Several tourists were left stranded in their cars for hours in Murree and Galyat after heavy snowfall blocked the roads, stopping the flow of travellers to the popular winter destination in Pakistan.

The entry of tourists to Murree was closed from 17 miles due to snowfall, the Office of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad said in a post on X on Wednesday night.

Due to the slippery road, many vehicles were reportedly stuck on the Murree Expressway.

“Murree Expressway, 17km, to Lower Topa, 54km, near Murree, is closed for traffic due to snowfall,” the National Highways & Motorway Police said in a post on X on Wednesday.

More rain with snow is predicted in the country from January 31st Jan to February 4, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said in a statement on Tuesday.

Murree already has a large number of tourists at this time, he said and added that the decision was taken after consultation with the management.

“Tourists will be allowed to enter Murree once the rush subsides,” he said.

The deputy commissioner said that residents of Murree and suburbs would be allowed to go after showing their identity card. He urged the citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to the area.

Meanwhile, snowfall continued in the upper parts of the country.

The Met Office added that a westerly wave was affecting the country and might persist till February 4. Under the influence of this weather system, rain with snow is expected in Murree and Galliyat on February 4 with occasional gaps.

The PMD warned that moderate to isolated heavy rain and snowfall might cause landslides and closure of roads in Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli.

It advised tourists to remain cautious during the spell.

A video shared by Rawalpindi Police on social media showed that policemen controlled the flow of traffic in Murree.

Due to heavy snowfall, land connectivity of Neelum Valley has been cut off from other areas while the public transport system in Lipa Valley has been badly affected.

Moreover, an avalanche fell on Lipa Road. The road maintenance was facing difficulties because of the weather.

The Mansehra Police deployed additional personnel on roads leading to Naran and Kaghan to assist the tourists.