Authorities in Murree have imposed restrictions on additional tourist entry, citing traffic congestion exacerbated by heavy snowfall at the hill station. The influx of thousands of visitors has overwhelmed the region, with tourists encountering further challenges due to power outages and a shortage of snow removal equipment hampering road conditions.
The Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad issued an order to limit tourist access to Murree, attributing the decision to the extensive queues of vehicles along the Rawalpindi-Islamabad roads leading to the hilly areas of Murree and its environs.
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In an attempt to alleviate traffic congestion, the police have closed several key roads, including Kashmir Point, Mall Road, Guldana Road, and other major arteries, restricting them to one-way traffic. The district administration has established a 24/7 traffic control room to assist citizens.
The Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, in a statement on social media, announced the administration’s resolution to prohibit tourist entry into Murree from ’17 Meel’ due to the heavy snowfall. The decision, made in consultation with Murree management, aims to allow tourists entry once the current rush subsides.
During the snowfall in Murree, the civil administration, especially the highways and WAPDA departments, faced criticism for slow preparations in snow removal. The inadequate efficiency of the administration’s older vehicles led to significant traffic disruptions on Murree’s main roads, rendering many vehicles inoperable on the roadside.
