Under the largest development programme in the history of Murree, a historic multi-billion rupee development package has been announced. The progress of the ambitious initiative was reviewed during a special meeting held at Government House Murree. The meeting was chaired by President of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, while Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb delivered a detailed briefing.
During the session, it was decided to transform Kotli Sattian into Punjab’s most modern tourism hub, with approval granted for 14 major tourism projects. Key initiatives include the establishment of an eco-friendly glamping pod village and resort, the province’s first state-of-the-art paragliding centre, a sky glass bridge, and a new chairlift project. Approval was also granted for the repair and upgradation of the Patriata chairlift.
In Bhurban, construction of a 50-bed hospital has been approved along with completion of a water supply scheme adjacent to the bus stand. Significant progress was reviewed on the Murree Glass Train Project, spanning a 40-kilometre route from Lake View Park to Murree Bus Stand. It was agreed that bidding for the monorail project will take place in March, with plans to extend the route from Islamabad Airport to Muzaffarabad.
The meeting also decided to establish a dedicated department for the restoration and preservation of historic buildings in their original architectural style. Renovation of 23 buildings and 76 shops on Mall Road has been completed. Under a public-private partnership model, a hotel complex will be constructed, while illegal three-storey buildings will be demolished to create parks and green areas. Roads in Upper Jhika Gali, Hall Road, and Imtiaz Shaheed Road will be widened to ease traffic congestion.
An additional supply of 2.8 million gallons of water has increased daily water availability in Murree from one hour to five to seven hours. The first phase of the rainwater harvesting project has been completed, while the second phase will benefit 3,000 households. Similar projects have also been directed for Rawalpindi.
Rehabilitation and development works include Bansra Gali Eco Forest Park, PIA Bagh Shaheedan, and the Botanical Garden. Multiple highways, including Murree Expressway to Patriata Road, will be upgraded to state-of-the-art standards. Seventy roads have been completed, and work continues on an additional 120 roads.
The Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Abbas Shirazi and his team were commended for exemplary arrangements during snowfall. Their performance in clearing snow promptly using modern snow sweepers and heavy bulldozers was praised. Briefings were also given on beautification initiatives by PHA, improved drainage through the establishment of WASA, and the activation of the Tourist Force to facilitate visitors.
Furthermore, 37 roads have been completed at a cost of Rs 3.98 billion. In Phase Two, 10 schemes worth Rs 4.66 billion will be undertaken, while under the Annual Development Programme, 10 more roads will be constructed at a cost of Rs 7.24 billion. With these wide-ranging initiatives, a new era of comprehensive development is being ushered in for Murree and its surrounding areas.
