Rawalpindi: A important meeting of the District Emergency Board, chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, was held on Wednesday to review preparations for the winter season and potential snowfall, focusing on measures to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists, as well as emergency response arrangements.
Officials from all relevant departments briefed the board on their preparedness, covering emergency action plans, snow removal machinery availability, traffic management, rescue and medical facilities, as well as power and gas supply, and tourist guidance.
DC Shirazi stressed that all departments must remain on high alert, with their field presence ensured at all times. He directed that help desks and facilitation centres for tourists be fully operational, and that heavy machinery for immediate snow clearance be kept ready. Additionally, personnel from Rescue 1122, traffic police, civil defence, and health departments were instructed to coordinate efforts under a joint strategy.
“Special teams should be deployed at tourist sites to respond swiftly to any emergencies,” Shirazi said. “It’s vital that real-time updates are shared with tourists through social media, FM radio, and other media channels to keep them informed about the situation.”
The meeting also decided to issue instructions to all hotels and guesthouses to improve their arrangements for tourists, ensuring a steady supply of food, medicines, fuel, electricity, gas, and water. The DC stressed that communication systems and emergency control rooms must remain fully operational to serve citizens.
In addition, the deputy commissioner advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during snowfall, carry tyre chains, warm clothing, essential food, and medicines in their vehicles, and drive cautiously. He urged the public to avoid crowding and to immediately contact Rescue 1122 or the district control rooms in case of emergencies.
The Rescue Control Room can be reached at 051-9330016, 051-9330025, while the District Control Room can be contacted at 051-9269016, 051-9269018.
The meeting was attended by District Police Officer, Chief Traffic Officer, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Assistant Commissioner of Murree and Kotli Sattian, SP Motorway Police, District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122, Divisional Forest Officer, Highway Department, Building Department, Special Branch, NHA, Health Department, Civil Defence, WAPDA, Waste Management, and other departmental heads.