Major Rescue Operation Launched in Murree After Heavy Snowfall Strands Thousands of Vehicles
A significant rescue operation is currently in progress in Murree following heavy snowfall and a severe snowstorm that left more than 5,000 tourist vehicles stranded on Friday. The district administration has responded by imposing a complete ban on the entry of additional vehicles into the popular hill station to manage the crisis effectively.
Administrative Response and Field Supervision
Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi and District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sipra are actively present in the field to oversee the operation. Their primary focus is on clearing internal roads and ensuring the safe evacuation of stranded tourists. According to reports, snowfall has accumulated to around one foot and continues unabated, complicating rescue efforts.
The deputy commissioner emphasized that snowploughs, cranes, and loaders are operating round the clock to reopen main roads and restore mobility. He highlighted that the administration has mobilized all available resources to ensure public safety, providing continuous guidance and assistance to both tourists and residents. An appeal was made to visitors to remain patient, with assurances that all relevant departments are fully active in addressing the situation.
Safety Concerns and Official Warnings
The DPO reported that visibility has dropped to near zero due to the intensity of the snowfall, creating life-threatening conditions. In response, a complete ban has been enforced on vehicle entry into Murree until the situation improves. He stressed that the safety of tourists remains the top priority under the prevailing weather conditions and urged people to strictly avoid traveling towards Murree.
Stranded tourists were advised not to panic, as police and district administration personnel are on the ground providing support. The DPO also cautioned those sheltering in vehicles to exercise care while using heaters and ensure adequate ventilation to maintain oxygen levels. Police officers will remain deployed until all tourists are safely evacuated and normal conditions are restored.
Cabinet Recognition and Regional Impact
The cabinet has applauded Minister for Communications and Works Sohaib Bharat, who is currently stationed in Murree to supervise clearance and relief operations amid what is described as the heaviest snowfall in the past 20 years. The Deputy Commissioner, DPO, and Traffic Police are actively monitoring the situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, rain and snowfall over the past 24 hours across the Kaghan Valley, Murree, and Hazara region have created a stark contrast between festive scenes for tourists and mounting hardships for local residents. Extreme winter weather has disrupted transport, power supply, and daily life, transforming popular hill resorts into picturesque landscapes while posing significant challenges.
Tourist Influx and Local Struggles
Fresh snowfall has drawn large numbers of visitors to areas like Shogran, Naran, and Kaghan, where heavy snow has blanketed pine forests and mountain slopes. Tourists described the scenery as enchanting, offering a rare and memorable experience. However, many struggled with biting cold, relying on braziers, hot beverages, and warm clothing as temperatures plunged well below freezing.
In the Kaghan Valley, Balakot, and surrounding areas, severe cold persists, with snowfall exceeding three feet at several locations. This has led to the closure of numerous link roads, severely restricting movement. Official figures indicate that Naran received up to four feet of snow, while Kaghan and Shogran saw around three feet. Temperatures dropped sharply, with Naran recording minus 10 degrees Celsius, likened by locals to a 'freezer'.
Infrastructure Disruptions and Administrative Measures
While tourists continue to arrive, the weather has posed serious challenges for residents. Power outages and disrupted communication networks have compounded difficulties, especially 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 has initiated snow-clearing operations on the Kaghan Highway and other major routes, urging travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys and ensure vehicles are fitted with tyre chains. Authorities warned that further snowfall is likely in upper areas and advised tourists to check weather and road conditions before traveling.
Extended Impact Across Hazara Region
Similar conditions have 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 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 centers 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 point, with power supply in parts of Abbottabad temporarily disrupted.
Assistance Centers and Meteorological Forecast
Police and district authorities have established assistance and information centers 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. Citizens and tourists alike are urged to exercise caution and prioritize safety in the coming days.
