Murree fails to attain complete autonomy

Newly-formed district remains dependent on Pindi for admin matters

RAWALPINDI:

Nearly two years after being declared a district, Murree has yet to function autonomously.

Despite its official status, 98 per cent of its departments remain under the control of Rawalpindi district, rendering Murree largely dependent on the latter for administrative and operational matters. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Murree, while appointed, has limited authority, performing mainly ceremonial duties such as school inspections, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and visits to local markets like Meena Bazaar.

It was only after the August 13 incident, where giant banners of the ruling party were pelted with stones at GPO Chowk, that a District Police Officer (DPO) was appointed for Murree.

Official sources indicate that the new Murree tourist district is expected to become fully functional by December 31, 2024. This transition will include full autonomy in managing its administrative, revenue, and judicial affairs. A District and Sessions Judge is slated to be appointed in September, with other departments also becoming active. Murree was officially granted district status on October 14, 2022, but its transition from a hilly tehsil of Rawalpindi to a fully operational district has been slow.

The new district of Murree comprises two tehsils: Murree and Kotli Sattian.

With a population of approximately 0.3, the district is divided into 15 Union Councils and includes a Cantonment Board. It covers 92 villages and is strategically located at the confluence of Punjab, Azad Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Murree's historical significance dates back to 1851 when it was declared the temporary summer capital of Punjab by the British government, attracted by its scenic and cool mountainous terrain.

The British established a cantonment in 1853, followed by the construction of a church in 1857, and the iconic Murree General Post Office (GPO), which still stands today. The village of Osia within Murree is notable for its exceptional educational achievements, boasting a 90 per cent literacy rate.