Deforestation, unregulated construction posing threat to Galiyat

By Syed Kosar Naqvi
August 24, 2025
The Swat Valley forests in northern Pakistan are seen in this picture. — AFP/File
The Swat Valley forests in northern Pakistan are seen in this picture. — AFP/File

ABBOTTABAD: The scenic Galiyat region consisting of picturesque valleys including Nathiagali has been facing severe environmental threats due to rampant deforestation and unregulated high-rise commercial construction.

Local stakeholders and environmental organizations are calling for immediate action to prevent further degradation.

Environmentalists expressed concerns over deforestation and the construction of high-rise buildings in Kalabagh, Nathiagali, Dungagali, Ayubia and other parts of Galiyat.

Calling for immediate action, environmentalists and other stakeholders warned that if timely restrictions were not imposed on unchecked construction and tree felling, Galiyat could face environmental devastation similar to what was witnessed in Buner.

Sardar Sabir, Chairman of the Galiyat Tahafuz Movement placed the blame on the construction of unregulated commercial buildings.

“The construction of unregulated commercial buildings is primarily responsible for the destruction of Galiyat,” he said. “If this continues, we should brace for a major tragedy in the coming years.”

Senior journalist and social activist Sardar Iftikhar echoed these concerns, stating that the region was rapidly being turned into a “concrete jungle.”

He warned that an environmental disaster could strike at any moment. “Even tourist activity has dropped significantly this year which is a clear sign of the looming danger,” he noted.

Journalist Mushtaq Abbasi revealed that under current regulations, the GDA was required to leave 33 percent of every construction site as green space. However, he claimed that in practice, this rule was being ignored. “As a result, the entire area is sinking under the weight of concrete, and climate change is becoming an immediate threat.”

Residents and environmental activists appealed to the relevant officials to take notice of the situation. They demanded an urgent ban on commercial construction and deforestation in Galiyat to prevent further environmental degradation.