Murree saw an overwhelming rush of visitors on Independence Day, with over 53,000 vehicles heading to the hill station — more than ten times its official parking capacity of just 5,000 cars.
Traffic police say the sheer volume was challenging but largely manageable thanks to heavy deployment of personnel. More than 200 officers were stationed across the city, while senior officials, including Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Waseem Akhtar and Murree Traffic Officer Sohail Shahzad, personally monitored the situation.
Cars Came in Waves, Not All at Once
Although 53,000 vehicles entered Murree throughout the day, police estimate that only 6,000 to 9,000 were in town at any one time, as many visitors left after a short stay. This rolling influx helped prevent total gridlock. All main roads reportedly stayed open.
Extra Rules for the Holiday
To improve safety, authorities checked driving licenses at entry points and turned away motorcyclists without helmets. Access to the popular Mall Road was restricted to families only. Tourists also received pamphlets reminding them to follow traffic laws and use only designated parking areas.
GPO Chowk, however, remained a bottleneck due to heavy foot traffic, causing periodic slowdowns. Officers repeatedly urged drivers to avoid double-lane driving and roadside parking for photography — two habits that often choke Murree’s already narrow roads.
Monsoon Advisory for Travelers
With monsoon rains making roads slippery, traffic police issued special safety guidelines. Public transport operators were told to ensure vehicles were roadworthy, with functioning wipers and lights. Tourists were advised to use suitable vehicles, avoid speeding, and steer clear of risky overtaking.
“Murree’s roads are all two-way — creating double lines or blocking lanes for pictures only disrupts the flow for everyone,” CTO Akhtar reminded visitors, adding that cooperation with wardens was key to a safe and pleasant trip.
Despite the crush of visitors, traffic police maintain that order was preserved, and most tourists were able to enjoy their holiday without major delays.