Tourist resort in the works at Thandiani

Bukhari says EOIs being invited, bids to be opened on July 27

ISLAMABAD:

Efforts are afoot to develop a tourist resort over 300 kanals of land in Thandiani, located in Abbottabad district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, National Tourism Coordination Board Chairman Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari said on Monday.

He confirmed the development on his Twitter account while sharing images of the invitation given in the press to invite expression of interest (EOI) from local and international firms for the development of a scenic resort at Thandiani.

“Calling private sector to participate in developing tourism resorts at the beautiful and scenic Thandiani; merely a few hours from the capital, this spot is perfect for a summer retreat or a winter getaway with great accessibility," Bukhari, who also serves as the Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Overseas Pakistanis, tweeted.

According to details, EOI was invited from reputed firms for the outsourcing of the 300 kanals of land for the development of an international standard resort with all the amenities through a national competitive bidding process on long term lease for a period of 99 years. Bids shall be opened on July 27 by the Bid Evaluation Committee in the presence of the bidders or their representatives, an official shared.

Sources in the Galiyat Development Authority stated that the resort will be built with a primary focus on environment-friendliness and sustainability. The initiative was taken to promote responsible tourism in the region, they added.

The official further said that tree-cutting and construction in designated forest area would be prohibited strictly. The forest area would only be allowed for outdoor activities such as developing walking tracks and camping facilities. He added that the developer would be required to keep a balance during the development of the area with a sustainable and wide access road, public parks, green belts and other required facilities.

The developer would also be required to have a proper solid waste and sewage management plan for the resort, he noted.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st, 2021.