A severe snowstorm accompanied by up to three feet of snowfall has brought life in Murree to a near standstill, forcing authorities to close all entry routes and impose a ban on tourists amid worsening weather and safety concerns.

After an intense snowstorm in Murree, authorities recorded up to three feet of snowfall in several areas. Due to the influx of vehicles far exceeding the town’s capacity, all entry routes to Murree were closed.

The Islamabad–Murree bypass was also shut before Bara Kahu, but despite clear government warnings, many tourists continued heading toward the hill station.

Traffic chaos from Islamabad to Bara Kahu

As tourists defied restrictions, long queues of vehicles formed from Islamabad to Bara Kahu. The district administration said the lack of public cooperation led to severe traffic congestion, blocking major highways and access roads.

Authorities appealed to both locals and tourists to cooperate with traffic police to avoid further chaos.

Met warnings, continued snowfall

The Met Department said an active weather system remains over Murree and Galiyat, predicting intermittent rain and snowfall over the next one to three hours.

Also Read: Heavy snow paralyses Pakistan, roads blocked, power supply suspended

Officials warned that snowfall could continue for another four to five hours, significantly reducing visibility and making roads slippery.

Power outages add to woes

Due to extreme conditions, the fruit and vegetable market and the 17 Mile Toll Plaza were closed for all types of traffic. A prolonged power outage in Murree left residents and stranded tourists facing severe difficulties amid freezing temperatures.

Road closures due to snow accumulation badly affected the transport system, while locals expressed concern over extreme cold and electricity disruptions.

Also Read: Rain, strong winds, thunderstorms forecast across Punjab

Authorities said snowfall restarted in Murree, prompting the removal of several vehicles and a complete ban on tourist entry. The administration began steps to evacuate nearly 5,000 tourist vehicles from the area to prevent emergencies.

Relief agencies and district administration teams remain active on the ground, using heavy machinery to clear snow and restore access where possible.

PDMA: Situation under control

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab reported that 12 inches of snowfall was recorded in the last 24 hours alone, with more rain and heavy snowfall expected over the next 24 hours.

PDMA warned that road conditions may worsen due to slippery surfaces and said the intensity of cold is likely to increase further in Murree and surrounding areas. Weather conditions are being monitored continuously from the PDMA control room.

The PDMA DG said the situation in Murree is under control, adding that Provincial Minister Sohaib Bharath is present in Murree to oversee operations. He said all resources and machinery were provided to the Murree administration three weeks in advance.

He added that this dangerous spell, described as the most severe since 2022, is expected to weaken by tomorrow, and the situation should normalize in the next few hours.

Jheeka Gali among worst-hit areas

Heavy snowfall and strong winds have paralyzed life in Jheeka Gali and surrounding areas. Officials confirmed that more than 10 inches of snowfall has been recorded so far, with conditions worsening since last night.

Also Read: Weather update: Thunderstorms, heavy snowfall forecast in Pakistan

Authorities said roads are being regulated and only a limited number of vehicles are being allowed where control is possible.

In an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, Murree DPO Muhammad Raza Tanveer said entry into Murree has not been completely shut but is being strictly controlled. He said road clearance is ongoing and all emergency arrangements are in place.

He urged citizens not to head to Murree without complete precautions, warning that visibility has dropped sharply due to continuous snowfall.

The Islamabad district administration also imposed restrictions, banning entry of locals toward Murree routes due to heavy snowfall. Officials said the express highway was blocked because of traffic pressure.

Heavy machinery is being used to clear snow, and authorities said entry will only be allowed once roads are fully cleared and safe.