Murree
declared calamity hit following death of 19 Tourists

Murree was declared as the calamity-hit area on Saturday after 19
tourists died of cold with thousands of cars stuck in the hill station.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said in a video statement after
his arrival in Murree that all roads leading to Murree were completely closed
till Sunday evening, only vehicles carrying food and blankets were allowed to
leave. Five platoons of the army have been called up in Murree.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that the administration has been trying to
evacuate the people trapped in Murree overnight, but more than a thousand
vehicles are still stuck in Murree.

He said that due to snowfall, a huge crisis has arisen. Despite efforts,
the roads could not be opened. Apart from the army, FC and Rangers personnel
have also been called in and people are being shifted to safer places.

He appealed to the people of Murree to help the tourists, provide them
with food and blankets.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said that he was monitoring the
situation.