Punjab CM Usman Buzdar orders to rescue all tourists from Murree before night

LAHORE (92 News) – Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has ordered to expedite the rescue operation and rescue all tourists from Murree by night.

An emergency meeting was held to review the situation that occurred in Murree due to heavy snowfall. The meeting reviewed in detail the ongoing rescue operation in Murree.

The chief minister directed the Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police and Secretary C&W to further accelerate the relief activities and rescue operation to evacuate the tourists stuck in Murree. He said that all the roads to Murree have been closed and the Punjab government is in close liaison with the KPK government. He further directed to utilize all resources for the safe evacuation of tourists before the night.

Usman Buzdar said that rest houses and government offices in Murree and the adjoining areas have been opened for tourists trapped in Murree due to heavy snowfall. He said that Murree has been declared calamity stricken and emergency has been imposed in the area. Police has been directed to deploy additional contingent in Murree and the army has also been called for relief activities.

He said that the government is in touch with WAPDA authorities to restore electricity in Murree. "Relief supplies are being provided to the tourists on a priority basis. Vehicles carrying food items and medicines are allowed to enter Murree."

The chief minister also directed the administration to ensure the supply of food items and medicines by all means. He said that necessary machinery has also been sent to Murree from other cities. Usman Buzdar said that he is personally monitoring the situation and the government is making serious efforts to complete the rescue operation before night. All the machinery of the Punjab government is being utilized in rescue operations in Murree. On the directions of the chief minister, control rooms have been set up in Commissioner's Office Rawalpindi and PDMA. Moreover, Secretary C&W has been left for Murree. Spokesperson Punjab Government Hasaan Khawar, Chief Secretary Punjab, Inspector General Police, Principal Secretary to CM and concerned officers participated in the meeting.