Murree has received its heaviest snowfall in two decades, with up to 5 feet of snow, stranding thousands of vehicles, disrupting daily life and prompting a tourist travel ban.
Record Snowfall Brings Murree to a Standstill
Murree is reeling from its heaviest snowfall in nearly 20 years, as a powerful winter system has dumped extraordinary amounts of snow across the popular hill station. According to local reports, snow accumulation has reached up to 5 feet in some neighbourhoods, bringing mobility and daily life to a near standstill.
The intensity of the current spell has been described as a snowstorm-level event, with heavy, continuous snowfall, strong winds and poor visibility. Roads that normally carry a steady flow of tourist and local traffic are now buried under deep snow, making it difficult even for four-wheel-drive vehicles to move safely.
What is usually a festive winter season for Murree, drawing visitors from across Pakistan, has turned into a high-risk situation. Residents say routine activities such as going to work, buying groceries or reaching medical facilities have become extremely challenging as snow piles up along streets and on rooftops.
Thousands of Vehicles Stranded, Major Rescue Operation Underway
As the snow intensified, thousands of vehicles were stranded on Murree’s main and link roads, with many tourists caught off-guard by the speed and severity of the storm. Authorities estimate that some 5,000 vehicles have had to be assisted or evacuated as part of an ongoing rescue effort.
Police, rescue personnel and traffic officials have been deployed at multiple choke points to guide vehicles, manage congestion and support stranded families. Heavy machinery, including snowploughs and loaders, is being used to clear key routes and remove snowdrifts that are blocking traffic.
Salt is being spread on main roads to reduce skidding and improve tyre grip on icy surfaces, but officials say progress is slow and depends heavily on breaks in snowfall and visibility. Roads are being reopened in phases as conditions allow, with priority given to routes needed for emergency services and outbound traffic.
Authorities have imposed a strict ban on fresh tourist travel to Murree until conditions stabilise. Visitors already in the town who wish to leave are being facilitated as roads become marginally passable, but officials warn that even short journeys can become dangerous if weather conditions suddenly worsen.
Electricity, Internet and Local Life Severely Disrupted
The heavy snowfall has not only blocked roads but also disrupted essential services across Murree and surrounding areas. Residents report that electricity has been completely suspended in several localities since last night, leaving homes without heating, lighting or hot water at a time when temperatures are extremely low.
Internet services have also been partially suspended, making it harder for families to contact relatives, access critical information or coordinate assistance. In peripheral and higher-altitude areas, the combination of power cuts, blocked roads and freezing weather has created particularly harsh conditions.
Local communities say everyday life has slowed to a halt. Shops and markets are either closed or operating with limited hours, and many people are staying indoors to avoid the risks of slipping on ice or getting stranded. Those who do venture out are often doing so on foot, as vehicles remain immobile under thick layers of snow.
Early Warnings Helped Limit Tourist Influx
Officials have noted that an earlier weather alert and precautionary advisories helped reduce the number of incoming tourists before the heaviest snowfall began. Estimates suggest that around 10,000 visitors were present at peak periods in and around the Murree GPO area and nearby localities—far fewer than the crowds seen in some previous winter seasons.
By issuing travel warnings and urging people to delay trips, authorities aimed to avoid extreme congestion and the kind of large-scale strandings that have occurred in past years. Even so, the sheer volume of snow has still resulted in thousands of vehicles needing assistance, underlining how quickly weather conditions in hill stations can become life-threatening.
PMD Forecast and Official Advice for the Public
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has indicated that snowfall in Murree is expected to continue through the night, which could further complicate road clearance efforts and delay the full restoration of power and communications.
Until the snow spell weakens, authorities have strongly urged the public to avoid travelling to Murree under any circumstances. Even with rescue and maintenance teams working around the clock, conditions remain volatile, with the risk of fresh snowfall, black ice and blocked routes.
For now, the priority remains clearing existing traffic, providing relief to stranded visitors and residents, and restoring essential services as quickly as weather conditions permit. Officials are asking citizens to stay updated through reliable government channels and to cooperate fully with any restrictions, so that rescue operations can continue smoothly and safely.
