Three GDA Senior Officers Seek Transfer After Dispute with KP Tourism Adviser

Peshawar:Three senior officials of the **Galiyat Development Authority (GDA)** have reportedly requested transfers following alleged differences with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Special Assistant for Tourism, **Adil Iqbal**, during a recent visit to Galiyat.
According to sources, Adil Iqbal toured the Galiyat region a few days ago, where his conduct toward GDA officials was described as inappropriate. Videos from the visit were also shared on social media, further fueling the controversy.
Following the incident, GDA Director General **Muhammad Fahad**, Director Administration **Noor-ul-Haq**, and Director Building Control **Farukh Jadun** submitted transfer requests to the Chief Secretary.
In their application, the officers stated that public remarks made during the field visit, along with related social media publicity, had negatively affected the institution’s working environment. They also cited legal and administrative uncertainties that they said were hampering the authority’s effective functioning.
The officers clarified that their request for transfer was not based on a single incident but on personal reasons, asking to be posted to suitable positions in the interest of efficient public service. They also noted that several key reforms had been introduced within the GDA over the past six months.
Responding to the reports, Special Assistant for Tourism **Adil Iqbal** told **Geo News** that his visit to Galiyat was prompted by public complaints. He said that, in line with the directives of Chief Minister **Sohail Afridi**, action would be taken against illegal encroachments and that the provincial government would launch a high-level inquiry into unauthorized constructions in the region.
Iqbal added that anyone found responsible for illegal construction would face legal action and said that if any official had requested a transfer or his removal, it was a personal matter.