Jan 9, 2022: Punjab police said on Sunday that more than 500 families affected by the catastrophe in Murree had been rescued and evacuated in the last 24 hours.

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 said that Rawalpindi police, district administration and Pakistan Army men remained active throughout the night.

Heavy snowfall on Murree’s main highways caused 20 to 25 large trees to fall, blocking roads. All the tourists were rescued before nightfall and taken to safer places, said a Punjab police spokesman.

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 at night.

Punjab Police announced Lower Topa Express Highway from Jhika Gali Road from Jhika Street to Lawrence College and RMK from Kaldana was clear for traffic. However, traffic coming from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to Murree was stopped. “More than a thousand Rawalpindi police and traffic police personnel took part in the rescue operation,” police said.

The spokesman said that officials were present on the road from Islamabad to Murree which would remain closed today (Sunday).

He added that staff at public and private hospitals in Murree are also on alert to deal with any emergencies.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar (today) will visit the snow-affected areas of Murree on Sunday after the area has been declared a disaster hit area. The Chief Minister will be briefed on rescue and relief operations in Murree. Every Pakistani is saddened by the tragic incident that took place in Murree.

All the sympathies of the Punjab government are with the families of the victims, said Chief Minister Bazdar while offering condolences to the bereaved families. He further added that all eyes are on the tragedy.

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