RAWALPINDI: Mock exercises were conducted in Murree with the objective of evaluating the preparedness and overall operational readiness of all relevant departments to effectively handle emergencies arising during snowfall and adverse weather conditions.
Under the direction of Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) organised mock emergency exercises in preparation for the 2026-27 winter and snowfall season.
The drills included practical demonstrations of various response operations, such as: reaching citizens and tourists stranded in the snow; relocating affected individuals to safe areas; providing emergency shelter; responding promptly to traffic accidents; delivering medical aid to those affected; clearing roads blocked by congestion; removing snow from highways; clearing fallen trees, electricity poles and utility lines from roads; and restoring traffic flow in the event of landslides.
PDMA Punjab, Rescue 1122, Police Department, Civil Defence, Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) force, the Punjab Tourism Squad, the Highway Department, the Health Department, the Forest Department, the Meteorological Department, the Municipal Corporation, Wapda, and other relevant allied departments participated actively in the mock exercises, utilising their available resources. Heads of all the participating departments were also present on the occasion.
Multi-agency exercises to enable proactive response during winter, ensure tourist safety
District Emergency Officer for Rescue 1122, Engineer Kamran Rashid, briefed Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Kamran Sagheer on the various stages of the mock exercises and provided a briefing on the response mechanism.
Speaking on the occasion, the additional deputy commissioner stated that the district administration’s top priority is to ensure the provision of all possible facilities and prompt assistance to both tourists visiting Murree and local residents during the snowfall season.
To this end, personnel from the allied departments will diligently perform their duties at all facilitation centres, and instructions have been issued for all relevant departments to remain on high alert.
He further added that such emergency mock exercises strengthen coordination and synergy among various agencies, enabling proactive preparedness for unforeseen situations such as heavy snowfall or severe weather.
He expressed satisfaction with the ‘Snowfall Season Emergency Response Plan’ prepared by the District Disaster Management Authority.
He directed all relevant departments to maintain mutual communication and effective coordination, ensuring that, through a well-devised strategy during the winter and snowfall season, the safety, convenience, and timely assistance of citizens and tourists are guaranteed.
Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2026
