Authorities in Murree have barred general public access to Mall Road and GPO Chowk, restricting entry to tourist families only, as the hill station braces for a surge of visitors over the Independence Day.
Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi issued the notification on the recommendation of the District Police Officer, with the restriction effective immediately and set to remain in place until August 16.
Officials said the move is aimed at easing congestion at Mall Road, long considered one of Murree’s most crowded and sensitive tourist zones, while helping police maintain order as visitor numbers climb during the holiday period.
The curbs apply specifically to Mall Road and GPO Chowk. Every other tourist site in Murree will stay fully accessible, with visitors free to move about without restriction.
Hawkers have also been permitted to operate alongside tourists at these alternative locations, giving them continued access to business even as Mall Road remains off-limits to the general public.
Police and district administration have deployed additional security personnel and put comprehensive arrangements in place to prevent any law-and-order incidents during the holiday rush.
Officials have urged tourists to cooperate with administration instructions and have directed them toward other popular destinations, including Patriata, Kashmir Point, and the Murree chairlift, as alternatives to Mall Road.
