MURREE, Jan 23 (APP): Intermittent rain and snowfall continued in Murree and surrounding areas on Friday as the district administration imposed a complete ban on the entry of further vehicles to facilitate the rescue and safe evacuation of stranded tourists amid deteriorating weather conditions.
Heavy snowfall and a severe snowstorm since Thursday left more than 5,000 tourist vehicles stranded in the hill station, prompting the district administration, police and emergency services to launch a large-scale rescue operation.
Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi said snowfall in the area had reached about one foot and was continuing. He said all relevant departments were on high alert, with snowploughs, cranes and loaders working round the clock to clear roads, spread salt to prevent skidding and restore traffic flow.
He said the administration had mobilised all available resources to ensure public safety and was providing continuous guidance and assistance to tourists and residents. He appealed to visitors to remain patient and strictly follow official advisories.
District Police Officer (DPO) Murree Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sipra said visibility had dropped to near zero due to the intensity of the snowfall, creating life-threatening conditions. He said a complete ban had been imposed on the entry of more vehicles into Murree until the situation improved.
He said the safety of tourists remained the top priority and urged people to strictly avoid travelling towards Murree. He added that stranded tourists should not panic as police and the district administration were present on the ground.
The Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 said its teams and special rescue squads had remained deployed since Thursday evening across Murree and adjoining areas, providing assistance to stranded motorists, ensuring emergency response and supporting traffic movement on key roads.
A Rescue 1122 spokesperson urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, remain updated on weather conditions and immediately contact emergency services in case of any emergency.
The National Highways and Motorway Police also deployed a heavy contingent and vehicles on the Murree Expressway and N-75, with senior officers supervising rescue and traffic operations. Snow-clearing machinery remained active to keep routes open where possible.
Meanwhile, the City Traffic Police Murree said it remained on high alert, with personnel deployed across major roads to assist commuters and manage traffic amid hazardous conditions. Tourists were advised to avoid double parking, use tyre chains, keep fuel tanks full and carry essential supplies.
The district administration reiterated that unnecessary travel to Murree should be avoided and that meteorological forecasts and official instructions must be strictly followed to prevent further congestion and ensure the safe evacuation of stranded vehicles.