Murree hit by snowstorm as 5,000 tourists stranded

District authorities ban entry of more vehicles, urging people to avoid travelling to hill station

BATTAGRAM/ BALAKOT:

A major rescue operation was under way in Murree after heavy snowfall and a snowstorm left more than 5,000 tourist vehicles stranded on Friday, prompting the district administration to impose a complete ban on the entry of more vehicles into the hill station, DNA reported.

Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi and District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sipra were present in the field to supervise the operation, which focused on clearing internal roads and ensuring the safe evacuation of stranded tourists.

According to DNA, the deputy commissioner said snowfall had reached around one foot and was continuing. He said snowploughs, cranes and loaders were working round the clock to reopen main roads and restore mobility.

He highlighted that the administration had mobilised all available resources to ensure public safety and was providing continuous guidance and assistance to tourists and residents. He appealed to visitors to remain patient, assuring them that all relevant departments were fully active.

The DPO said visibility had dropped to near zero due to the intensity of the snowfall, creating life-threatening conditions. He said a complete ban had been imposed on the entry of further vehicles into Murree until the situation improved

He said the safety of tourists remained the top priority under the prevailing weather conditions and urged people to strictly avoid travelling towards Murree. He added that stranded tourists should not panic as police and the district administration were present on the ground, the agency added.

The DPO also advised people sheltering in vehicles to exercise caution while using heaters and to ensure adequate ventilation to maintain oxygen levels. He said police officers would remain deployed in the field until all tourists were safely evacuated and normal conditions were restored, a police spokesperson said.

Cabinet applauded Minister C&W Sohaib Bharat who is currently stationed in Murree to supervise clearance and relief operations amid the heaviest snowfall in the past 20 years. The Deputy Commissioner, DPO, and Traffic Police are actively deployed in the field and monitoring the… pic.twitter.com/VM7iMfv9Y0

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 23, 2026

Meanwhile, rain and snowfall over the past 24 hours across the Kaghan Valley, Murree and Hazara region created a striking contrast between festive scenes for tourists and mounting hardships for local residents, as extreme winter weather disrupted transport, power supply and daily life.

Fresh snowfall transformed popular hill resorts into postcard-perfect landscapes, drawing large numbers of visitors eager to experience the winter spectacle.

Shogran, Naran and Kaghan witnessed a surge in tourists after news spread of heavy snow blanketing pine forests and mountain slopes. Visitors described the scenery as enchanting, with snow-covered valleys offering a rare and memorable experience.

Many, however, struggled to cope with the biting cold, relying on braziers, hot beverages and warm clothing as temperatures plunged well below freezing point.

The Kaghan Valley, Balakot and its surrounding areas, remained firmly in the grip of severe cold. Snowfall exceeding three feet at several locations has led to the closure of numerous link roads, severely restricting movement.

Official figures show that Naran received up to four feet of snow, while Kaghan and Shogran received around three feet of snowfall. With temperatures dropping sharply, Naran recorded minus 10 degrees Celsius, turning the region into what locals described as a 'freezer'.

While tourists continued to arrive in search of winter scenery, the same weather has posed serious challenges for residents. Power outages and disrupted communication networks have compounded difficulties, particularly in remote areas. The closure of the Kaghan Highway and several connecting roads has interrupted the supply of food, fuel and other essential goods, leaving many households struggling to meet basic needs.

The district administration said snow-clearing operations had begun on the Kaghan Highway and other major routes, urging travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys and ensure that vehicles were fitted with tyre chains. Authorities warned that further snowfall was likely in upper areas and advised tourists to check weather and road conditions before travelling.

Similar conditions prevailed in Battagram and its surrounding areas, including Chhattar Plain and Allai Tehsil, where residents experienced record snowfall for the first time in eight years. Heavy snow, which began late on Thursday night and continued until Friday, caused a sharp fall in temperatures and rendered many link roads impassable.

The snowfall severely damaged the power infrastructure in Battagram and Allai, plunging large parts of the district into darkness. Electricity poles and transmission lines collapsed at multiple locations, while fallen trees brought down cables, resulting in a complete suspension of power supply. Attendance at government offices was minimal, commercial centres remained closed and residents were largely confined to their homes.

Elsewhere in the Hazara region, Abbottabad received its first significant snowfall in nine years, while Thandiyani recorded up to four feet of snow. Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Donga Gali, Changla Gali and other hill stations reported between three and four feet of snowfall.

Heavy snow and rain, accompanied by strong winds, pushed temperatures below freezing poibnt, while power supply in parts of Abbottabad was temporarily disrupted.

Police and district authorities established assistance and information centres on routes leading to tourist destinations, providing guidance, food and support to visitors. Traffic police closed several roads, including routes linking Abbottabad with Murree and the Galiyat region, advising tourists to delay travel until snow is cleared and avoid driving after sunset.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that snowfall is likely to subside, but warned that extreme cold, slippery roads and unstable weather conditions will continue to pose risks, urging citizens and tourists alike to exercise caution and prioritise safety.

With additional input from agencies.