Murree to become Kohsar district

Murree: The Punjab government Monday gave green signal to suggestions of making Murree and other adjoining tourists spots a district—recommending ‘Kohsar’ as its new name. 

As per details, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has directed concerned authorities for establishment of the district as well as Koshar Development Authority. 

In this regard, the government has sought recommendations from Board of Revenue regarding limits of the Kohsar district.    

The new development authority will be responsible for rescue and relief operations in the area.

This comes two days after thousands of tourists stranded due to heavy snowfall, 22 of whom froze to death including women and children after the overnight blizzard pummeled Murree. 

The development is aimed at ensuring better administration and to further avoid such tragedy.

Punjab Chief Minister also sought a high-level inquiry, demanding a detailed report within week. 

Reports quoting sources said that indiscriminate action would also be taken against those responsible for negligence in the light of the report of inquiry committee.

According to the preliminary report that was submitted to Punjab Chief Minister Usman Bazdar on Sunday, the construction of main roads in Murree has not been repaired for previous two years while the other roads were blocked due to heavy snow. 

The report added that there were no machines of Highway Department for clearing snow from the exit routes as well as no arrangement of clearing snow on immediate basis were provided by the administration. 

The report further stated that the traffic was blocked due to falling tree in sixteen points. At least 21,000 vehicles were sent back, 22 people were killed in 4 to 5 vehicles, these people died due to excessive carbon monoxide. 

“The deaths occurred due to excess carbon monoxide. The power has been restored across 70% of the areas,” conveyed the report.