Ban lifted on tourists’ entry into Murree
Tourists enjoy a bright day out in Murree as the snow lies sparkling in the sunlight. PHOTO: APP/FILE
The government has decided to lift the ban on the entry of tourists into Murree - which was imposed after the tragic incident that led to the passing of nearly 22 people earlier this month.
The hill station has been reopened for tourism after 20 days, after the installation of a new, state-of-the-art scientific system at all entrances of Murree to count all incoming vehicles.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tahir Farooq directed the City Traffic Police Officer (CTPO) and the National Highways Authority (NHA) to complete the count of all vehicles and motorcycles entering and leaving Murree from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa across all check posts of Murree. He has ordered for a daily report to be submitted to the competent authority.
Read Calamity in Murree as at least 22 tourists freeze to death in cars
The DC has also issued a four-point circular stating that 8,000 vehicles would be allowed to enter Murree on daily basis.
“In the case of overcrowding, the competent authority should be notified immediately. The weather report should also be taken into consideration on daily basis,” he added.
He further said that Murree Assistant Commissioner (AC), XEN Mechanical Machinery, and the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) will coordinate amongst each other. The AC will also liaison with Hotels and Trade Unions of Murree, he said.
“Moreover, alerts will be issued in the media regarding weather situations on daily basis,” said the DC.
He said that the ban on the entry of vehicles in Murree from 5am to 5pm has been lifted and a notification has been issued.
Heavy snowfall in Murree killed 22 people on January 8 in Murree, as a result, the entry of vehicles from January 9 to 28 was reduced. While all restrictions on the entry of vehicles have been lifted, effective Saturday, the DC has also instructed tourists to keep safety equipment and all necessary items in their vehicles during their visits.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 30th, 2022.