Authorities partially reopen Murree entry points and urge visitors to follow safety warnings.
Kaghan Development Authority staff members are present at Kaghan Road in Naran to guide incoming tourists. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
A new wave of snow has covered the northern hills, transforming the region into a winter spectacle and attracting large numbers of tourists eager to witness the landscape and share their experiences on social media.
Snowfall in several mountainous areas, including Murree, Swat, Kaghan, Naran and Galiyat, has turned these regions into major winter attractions, according to a report by a local media outlet. Families and adventure seekers alike have flocked to the hills, enthralled by the pristine landscapes and fresh snow.
The report noted that the snowfall has triggered a strong online trend, with tourists and residents posting videos of snow-covered views on social media platforms. The viral content has encouraged many others to plan trips to mountainous areas after seeing the shared images.
Despite advisories issued by authorities and reports of several untoward incidents, enthusiasm among visitors has continued to grow, with travelers eager to capture and share the scenic beauty. Many users described the snowfall as creating a “magical winter atmosphere,” while others compared the landscape to a “fairytale setting.”
At the same time, some social media users and local residents urged caution and advised visitors to respect safety rules, especially when traveling on slippery roads. Locals also welcomed the influx of tourists, noting that the increased influx has boosted local businesses and provided a much-needed economic boost.
Murree entry points partially reopened
Following heavy snowfall that blocked key access routes to Murree, the district administration on Sunday partially reopened the entry points to the hill station in a phased manner to manage traffic and ensure public safety.
Officials said access to local residents and tourists will be allowed gradually as snow clearing operations continue. Several major roads had previously been closed due to heavy snowfall, causing significant disruption for commuters and visitors.
The decision to partially reopen entry points was made after initial road clearing and a thorough assessment of prevailing conditions. Officials said the controlled entry system aims to prevent traffic congestion and minimize the risk of accidents on snow-covered roads.
A district administration spokesperson said heavy machinery is being deployed to clear snow from all major routes, with snow removal teams working around the clock to restore full access as quickly as possible.
However, traffic movement remains slow at several places due to thick layers of snow and slippery road surfaces. Motorists have been advised to exercise caution, strictly follow traffic warnings and avoid non-essential travel until road conditions fully improve.
Heavy snow paralyzes life in Galiyat
Normal life in tourist areas of Galiyat was severely disrupted on Sunday following heavy snowfall, which led to prolonged power outages, road blockages and communication outages, leaving both residents and tourists stranded, according to an APP report.
In view of the worsening situation, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Member Amina Sardar contacted Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram and Hazara Electricity Supply Company (HEZCO) CEO Qazi Tahir, urging them to expedite efforts to restore electricity, reopen roads and rescue stranded tourists.
Recent snowfall has led to complete closure of link roads across Circle Galiyat, while the power distribution system has been severely affected due to fallen poles and damaged transmission lines. The suspension of mobile phone services following the closure of cell towers has further cut off communication with the affected areas.
As a result, residents and tourists remain confined to homes and hotels, with daily life virtually paralyzed. Locals have reported severe shortages of medicines, essential foodstuffs and firewood, while prices of available goods have risen sharply, adding to public distress.
MPA Amina Sardar said the record snowfall had compounded the plight of the population, leaving people cut off from urban centers without electricity or mobile connectivity, while tourists also faced severe difficulties. He asked the administration to prioritize the restoration of basic services and relief measures.
Snowfall over the past two days has brought normal life to a standstill in Circle Galiyat, with hospitals and markets still inaccessible. Despite the presence of tourists who came to enjoy the snowfall, both visitors and residents continue to face serious challenges as the cold weather persists.
Snow clearing intensifies
Efforts to restore road connectivity in the Galiyat region were further intensified on Sunday as the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) continued large-scale snow clearing and road rehabilitation operations using heavy machinery.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Gohar Ali and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief) are present in Galiyat and are personally supervising the ongoing relief and restoration activities. Work to restore two-way traffic on the Galiyat-Murree highway is progressing at a rapid pace.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Galiyat Muhammad Tariq and Tehsildar Abbottabad are also at the scene, monitoring operations and coordinating clearance efforts.
