As the snow season approaches Murree from December 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024, the authorities have set up tourist facilitation centers at five key locations. The primary goal is to ensure the safety and guidance of visitors during their stay.
Reports indicate that the central control room, overseeing all these centers, will be based at Jinnah Hall, GPO Chowk Facilitation Centre. Each center will be manned by officers from various departments, including traffic police, civil defense, IESCO, cantonment board, municipal corporation, Punjab highways, tourism, and the meteorological department.
Operating on a 24-hour shift basis, these centers aim to manage the influx of tourists. A maximum of 18,000 vehicles will be allowed into Murree during snowfall. The facilitation centers are strategically placed at GPO Chowk, Guldna, Lower Topa, Jhika Gali, and Changla Gali.
To regulate entry routes from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Kotli Sattian, Azad Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, special picket points have been established. Computerized vehicle counting will halt entries once the 18,000-vehicle limit is reached.
District Officer Civil Defence, Talib Hussain, stressed the implementation of a full emergency during December, January, and February. Tourists are advised to come prepared with warm clothes, blankets, water bottles, food items, and small gas stoves. Vehicles entering Murree should also have sufficient fuel.
Hussain revealed that 35 civil defense personnel, including 15 armed officials, will be stationed in Murree markets and parking areas equipped with stun guns and walkie-talkies to ensure tourist safety. Activities like brawling, aerial firing, and weapon possession are strictly prohibited, with violations leading to arrests and cases filed.
He emphasized the fixation of official rates for tea, coffee, and other commodities in the markets. Price magistrates will monitor rates between 9 am and 1 pm, with strict measures against overcharging.
Hotel rents have also been categorized and fixed to prevent overcharging. Hussain warned of strict consequences for violations of these regulations.