PHC Halts K-P’s Plan to Commercialize Nathia Gali Governor House

Download IPFS

The Peshawar High Court has allowed free use of the Nathia Gali Governor House by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Governor while blocking the provincial government’s alleged commercial plans.

Peshawar, Pakistan – On July 30, 2025, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) granted permission for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and his staff to use the Governor House in Nathia Gali for official purposes at no cost, as reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). A two-member bench, comprising Justice Ejaz Anwar and Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal, also issued a notice to the K-P provincial government, demanding an explanation for its reported plan to convert the historic property into a commercial rest house. The court’s ruling came in response to a petition challenging the government’s actions, highlighting concerns over the misuse of public assets.

The petition, filed by advocate Shumail Ahmad Butt, argued that the K-P government had unlawfully taken control of the Governor House, intending to commercialize it without proper constitutional authority. Butt contended that only a presidential order could alter the property’s status, citing the precedent of the Governor House in Murree, Punjab, where such a process was followed. The PHC bench, after hearing initial arguments, barred the provincial government from proceeding with any commercialization plans and sought a formal response to clarify its intentions. The hearing was adjourned, with further proceedings expected to address the government’s stance.

This decision underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding public resources from unauthorized repurposing. The Nathia Gali Governor House, a colonial-era property in Abbottabad District, has historically served as an official retreat for governors. Previous attempts by the K-P government to open it for public bookings at high rates, as noted in a 2019 Dawn report, drew criticism for prioritizing elite access over public interest. The court’s intervention ensures the property remains dedicated to official use, pending legal clarity.

Governor Kundi welcomed the ruling, emphasizing the need to preserve the property’s constitutional status, according to posts on X. The PHC’s notice to the K-P government signals scrutiny over its administrative overreach. Stakeholders can access updates via www.peshawarhighcourt.gov.pk or www.kp.gov.pk as the case progresses.