RAWALPINDI: The district government has imposed a complete ban on the entry of tourists to Murree from May 8 to 16, aimed at containing the coronavirus.

The decision has been taken in light of meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) where important decisions were taken by the body.

Addressing a joint presser on ThursdayDeputy Commissioner Rawalpindi retired Capt Anwaarul Haq Mughal and SSP Operations Rana Shohaib Mehmood said the government had banned entry of all the tourists in Murree as per directions of NCOC from May 8 to 16.

They said all the tourists who have planned to celebrate Eid in Murree should cancel their visit to hill station as the entry is banned by the government. They said the hotel owners and other businessmen in Murree have been taken on board by the government and they would not open hotels during lockdown.

Check posts will be set up on the roads leading to Murree with deployment of 500 policemen and Rangers to maintain law and order situation, the said.

DC said the ratio of coronavirus patient went down due to effective lockdown. He said the district government is enjoying good relations with traders.

He said if the people and traders followed SOPs the lockdown would be lifted by the government.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Saddar Mehar Ghulam Abbas, following the orders of DC, along with police have carried out raids at Adiala Road and held scores of shopkeepers and traders involved in violation of SOPs.

All the detained persons have been shifted to Police Station Saddar Bairooni while AC had also issued fine tickets to violators.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2021