Murree on High Alert Ahead of Snowfall

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: Murree has been placed on high alert as authorities prepare for forecast heavy snowfall and rain, with Punjab Minister for Communications Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth visiting the hill resort on Wednesday to review arrangements.

During a meeting with the district administration, the minister was briefed on preparedness measures, including road clearance, landslide risks, and emergency response plans. Snowfall and rain are expected in Murree and surrounding areas on Thursday and Friday, with some localities predicted to receive 12 to 20 inches of snow.

Minister Bharth directed officials to identify sensitive roads and critical points in advance and ensure continuous monitoring of vehicles entering Murree. He emphasized the need for immediate emergency responses and close coordination with the Pakistan Meteorological Department for timely weather updates.

The minister instructed the highway department, district administration, traffic police, Rescue 1122, and other relevant agencies to maintain tight coordination throughout the snowfall period.

Later, he inspected key roads, side camps, and tourist facilitation centres, and reviewed the Punjab Highway Department’s snow-clearing and mechanical equipment. Officials confirmed that sufficient salt supplies were available and that all 13 tourist facilitation centres in Murree were fully operational.

Minister Bharth assured that the Punjab government is fully mobilized to provide facilities to tourists and local residents and is formulating a comprehensive policy to manage heavy snowfall and minimize inconvenience.

Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, the assistant commissioner, and officers from the highway department and mechanical wing accompanied the minister during the visit.