Travel Advisory Issued for Murree as Snowfall Brings Chill and Safety Warnings

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts that a strong westerly wave will continue bringing rain, wind, and thunderstorms to the upper parts of the country until Friday, with moderate to heavy snowfall expected over hills in areas like Murree, Galliyat, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Key Highlights

• Light to moderate rain hit Rawalpindi-Islamabad Thursday evening; mercury fell to 3°C, disrupting evening routines.
• Snowfall began in Murree late Thursday; more expected today (January 23, 2026) with possible heavy falls.
• PMD warns of road closures, slippery conditions, flash floods in nullahs, and landslides/avalanches in hilly areas (Murree, Naran, Kaghan, Swat, Chitral, Neelum Valley, etc.).
• Murree traffic police advisory: Mandatory tyre chains in snow/slippery conditions; full vehicle check (brakes, tyres, lights); no double lines, roadside parking, or selfies; complete ban on mobile use while driving.
• Deputy Commissioner Murree: Salt spreading on roads underway; use only designated routes.
• Tourists advised to avoid unnecessary travel; stay extra cautious during forecast period.

The rain turned roads slushy and muddy in Rawalpindi, especially where ongoing construction (Kutchery Chowk, 6th Road, Raja Bazaar) left dug-up streets and dumped soil. Pedestrians and motorcyclists faced the worst, while many people stayed indoors, slowing business in main markets and bazaars. Food spots thrived, with crowds flocking to fried fish, soups, and gajar ka halwa vendors in Saddar, Chandni Chowk, and other areas.

Snow fall in Murree. Clearance operation underway. A lady officer Shaheera Naveed XEN Mechanical is leading the operation. Shabash ! pic.twitter.com/B98TJoZR0W

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 22, 2026

Safety First for Murree Visitors

Murree, a favorite winter getaway for families from across Punjab, drew large crowds ahead of the snowfall. But with fresh snow comes real hazards — icy roads, poor visibility, and the risk of skidding. The City Traffic Police Murree, under Chief Traffic Officer Imran Razaq, has put in place foolproof arrangements and stressed simple precautions: check vehicles thoroughly, fit tyre chains if needed, park only in designated spots, and keep phones away while driving. Even a moment’s distraction can lead to serious trouble on these winding hill paths.

Despite continuous snowfall since last night, the Punjab Government’s machinery remains fully active in Murree. Timely road clearance is ensuring convenience for tourists. pic.twitter.com/fp6jvPsYsA

— Bilal Rizwan (@BilalRixwan1) January 23, 2026

What This Means for Travelers

For ordinary Pakistanis planning a quick trip to enjoy the snow or escape the plains’ chill, the message is clear: plan carefully and prioritize safety. The Met Office and local authorities are working to keep roads passable and inform the public, but heavy weather can change plans fast. If you’re heading to Murree or other hill stations, follow the advisory, travel during daylight if possible, and stay updated on weather alerts.

As winter deepens, these timely warnings help protect lives and ensure the joy of snowfall remains safe for everyone. Stay warm, stay alert, and enjoy responsibly.

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