Was Murree Really Closed During Lockdown on Eid?

Nationwide covid-19 restrictions were enforced during Eid holidays and residents were banned from visiting beaches, parks, and other recreational spots but a viral video showed Khurrum Sohail Khan Laghari, a member of Punjab Assembly, trying to enter Murree despite lockdown.

Murree police officials informed News360 that all in and outbound routes of Murree were cordoned off and pickets were set up by the police to prevent tourists from entering the spot during the lockdown on Eid.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi Rai Mazhar Iqbal said that Khurrum Sohail Laghari was allowed to enter Murree based on providing proof of residence.

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“Due to the recent restrictions announced by the government, only residents of the tourist spot are allowed to enter”, he added.

He further informed that the residents were required to provide their identity cards to get a permit for entry.

“During lockdown, traffic police forged special arrangements to ensure the implementation of guidelines”, he told.

Rai Mazhar was of the view that compliance with orders to combat the deadly virus was the same for all residents irrespective of their age and class.

“Traffic wardens are serving on the highways and thoroughfares to protect the citizens”.

All major highways in and around Murree, including Mall Road, remained deserted during the ban on entry to the tourist spots in the area.

The police officers deployed at all intersections prevented hundreds of vehicles and strict action was taken against those violating the SOPs.

On the other hand, all restaurants, shopping centers, and hotels remained closed in the vicinity as well.

However, as reported by Daily Jang, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tourist attraction Nathia Gali remained shut for tourism but Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the spot and pulled off Eid celebrations with his family.