Murree will be under tight security control during the Independence Day period as the administration enforces Section 144 for three days to manage crowds and avert possible security risks.
Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi confirmed that the order will be in place from 12 to 14 August 2025. For the duration, entry to Mall Road and GPO Chowk will be allowed only for families.
The District Intelligence Committee, in a meeting held on 30 July, had advised urgent precautions, warning that the upcoming four-day weekend could attract massive gatherings that might become difficult to control.
The hill station, located about an hour’s drive from Islamabad, is a favourite destination for tourists, particularly during public holidays. However, its narrow roads and limited facilities have often led to congestion and, at times, dangerous situations.
The administration has cautioned that those who defy the order will face immediate legal proceedings under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Security forces will be stationed at key locations to ensure the restrictions are followed.
Murree has a history of crowd-related incidents, including the January 2022 disaster when 23 people died after being trapped in their vehicles during a severe snowstorm. That event triggered national debate on tourist safety and the need for stricter management during peak seasons.