Tourists move towards Balakot after Murree declared calamity stricken

BALAKOT (92 News) – A large number of tourists reached Balakot after Murree was declared calamity stricken on Saturday.

About 95 percent hotels have been booked due to unexpected rush of people in the area.

Talking to 92 News, Mansehra Deputy Commissioner Qasim Ali said that Kaghan and Shogran have been closed for tourists. "A check-post has been established at Kawai to stop the tourists from moving further," he informed.

He said that only emergency vehicles will be allowed to move towards Kaghan. "It is our top priority to save the lives of locals and tourists. However, some people are still adamant to move ahead," he added.

The deputy commissioner said that heavy machinery was being used to remove snow from the routes. "The Balakot Highway has been cleared from Kaghan to Puldran. We are providing all possible facilities to the tourists," he added.