Govt issues travel advisory ahead of snowfall in Murree

Official says strategy devised to handle tourists influx

ISLAMABAD:

Murree Deputy Commissioner, Agha Zaheer Abbas, said in light of the anticipated snowfall, the Punjab caretaker government in collaboration with the Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a travel advisory for tourists.

While talking to the media on Tuesday, he emphasised that a comprehensive strategy has been devised to handle the surge of tourists. This strategy includes the establishment of 13 facilitation centres, ensuring all necessary preparations, including provisions of petrol and meals to cater to the needs of tourists. He underscored his unwavering commitment to prioritise the well-being of visitors throughout their stay.

Moreover, he said the vehicle entry into the city is being monitored via digital counting systems, aiming to curtail the influx of excessive vehicles heading towards the express highway toward Murree. He added that the website has also been updated to facilitate tourists with real-time weather forecasts, traffic statuses at multiple intersections, accommodation details in hotels, and other essential updates pertinent to their visit to Murree.

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Regarding the inquiry about parking availability, he mentioned that the Punjab government, in collaboration with the Private Hotels Association, has arranged free-of-cost parking areas for visitors. Additionally, efforts are under way to identify further parking spaces in Murree and its surrounding areas to accommodate the influx of vehicles.

Addressing inquiries about the car maintenance awareness drive, he strongly advised tourists to promptly reach out to the traffic police for immediate assistance in case of any traffic-related issues or emergencies.

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Additionally, he emphasised that visitors should come adequately prepared by wearing warm clothing, ensuring their vehicles are filled with fuel to their capacity, and avoiding unnecessary travelling. Furthermore, he advised travellers to carry essential food items while journeying to Murree.

He urged tourists to adhere to the advisory guidelines to prevent any inconvenience or untoward incidents, ensuring safe tourism, especially considering the escalating tourist influx during winter vacations and the anticipated snowfall. Encouraging safety measures, he recommended travellers activate their emergency and other vehicle lights and also advised them to use sturdy metal tires. Furthermore, he highlighted the deployment of special traffic wardens at key locations across Murree to guarantee seamless traffic flow.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2024.