KEY POINTS
- Murree’s snowfall season (Dec 15–Feb 25) will see 20 snow-clearing vehicles operating round the clock.
- 19 facilitation centres will provide tourists with guidance, emergency support, and real-time information.
- Strict parking bans, monitored entry, and traffic management will prevent road congestion and ensure safety.
- Military, NDMA, police, and Civil Defence personnel will enforce security, monitor hotels, and regulate recreational activity rates.
ISLAMABAD: Murree, the crown jewel of Pakistan’s hill stations, is bracing for its winter magic as the snowfall season from December 15 to February 25 approaches.
This year, authorities are rolling out a comprehensive ‘snow plan’ to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists, avoiding the tragedies of the past.
Remembering the 2022 Snow Tragedy
On January 7, 2022, 23 tourists suffocated in their vehicles during a sudden snowfall, including eight members of one family.
The disaster, the largest in three decades, occurred due to carbon monoxide poisoning when snow blocked vehicle exhausts.
The incident exposed gaps in rescue operations and safety planning, prompting authorities to adopt a robust and transparent snow safety strategy this winter.
Snow Clearance and Facilitation Centres
Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak and the Regional Police Officer will directly oversee snow management operations in Murree this winter.
A total of 20 snow-clearing vehicles have been deployed, operating 24 hours a day in three shifts, with each vehicle staffed by two workers.
To ensure roads remain accessible, large quantities of salt and snow-melting chemicals have been dispatched across key routes.
In addition, 19 facilitation centres will be operational from December 15, providing tourists with guidance, emergency support, and timely information. A snow safety advisory has also been issued, urging visitors to follow precautions during their stay.
Parking Restrictions and Traffic Management
To prevent congestion on Murree’s narrow roads, authorities have imposed strict parking bans. Parking is prohibited on all roads leading to Murree, including Mall Road and local bazaars, and any vehicle found violating the rules will be sealed.
Tourists are advised to use designated commercial parking areas. Entry from the motorway and GT Road will be closely monitored, with limits enforced for incoming vehicles to avoid overcrowding.
Residents holding local ID cards will have unrestricted access to Murree throughout the season.
Security, Monitoring, and Emergency Response
A robust security and emergency framework has been put in place to ensure a safe winter season. Military personnel, NDMA, police, Rescue 1122, and Civil Defence staff will remain on high alert.
A special Civil Defence uniformed force, composed of local youth and equipped with electric shock batons, will be deployed to manage disputes and safeguard families.
The district administration will also monitor hotel rents, heater rates, and food prices daily. Official rates for horse riding, chairlifts, and other recreational activities have been fixed, and overcharging will be penalized.
Tourist Advisory: Stay Prepared
The Deputy Commissioner has urged all tourists to carry drinking water, bottled juices, dried fruits, milk, and metal snow chains for their vehicles. Families are advised to bring warm clothing and blankets.
Visitors are also cautioned to minimize the use of gas heaters inside vehicles while traveling on snowy routes.
Authorities are committed to making Murree a safe, organized, and magical winter destination, ensuring that tourists and families can enjoy the snowfall season with peace of mind.
