Murree gets historic uplift as Nawaz–Maryam approve mega development plan

• Nawaz Sharif, CM Maryam Nawaz chair key meeting at Government House Murree, approve multi-billion-rupee package, largest in Murree’s history

• Decide to develop Kotli Sattian as Punjab’s emerging newest, modern tourism hub with glass Train extension, monorail bidding and sky bridge boost tourism vision

• Illegal structures removed, heritage buildings restored, roads and parks expanded

LAHORE: A multi-billion-rupee development package — termed the largest in Murree’s history — was approved at a special meeting chaired by Pakistan Muslim League (N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The meeting, held at Government House Murree, reviewed the comprehensive Murree Development Plan, with Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb briefing participants on ongoing and proposed initiatives.

It was decided to develop Kotli Sattian as Punjab’s newest and most modern tourism hub. The chief minister approved 14 tourism schemes for the area, along with a new chairlift project. Plans also include an eco-friendly glamping pod village and resort, the establishment of Punjab’s first modern paragliding centre in Kotli Sattian, and the construction of a sky glass bridge to attract tourists.

The meeting further agreed to extend the Murree Glass Train project from Islamabad Airport to Muzaffarabad. Bidding for the monorail component will open in March. The glass train will operate along a 40-kilometre route from Lake View Park to the Murree Bus Stand.

Participants decided to establish a separate department dedicated to the preservation of Murree’s historical and cultural buildings, with heritage structures to be restored in accordance with their original design. Under a public-private partnership model, a Murree hotel complex will also be developed at a designated site.

Illegal three-storey buildings adversely affecting the natural landscape — including structures on Mall Road, Hall Road and Imtiaz Shaheed Road — have been removed. The reclaimed spaces are being converted into parks and green areas, while road expansion work has also been carried out in Upper Jhika Gali following the removal of encroachments.

The first phase of Murree’s rainwater harvesting project has been completed successfully, improving water supply for residents. In the second phase, an additional 3,000 homes will benefit. The chief minister directed authorities to initiate similar water conservation measures in Rawalpindi.

Upgradation and repair work on the Patriata chairlift is ongoing, while a 50-bed hospital has been established in Bhurban. Restoration work on 23 buildings and 76 shops on Mall Road has been completed. Construction and rehabilitation of 70 roads in Murree and adjoining areas has also been completed, with work underway on 120 additional roads in the second phase.

A principled decision was taken to upgrade Rawalpindi Road, Murree Road and Kashmir Road into state-of-the-art highways.

The chief minister commended Deputy Commissioner Zaher Shirazi and his team for their effective handling of recent snowfall. Modern machinery, including mechanical snow sweepers and heavy bulldozers, was deployed to clear roads promptly, ensuring minimal disruption for residents and tourists.

Officials said improved drainage arrangements following the establishment of WASA in Murree have brought relief to citizens, while a dedicated tourist force remains active to facilitate visitors.

Punjab CM extends Ramazan greetings

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz extended heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the arrival of the holy month of Ramazan, offering prayers for peace, stability and prosperity.

In her message marking the commencement of Ramazan, she urged the nation to offer special prayers for the country’s safety, progress and well-being during Sehr, Iftar and Taraweeh, noting that the Holy Quran teaches that even an atom’s weight of good will be duly rewarded.

She said the blessed month provides a unique opportunity to attain the pleasure, mercy and blessings of Allah Almighty, and prayed that Ramazan brings goodness, peace and stability to the entire Islamic world.

Appealing to the public to keep their tables open for deserving people during Sehr and Iftar, the chief minister said Ramazan instils the values of compassion, gratitude and generosity. She expressed gratitude to Allah for granting the opportunity to benefit from the holy month and prayed that it conveys a message of peace, development and prosperity for Pakistan.

Describing Ramazan as not only a month of worship but also a time to support the needy, she urged well-off individuals to care for deserving people in their surroundings.

She said under the Ramazan Nigehban Card programme, Rs10,000 is being provided to four million families, eliminating the need for people to stand in queues for ration as assistance is delivered directly to their doorsteps.

She added that arrangements for Sehr and Iftar have been made at more than 300 dastarkhwans across 147 districts, while Sahulat Bazaars across Punjab have been converted into Ramazan Bazaars to provide maximum relief to the public.