MURREE: The Punjab Police on Sunday said that more than 500 families in the calamity hit Murree were rescued and taken to safety in the last 24 hours, after at least 22 tourists stranded in their vehicles during a snowstorm died on Friday night.
According to police officials, all major highways in Murree have been cleared for traffic and about 600 to 700 vehicles were evacuated from the town last night.
Officials further stated that Rawalpindi police, district administration and the Pakistan Army soldiers remained active throughout the night.
“Heavy snowfall on Murree’s main highways caused 20 to 25 large trees to fall which had blocked roads. All tourists were rescued before nightfall and taken to safe places,” said Punjab Police spokesperson.
Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi Ashfaq Khan, CPO Rawalpindi Sajid Kayani, Chief Traffic Officer Taimur Khan and Deputy superintendent of police Murree remained engaged in the operation till late hours of the night.
Punjab police announced that the Lower Topa Express Highway from Jhika Gali; Lawrence College from Jhika Gali and the RMK road from Kuldana were clear for traffic.
However, traffic coming from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to Murree was closed.
“More than a thousand Rawalpindi Police and Traffic Police personnel took part in the rescue operation,” the police stated.
The spokesperson said that the officials are present on roads from Islamabad to Murree, which will remain closed today (Sunday).
He added that staff at public and private hospitals in Murree are also on alert to deal with any emergencies.
CM Buzdar conducts aerial inspection
Chief Minister Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar on Sunday conducted an aerial inspection of the areas of Murree, affected due to heavy snowfall.
The minister reviewed the relief activities being carried out in the affected areas and also observed the relief operation.
CM Buzdar was also briefed about the relief activities by the relief commissioner/senior member Board of Revenue during his visit.
Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat, Special Assistant to CM Punjab on Information Hassan Khawar, Chief Secretary, IG Police and other officers concerned were also present.
“Every Pakistani is saddened by the tragic incident that took place in Murree. All sympathies of the Punjab government are with the families of the deceased,” CM Buzdar said, paying his condolences to the bereaved families.
Read more: At least 21 die in snow-trapped cars in Murree, Punjab govt declares Murree as calamity hit area
