All major roads opened for traffic in Murree: ISPR

RAWALPINDI, After the rescue and relief operation of
Pakistan Army, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on
Sunday that all major roads have been opened for traffic in Murree.

According to the details issued by ISPR, the soldiers of Pakistan Army
are still working to open the minor link roads while the stranded
tourists have been shifted to Islamabad.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Army established relief camps in Murree. The
engineers are busy in opening the roads and the other groups of soldiers
have been deployed to provide food and water to the relief camps. On the
other hand, the healthcare units are fully functional to render services
to the people of the country.

Earlier today, at least 23 people have lost their lives while being
trapped in their vehicles after snowstorm in Murree and other northern
areas of the country.

The soldiers of Pakistan Army assisted the civil administration
participated in relief activities to rescue the stranded tourists.

Over 100,000 cars had entered the scenic town of Murree in the past few
days to see the unusually heavy snowfalls, causing an enormous traffic
jam on roads leading in and out.

Rescue 1122 service has released the details of the people who have lost
their lives trapped in their cars.

Chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt. General
Akhtar Nawaz on Sunday announced that all tourists trapped in the hill
station have been rescued.

Talking to media persons, the chairman said that all tourists have been
moved to safe locations and 371 people have been shifted to Army camps.
He further said that operation is underway to clear Kaldana to Barian
Road where 77 cars are still trapped; however, there are no people in
the vehicles as they left their cars and sought shelter somewhere else.

Lt. General Akhtar said that tourists are being facilitated and food and
medicines have been given to them.

Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered inquiry and putting in place strong
regulation to ensure prevention of such tragedies. The Prime Minister,
in a tweet, said that he was shocked and upset at tragic deaths of
tourists on road to Murree.

The premier added that unprecedented snowfall and rush of people
proceeding without checking weather conditions caught district
administration unprepared.

The preliminary report of the tragic incident that took place in Murree
was presented to Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar.

According to sources, the report submitted to the chief minister said
that Murree has the capacity to park 32,000 vehicles, while more than
72,000 vehicles entered Murree on Thursday.

The report also stated that the tourists parked their vehicles on the
side of the roads after parking space ended.

CM Buzdar on Saturday has imposed emergency in Murree due to heavy
snowfall and ordered to open government rest houses and offices for the
tourists.

All the possible resources will be utilized to facilitate the travelers
in this difficult time, he assured.