Heavy snowfall continued to lash Murree and surrounding areas for a third consecutive spell, with up to 12 inches recorded over the past 24 hours, prompting the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Friday to issue a fresh alert and advise tourists to avoid non-essential travel.
According to the PDMA, intermittent snowfall has been ongoing in Murree since last night, while further rain and snowfall are expected in Murree and the Galiyat region over the next two to three hours.
The authority warned that rain and heavy snowfall could continue over the next 24 hours, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures and slippery road conditions.
The PDMA said its control room remains operational round the clock and is closely monitoring the weather situation. Citizens were advised to contact the PDMA helpline 1129 in case of any emergency.
The situation in Murree deteriorated as a snowstorm intensified, resulting in the closure of all entry routes to the hill station.
Chief Traffic Officer Hamza Humayun said traffic from Phulgran Toll Plaza to Murree had been completely suspended due to hazardous conditions. He added that vehicles heading towards Murree were being diverted back towards Islamabad.
Despite road closures, heavy congestion was reported on both routes leading to Murree, with thousands of vehicles stranded.
The administration said measures were underway to facilitate the exit of nearly 5,000 vehicles from the area, while efforts continued to reopen closed roads once conditions improve. Tourists were urged to cooperate with the traffic police and follow official instructions.
Local authorities said snowfall has reached nearly one foot in parts of Murree.
Power supply has remained suspended since last night in several areas, while internet services are partially disrupted in Murree and its outskirts.
The Meteorological Department has forecast continued snowfall in Murree until late at night.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army has launched rescue and relief operations in Murree, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan amid severe snowfall in the upper regions of the country.
Army personnel are rescuing children, women and elderly citizens from vehicles stuck in deep snow and shifting them to safer locations.
Rescued individuals are also being provided with food, medical assistance and warm blankets.
Officials said rescue teams and local administrations remain deployed to ensure the safety of tourists and residents as adverse weather conditions persist.
