July 30, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 26, 1429

MURREE, July 29: The traditionally chaotic traffic of Murree has transformed in recent weeks, but only on weekends when Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif visits the hill resort, almost regularly, to escape the sizzling provincial capital of Lahore.

As Mr Sharif makes the most of his ‘leisure time’, scores of recently deputed traffic wardens efficiently regulate the traffic and even clear vehicles from ‘no parking’ zones, leaving the winding roads open for smooth driving.

However, the snarl-free situation is short-lived because when the provincial chief leaves Murree, vehicles are again bumper to bumper and traffic congestion grips the mountain town.

Large number of vehicles are seen parked on both sides of the roads, creating hurdles in the smooth flow of traffic.

Influential people enjoy the privilege of parking their vehicles by the roadside without any fear of the traffic police taking any action. Similarly, several taxis are parked all around the famous GPO Chowk.

Parking is a big problem in Murree as during the last couple of years, a lot of illegal buildings have been constructed in the small town and almost all of them lack parking lots. Not a single parking plaza has been constructed in Murree.