RAWALPINDI – Troops of the Pakistan Army on Saturday have participated in relief activities to rescue tourists stranded in calamity hit Murree, Galiyat amid heavy snowfall and storm.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Army personnel are shifting the tourists to safe places and roads are being cleared with the help of heavy machinery.
As per the latest reports, the death count spiked to 21 as stranded tourists in the cars stuck in Murree amid heavy snowfall and subsequent traffic congestion.
https://twitter.com/Mujeebtalks/status/1479743678704934915
A list was also shared by Rescue officials which includes the details of the family of a Rawalpindi police officer who along with his wife and six children died amid heavy snowfall.
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The Rawalpindi deputy commissioner shared the development saying around 23,000 vehicles have been evacuated safely from Murree and around 1,000 are still stranded. The district administration is working round the clock to evacuate the remaining vehicles safely, he said.
Around 23000 vehicles have been evacuated safely from Murree. Around 1000 are still stranded. The District Admin is working round the clock to evacuate remaining vehicles safely. In case of any emergency, please contact control room at 051-9292963@GovtofPunjabPK @ctprwp pic.twitter.com/XJCJShC1SL
— Commissioner Rawalpindi Division (@CommissionerRwp) January 8, 2022
He also requested tourists to avoid traveling to Murree and Galiyat and urged the locals to come forward to help the stranded people.
Earlier today, Interior Minister revealed that around 19 people died in the cars stranded in the snow. At least 1,000 vehicles are still stuck in hill station, adding that authorities have rescued some, and turned back others.
Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary urged all citizens to postpone their upland tour plan for a few days. He said thousands of vehicles are heading towards Murree and other high places, adding that it has become impossible for the local administration to provide facilities to such a large number of people.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has declared an emergency in Murree and directed chief secretary, IG Police, Relief Commissioner, DG Rescue and PDMA to conduct self-monitoring of rescue activities.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/08-Jan-2022/army-called-for-rescue-as-19-stranded-tourists-freeze-to-death-in-murree-video
PML-N leaders, Maryam Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif condoled the deaths in recent tweets.
‘What a massive tragedy Murree is turning out to be! Heartbroken to learn about the loss of so many precious lives. My profound condolences & sympathies are with the bereaved families. May Allah rest the departed souls in peace’, leader of opposition in NA wrote on Twitter.
What a massive tragedy Murree is turning out to be! Heartbroken to learn about the loss of so many precious lives. My profound condolences & sympathies are with the bereaved families. May Allah rest the departed souls in peace!
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 8, 2022
مری میں بے یارو مددگار برف میں دھنسے رہنے والے پورے کے پورے خاندانوں کی موت کے دردناک واقعہ نے دل ہلا کے رکھ دیا ہے۔حکومت کو کوسنے کا کوئی فائدہ نہیں کیونکہ یہ مردہ ضمیر حکومت بہت پہلے مر چکی ہے۔ اللّہ تعالی مرحومین اور انکے لواحقین اور پاکستان پر اپناخصوصی رحم فرمائے۔ آمین 🤲🏼😢
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 8, 2022
Earlier, the government blocked all routes leading to Murree and Galiyat to avoid any untoward situation after heavy snowfall triggered massive traffic jam, creating difficulties for tourists stuck on the roads.
Pakistan’s hill station Murree, which is around 70 kilometres (45 miles) northeast of country’s federal capital Islamabad, has long been popular for day trips.
