- Advertisement -
RAWALPINDI, Jan 23 (APP):Punjab’s Minister for Communications, Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bherth, on Friday visited Murree to review arrangements and facilities in the wake of the ongoing snowy spell, following instructions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, officials said.
The minister conducted inspections of roads, tourist spots and residential areas overnight Thursday, reviewing traffic management, snow clearance, visitor facilities and safety measures.
Heavy snowfall and a severe snowstorm since Thursday evening lashed the hill station, prompting the district administration, police and emergency services on Friday to launch a large-scale rescue operation for more than 5,000 stranded tourist vehicles.
A provincial high alert remains in place following the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s forecast of 12 to 20 inches of snowfall in Murree and surrounding areas.
Under the chief minister’s directives, food and essential supplies are being distributed to tourists to ensure their safety in emergencies.
Minister Bherth expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, saying snow removal, salt spreading and keeping roads open were fully operational, with heavy machinery deployed on main highways and sensitive locations at risk of landslides.
He added that 13 tourist facilitation centres were fully functional, providing guidance, medical assistance and emergency support, while highway and traffic police, alongside district administration staff, remained on alert and patrolling continuously.
The minister emphasised that the protection of tourists’ life and property was the government’s foremost priority. He urged visitors to follow district administration and traffic police instructions, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep chains, fuel and essentials in vehicles.
Malik Sohaib Bherth praised the administration, rescue services and field staff, saying the Punjab Government was taking all possible measures to provide a safe and pleasant environment for every tourist in Murree.