FAHEEM ANWAR
RAWALPINDI: Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Taimoor Khan revealed on Saturday that during the three days of Eid-ul-Azha, a staggering total of 19,870 vehicles entered Murree, while 12,079 vehicles exited the hill station. Out of these, approximately 7,800 vehicles belonged to tourists, exceeding the parking capacity of Murree, which can accommodate only 4,000 vehicles.
In response to the overwhelming influx of vehicles, the administration and traffic police imposed a temporary ban on further entries to the hill station during the Eid holidays. However, this decision has faced strong criticism from the business community, who argue that the restrictions have had a detrimental impact on their businesses.
The business community asserts that the limitations on tourist entry have resulted in a significant decline in customer traffic, directly affecting their revenue streams. With the inability of tourists to access Murree, shopkeepers, hoteliers, and restaurant owners have expressed concern about the negative implications for their livelihoods.
As frustrations mount, business representatives call for a reconsideration of the administration’s approach, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between public safety and facilitating tourism. They urge collaborative efforts between the administration, traffic police, and local entrepreneurs to find viable solutions that ensure public health while supporting the economic interests of the business community.
In the face of this discontent, it becomes evident that efficient coordination is crucial to manage tourist influx without compromising the local economy. Murree’s future prosperity relies on finding sustainable strategies that accommodate tourists while maintaining order and safety in the hill station.
