Authorities in Murree have barred tourists from entering the hill station without advance hotel bookings as intermittent snowfall continues to blanket the area, raising concerns over road safety, crowd management, and service disruptions.
Local updates indicate that snowfall has been ongoing since last night, leaving Murree’s mountains, trees, forests, roads, buildings, and vehicles covered in a thick layer of snow. Officials say the fresh spell has also led to a noticeable drop in temperatures across the region.
Snow accumulation has reportedly reached around 8 inches in parts of Murree, while nearby Galiyat has recorded roughly 1 to 1.5 feet of snowfall, prompting heightened precautions for travel in the area.
Alongside the scenic views, the weather has also caused disruptions. Several localities have faced power outages, while traffic flow has been affected due to slippery roads at multiple points in and around Murree.
The highway department and district administration said snow-clearing operations are underway on major roads and link routes, with teams also carrying out salt sprinkling to reduce skidding risks. Police and other relevant departments have been placed on alert to help manage traffic and respond quickly to emergencies.
Under the new entry restriction, tourists will only be permitted to enter Murree if they can show confirmed hotel bookings, while local residents will still be allowed to travel in and out. Authorities also advised visitors and residents to avoid unnecessary travel, use snow chains, and carry warm clothing and essential supplies.
According to the weather forecast, the snowfall spell is expected to continue intermittently for the next few hours.
