Rawalpindi: Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar on Sunday (January 09) ordered separation of Murree from Rawalpindi Division by making it a separate district and construction of two parking plazas to deal with traffic congestion in the resort town, news sources reported.
The decision was taken to improve the administration and resources of the hill station and to avoid future catastrophes. The CM has also formed a committee to probe the deaths of tourists who got stuck in the snowstorm in and around Murree.
According to sources, the CM sought recommendations from the chief secretary and the Board of Revenue (BoR) and directed that a police superintendent and additional deputy commissioners be appointed immediately. In addition, two police stations have been set up on an emergency basis. As for the parking plazas, one will be constructed at Sunny Bank and the other at Jhika Gali. The parking plazas would be linked to Murree Mall Road by a shuttle service to prevent traffic congestion. As per the latest reports, all vehicles have been banned from entering Murree until tonight while the roads are being cleared of snow.
Speaking to the media, Buzdar said that only a specific number of vehicles and people will be allowed to enter Murree in the future. At the same time, construction of link roads leading to the hill station is being planned, he added. He also promised to take action against hotel owners on overcharging.
Nauman Ahmad is an imaginative Pisces whose love for literature and nature is unparalleled. When he's not reading or hiking, he's sleeping and eating, which gives him plenty of energy for his next adventure.
