Authorities have completely halted traffic entry to Murree for tourists and residents amid severe snowfall, blocked routes and fresh safety advisories for winter travel.
Murree Sealed Off Amid Severe Snowfall
Authorities have completely stopped all traffic entry into Murree as severe snowfall continues to choke key routes and disrupt movement in and around the hill station.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon said that entry has been halted for all tourists and traffic, including local residents, due to widespread road closures and unsafe driving conditions. He urged the public to avoid travelling towards Murree until the roads are properly cleared and declared safe.
The decision follows days of intense winter weather that has turned routine trips into high-risk journeys. Officials say the top priority is public safety and ensuring that rescue, road clearance and emergency services can operate without facing additional congestion from new arrivals.
Road Clearance Efforts and Expressway Closures
DC Islamabad stated that heavy machinery is being used to clear blocked routes, particularly along the Islamabad–Murree Expressway (N-75) and adjoining roads. Snowploughs, loaders and other equipment are working to remove snow and open key stretches, but operations remain difficult.
He noted that traffic movement on the expressway has been hindered by a lack of cooperation from some commuters who continue to attempt travel despite repeated warnings. Vehicles that ignore advisories or block narrow sections make it harder for machinery and rescue teams to move freely.
Earlier, the district administration, in coordination with the National Highways and Motorway Police, had already tightened access by closing the entry point at Phoolgaran Toll Plaza for regular traffic. At that stage, officials had urged people to postpone non-essential trips, warning that slippery roads and low visibility greatly increased the chances of accidents and vehicles getting stuck.
Murree Police Issue 10-Point Winter Travel Advisory
As part of the wider safety response, Murree Police have issued a detailed 10-point travel advisory for tourists. While the current guidance is to avoid non-essential travel altogether, the advisory also lists precautions for those who may already be in the area or need to move in an emergency.
Key recommendations include keeping vehicles winter-ready, using snow chains where required, maintaining sufficient fuel, driving at reduced speeds and avoiding night travel due to poor visibility and icy surfaces.
The advisory also warns against parking on main roads or steep slopes, since stationary vehicles can block narrow mountain routes and create serious hazards for other road users. Tourists are asked to use only designated parking areas and to follow the instructions of traffic police and rescue personnel.
In case of emergencies, the public has been advised to contact Police Helpline 15 or Rescue 1122, both of which remain on alert to respond to accidents, stranded vehicles and medical issues.
Provincial Oversight and Preparedness Measures
Provincial officials have been closely monitoring the situation as Murree remains under the influence of a western weather system. Earlier reports had warned that snowfall, accompanied by rain, could be heavy, with authorities expecting around 12 to 20 inches of accumulation over the current spell.
Punjab’s communications minister visited Murree to review on-ground preparations, directing departments to identify sensitive roads and critical points, monitor vehicles entering the hill station and stay closely aligned with weather updates from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
Officials also inspected snow-clearing machinery, salt camps and tourist facilitation centres as part of the pre-arranged response plan. These measures are intended to support faster clearance of main routes and ensure that visitors already in Murree have access to information and assistance when needed.
Safety First: Public Urged to Delay Travel Plans
Authorities say the immediate priority is to restore safe passage by clearing routes as quickly and safely as possible. Until then, commuters and tourists have once again been urged to stay off the roads leading to Murree and to delay travel plans to avoid getting stranded in harsh conditions.
Officials stress that the current restrictions are temporary but essential, given the risk of further snowfall, black ice and sudden changes in visibility. By cooperating with travel bans, advisories and traffic controls, the public can help rescue teams work more efficiently and reduce the likelihood of emergencies on already stressed mountain roads.
Residents and would-be visitors have been advised to follow updates from the district administration, Islamabad authorities and law enforcement agencies, and to treat all official warnings seriously until the weather system weakens and roads are declared safe for normal traffic again.
