Authorities partially reopen Murree entry points, urge visitors to follow safety advice
Staff members of the Kaghan Development Authority are present on Kaghan Road in Naran to guide incoming tourists. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
A new wave of snow has blanketed the northern hills, turning the region into a winter spectacle and attracting large numbers of tourists eager to admire the scenery and share their experiences on social media.
Snowfall in several hilly areas – including Murree, Swat, Kaghan, Naran and Galiyat – has turned these areas into major winter attractions, according to a local media report. Families and adventure seekers flocked to the hills, captivated by the pristine landscapes and fresh snow.
The report notes that the snowfall sparked a strong online trend, with tourists and residents posting videos of snowy landscapes on social media platforms. The viral content encouraged many others to plan trips to mountainous areas after viewing the shared images.
Despite advisories issued by authorities and reports of several untoward incidents, visitor enthusiasm continued to grow, with travelers eager to capture and share the scenic beauty. Many users described the snowfall as creating a “magical winter atmosphere”, while others compared the landscape to a “fairytale setting”.
At the same time, some social media users and local residents urged caution, advising visitors to follow safety precautions, especially when traveling on slippery roads. Locals also welcomed the influx of tourists, noting that the increased footfall has boosted local businesses and provided a much-needed economic boost.
Murree entry points partially reopened
Following heavy snowfall that blocked major access routes to Murree, the district administration on Sunday partially reopened the entry points of the hill station in a phased manner to manage traffic and ensure public safety.
Authorities have indicated that access for local residents and tourists will gradually be allowed while snow removal operations continue. Several main roads had already been closed due to intense snowfall, causing significant disruption for commuters and visitors.
The decision to partially reopen the entry points was made after initial road clearance and a comprehensive assessment of existing conditions. Authorities said the controlled entry system aimed to prevent traffic jams and minimize the risk of accidents on snow-covered roads.
A district administration spokesperson said heavy machinery was deployed to clear snow from all major roads, and snow clearance crews were working around the clock to restore full access as quickly as possible.
However, traffic remains slow in many places due to thick layers of snow and slippery roads. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, strictly follow traffic advisories and avoid all non-essential travel until road conditions completely improve.
Heavy snow paralyzes life in Galiyat
Normal life in tourist areas of Galiyat was severely disrupted on Sunday following heavy snowfall, which caused prolonged power outages, blocked link roads and communications outages, leaving residents and tourists stranded, according to the APP report.
Given the worsening situation, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa MP Amina Sardar contacted Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram and Hazara Electric Supply Company (HEZCO) Managing Director Qazi Tahir, urging them to expedite efforts to restore electricity, reopen roads and rescue stranded tourists.
Recent snowfall has led to the complete closure of link roads passing through Galiyat circle, while the power distribution system has been severely affected due to fallen poles and damaged transmission lines. The suspension of mobile phone services following the closure of cell towers has further cut off communication with affected areas.
As a result, residents and tourists remain confined to homes and hotels, with daily life virtually paralyzed. Residents have reported severe shortages of medicines, essential food items and firewood, while the prices of available goods have risen sharply, adding to the population’s distress.
MPA Amina Sardar said the record snowfall had compounded the plight of the people, leaving them isolated from urban centers without electricity and mobile connectivity, while tourists were also facing severe difficulties. She called on the administration to prioritize the restoration of basic services and relief measures.
Snowfall over the past two days has paralyzed normal life in Galiyat circle, with hospitals and markets remaining inaccessible. Despite the presence of tourists who come to enjoy the snowfall, visitors and residents continue to face serious challenges as the cold weather persists.
Snow removal intensifies
Efforts to restore road connectivity in the Galiyat area were further intensified on Sunday as the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) continued its large-scale snow clearance and road rehabilitation operations using heavy machinery.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Gohar Ali and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief) are present in Galiyat and are personally supervising the ongoing relief and restoration activities. Work to restore two-way traffic on the Galiyat-Murree road is progressing at a rapid pace.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Galiyat Muhammad Tariq and Tehsildar Abbottabad are also on site, monitoring operations and coordinating clearance efforts.
