As heavy snowfall continues in Murree, authorities have intensified safety and emergency arrangements to manage the rising influx of tourists, urging caution, strict traffic control, and proper preparedness throughout the winter season.
Murree Police have issued a detailed tourist safety advisory, emphasizing careful driving, vehicle preparedness, and adherence to traffic regulations to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience. District Police Officer (DPO) Murree, Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sapra, said that while enjoying snowfall is a tourist’s right, protecting lives and maintaining traffic flow remains the top priority.
With the season’s first major snowfall, Murree Police have been placed on high alert. The DPO said he is personally supervising security and traffic arrangements and has instructed police personnel to assist tourists with courtesy, professionalism, and hospitality. Despite the end of the weekend rush, a large number of visitors remain in Murree, prompting authorities to further strengthen traffic management plans.
Tourists have been advised to install snow chains on vehicle tires, avoid unnecessary overtaking, and refrain from stopping vehicles on roadsides for photography, which often causes traffic congestion. Visitors have also been urged to use only designated parking areas to prevent blockages on narrow mountain roads.
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Police further advised travelers to ensure their vehicles are mechanically fit, with special attention to heaters, windshield wipers, lights, brakes, and fuel levels. Families traveling with children and elderly passengers were advised to take extra precautions and keep vehicle windows slightly open to avoid oxygen deficiency.
Meanwhile, authorities have declared a Code Red alert ahead of expected heavy snowfall, following warnings from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The Met Office has forecast rain in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with snowfall expected across Murree and surrounding hill areas. Warnings have also been issued for potential landslides and hazardous road conditions in several northern and mountainous regions.
Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Shirazi said the district administration is on high alert, adding that all major roads have been cleared. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has provided snow-removal machinery, while traffic police have been deployed to manage the heavy inflow of vehicles.
Health authorities have ensured the availability of life-saving medicines at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and union council dispensaries. Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence teams are on standby under the Code Red emergency plan, with trained personnel deployed at key highways, tourist spots, and entry points to Murree. Safe City CCTV cameras are also being used to monitor traffic and weather conditions.
Tourists have been instructed to immediately contact Police Helpline 15 or approach nearby police check posts in case of emergencies, accidents, or suspicious activity. Authorities have urged visitors to stay updated through official advisories and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure a safe winter tourism experience.
