LAHORE - Special Assistant to Chief Minister (SACM) Hassan Khawar Saturday said that the Punjab CM was personally supervising the relief operation in Murree.

“On the direction of Sardar Usman Buzdar, rest houses in and around Murree have been opened for the stranded tourists,” he said. “The Chief Minister is reviewing the situation while immediate restoration of traffic in Murree is among the top priorities of the government,” he added. “In this regard, the Chief Minister has also dedicated his helicopter for relief operations,” he stated.

Addressing a press conference here, he said that 21 people had been reported dead in Murree so far. He added that four to five feet of snow had fallen in Murree in the previous two days. “Besides officers of the administration and police, Law Minister Basharat Raja and Rescue 1122 DG were also present on the spot, and they were supervising the rescue operation,” he stated.

Hasaan Khawar said that a high level emergency meeting was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister in which the whole situation was reviewed and emergency was declared in and around Murree. He said that besides Rawalpindi, rescue teams from Jhelum and Attock were also taking part in the operation. “A control room has also been set up from where the situation is being monitored,” he added. He said that other agencies concerned including Army and Rangers were playing a vital role in that regard.

“On the other hand, it is being made possible to supply fuel and food to the tourists stranded in Murree so that they can reach their homes safely,” he maintained. He informed the media that in view of the weather forecast regarding Murree, the road from Islamabad to Murree was closed after a certain number of vehicles passed by while the KPK government was also requested for assistance. He said that the government’s focus was on relief and rescue. “Do not to travel to Murree until the situation improves,” appealed SACM to the masses.