Following the deaths of at least 22 tourists owing to heavy snow storm, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Saturday declared an emergency in calamity-stricken Murree and directed all agencies concerned to conduct the rescue operation and evacuate stranded tourists on war footing.
He also allowed authorities to use Punjab government’s helicopter for rescue and relief operations. The helicopter has arrived in Islamabad and will take part in rescue operation when weather conditions improve, said an official statement.
The CM highlighted that an emergency had been declared in all departments, including police, administrative offices, Rescue 1122 and hospitals keeping in view the emergency in Murree.
The chief secretary, Inspector General of Police, relief commissioner, DG Rescue 1122 and DG PDMA had been directed to carry on relief activities on an emergency basis. Pakistan Army had also been called in to assist the civil administration for relief activities.
Buzdar said that evacuation of stranded tourists was the top priority of the government. DG Rescue 1122 had been directed to reach Murree to lead the rescue operation. Snow cutters and necessary machinery have been sent to Murree from Rawalpindi and other cities. “The lives of tourists are the most important,” the CM was quoted as saying.
He said that rescue operations have been accelerated to evacuate the tourists besides ensuring the provision of food items and other relief goods to them.
The chief minister expressed a deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives in Murree due to heavy snowfall. He extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences with the bereaved families of the deceased.
Later, an emergency meeting was also held with CM Buzdar in chair to review the situation that occurred in Murree due to heavy snowfall. The meeting reviewed in detail the ongoing rescue operation in the calamity-hit area.
He said that all the roads to Murree have been closed and the Punjab government is in close liaison with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in this regard.
Buzdar said that rest houses and government offices in Murree and the adjoining areas have been opened for tourists and police have been directed to deploy additional contingent in the hill station.
He said that government is in touch with Water and Power Development Authority authorities to restore electricity in Murree.
