Punjab CS reviews preparedness ahead of Murree snowfall

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Ahead of a forecast snowfall in Murree, Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman on Tuesday directed district authorities and concerned departments to remain on high alert to prevent disruptions and ensure the safety of tourists.
Chairing a meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the chief secretary reviewed preparedness measures, including snow clearance operations, traffic management plans, and public facilitation arrangements during the expected snowfall.
Officials informed the meeting that snow-clearing machinery had been positioned and was ready for immediate deployment. Salt spreading and clearance operations will commence as soon as snowfall begins to keep roads accessible.
Zaman instructed authorities to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and keep heavy machinery fully operational throughout the snowfall period. He also stressed the importance of timely and accurate public information to guide tourists and prevent congestion and traffic bottlenecks.
Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar briefed the meeting that additional police personnel would be deployed from Lahore to support Murree police in traffic control and maintaining law and order.
The deputy commissioner of Murree said 13 tourist facilitation centres had already been established, while a dedicated control room had been activated to monitor the situation round the clock.
The meeting was attended by secretaries of relevant departments, including finance, communication and works, tourism, and Rescue 1122, as well as the director general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). The Rawalpindi commissioner, regional police officer, deputy commissioner, and district police officer of Murree joined the meeting via video link.