a perfect destination for hosting winter sports events. To kick off 2021 on a good note, the GDA organized Galiyat Snow Festival, a three-day event, which started from Jan. 22 and ended on Jan. 24. It provided the perfect opportunity to adventure-seekers and winter sports lovers to participate in a recreational event. Activities and competitions during the three-day event included:
- Skiing
- Quad biking
- Snow hiking
- Live music
- Bonfire
- Snow football
- Food stalls
- Snow sculptures
Opportunity For Branding
The GDA is installing digital screens in Galiyat at different locations that can be rented for a whole year. Those seeking to improve their brand awareness and customer base can contact GDA to rent these screens for branding purposes.
Establishment Of Camping Domes Resort, Park And Pedestrian Street
GDA is seeking consultancy services for the establishment of camping domes resorts, parks and pedestrian streets. The consultants will be responsible for the design and supervision of the particulars in the Galiyat area. For the GDA, this will be a step in the right direction for establishing sustainable, eco-friendly and one of its kind facilities for tourists.
GDA Complaint Cell
The GDA has a complaint cell on its website where one can lodge a complaint related to various issues. You have to fill a form and submit it to the authority and necessary action will be taken by the officials of the authority.
Complaints Cell / Rescue Helpline
Here are the helplines to lodge a complaint or in case rescue assistance is required:
+92-992-9310423
+92-341-111-222-6
Complaint Email
To lodge a complaint over an email, use the following email address:
This brings us to the end of our overview of the Galiyat Development Authority. You can also read our guide on exploring Murree or if you want to ride on a chair lift, here are some popular chairlifts in Pakistan that you can visit with your family or friends.
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