Heavy snowfall and rain have forced the closure of educational institutions in several districts of Galiyat and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, officials confirmed on Monday.
In Abbottabad, all public and private schools in the Galiyat region will remain closed for four days due to heavy snowfall. This includes institutions in union councils such as Barangli, Nagri Bala, Nathia Gali, Tajwal Pattan Kalan, Kokum, Namli Mira, and Khaira Gali. The District Education Officer, Iftikharul Ghani, has issued a notification mandating the closure of schools in Galiyat until March 7, with subordinate officers directed to ensure compliance. Ghani had previously recommended a three-day holiday to safeguard student well-being.
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Similarly, authorities in Azad Kashmir have announced a school holiday in five districts for tomorrow. Poonch Commissioner Sardar Waheed confirmed that all schools in four districts of the Poonch Division will be closed, while Muzaffarabad Division Commissioner Masoodur Rehman declared a holiday for all schools in the Neelum district. Tourists have been advised to avoid traveling to Neelum and Leepa Valleys due to hazardous road conditions.
Rescue teams and local administrations are on high alert, actively clearing snow-covered roads and ensuring public safety. In Murree, heavy snowfall has led to road closures and travel restrictions, prompting district authorities to ban tourist entry. The Murree Expressway has been closed from the 17th Mile Toll Plaza, while the Highway Department is working to clear the roads using machinery and salt to prevent vehicles from slipping on icy surfaces. The severe weather has also disrupted electricity supplies, and dense fog combined with strong winds has intensified the cold wave. Tourist numbers in Murree remain low, partly due to Ramadan.
Galiyat DSP Imtiaz noted that these measures are essential for public safety as snowfall has made roads impassable, advising tourists to refrain from traveling until conditions improve. Additionally, entry from Barian and Harno into Galiyat has been banned amid potential hazards caused by extreme weather.
