RAWALPINDI: Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has ordered the military to remove tourists from Murree, where at least 19 people have perished as a result of heavy snowfall and road closures.
“There is a huge influx of tourists in Murree and Galyat areas and the administration despite multiple attempts remained unsuccessful in clearing the roads,” the interior minister said.
He further stated that civil and armed troops had been dispatched to Murree to evacuate visitors. Sheikh Rasheed added, “We have summoned five platoons of Pakistan Army foot soldiers, as well as FC and Rangers to clear the roadways.”
He claims that 1000 automobiles are currently stranded on the roads leading to the tourist attraction.
Only vehicles carrying relief supplies and warm clothing are allowed to enter Murree, according to the interior minister, and attempts are underway to relocate trapped tourists to safe locations after some vehicles were rescued and others were sent back by officials.
“Those walking on foot are not allowed to travel to Murree,” he said, adding that it was the first time in 20 years that such a big number of people visited the tourist destination, creating a problem.
The federal government has decided to close all highways going to Murree.
اسلام آباد : 8 جنوری
مری جانے والے سیاحوں کے لئے اہم پیغام https://t.co/Tc0IG0EDvh@GovtofPakistan @PTVNewsOfficial pic.twitter.com/FntGcTQZFZ— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) January 8, 2022
Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said yesterday that the federal government has decided to restrict all roads leading to Murree in order to reduce tourist inflow.
Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed stated that the decision to close access to Murree was made due to the large number of tourists flocking to the hill resort to enjoy the snowfall.
Tourists would be diverted to alternative routes from Murree, according to the interior minister.
Rasheed urged tourists not to travel to Murree and Galyat, which are already overcrowded due to the enormous number of tourists staying in the hilly areas. He further stated that over 100,000 automobiles have entered Murree and Galyat, causing traffic congestion.
He claimed that the governments of Murree and Islamabad are actively aiding tourists.
