Murree shut, tourists told to stay away

The hill station and the tourism industry there is already closed

PHOTO: REUTERS

RAWALPINDI:
The entry of tourists in Murree during the Eidul Fitr holidays will be banned as part of social distancing directives to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

“All tourist spots and hotels in Murree will remain closed during Eidul Fitr holidays as part of precautionary measures against Covid-19,” said Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Capt (retired) Anwarul Haq in a statement issued on Thursday.

'Pakistan is 2020's top holiday destination'

The hill station and the tourism industry there is already closed. However, DC Haq reiterated that people should not just rush to the hills to enjoy the holidays only to find that the roads are blocked.


The DC said that the decision has been taken to control the spread of Covid-19 and in the best interests of the people so that they could be protected from the virus as a rush at tourist spots could cause it to spread further.

Pakistan should focus on urban tourism

He added that only locals of Murree will be allowed to enter the hill station but only after showing their CNIC. Murree and its adjoining hill stations are a popular haunt for people during the Eidul Fitr holidays.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2020.

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