Seven illegal buildings sealed in Murree

On the directives of Assistant Commissioner (AC) Murree, the tehsil administration on Monday sealed seven illegally constructed buildings as tourist activities resumed at the popular destination after being closed following the fateful incident that claimed two dozen lives.

The buildings in question had been constructed without official permits in Bansra Gali, Bhurban Road and Sunny Bank, and were sealed on the orders of the AC who instructed that further necessary action also be taken against the owners and facilitators of the illegal construction.

With the area once again expected to receive snowfall, both the administration and police surveyed Murree to monitor the arrangements put in place for the safety of tourists.

Rawalpindi Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Taimoor Khan paid a surprise visit to Murree and inspected the measures taken by authorities, which include allowing only 8,000 tourist vehicles to enter the premises between 5:00am and 5:00pm, while residents of Murree and Kashmir are exempt from these restrictions.

Meanwhile, cargo transport will be permitted to travel on the route at night.

CTO Taimoor Khan reviewed traffic arrangements, briefed the staff posted at the checkpoints set up at the entrances of Murree and distributed awareness as well as road safety pamphlets to tourists visiting Murree.

He further said that tourists visiting Murree should keep in mind the advice issued by the traffic police before arriving.

The official advised travelling in a mechanically sound vehicle, keeping a toolkit in the car and using chains on the car's tyres during snowfall. Additionally, overtaking and improper parking must be avoided, while patience must be observed while driving as vehicles move slowly while navigating the roads during and after snowfall.

He also asked tourists to keep extra warm clothes and food items, avoid rolling up the car windows all the way and cooperate with traffic wardens.

“Follow the instructions on the information pamphlet issued by the traffic police so that you can make your journey safe and peaceful,” the CTO told the tourists. “In case you need any assistance while driving, you may contact the Traffic Police Helpline.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2022.