Section 144 in Murree on 14 August, 2025
Every year, Independence Day brings a festive rush to Murree—especially around Mall Road and GPO Chowk. To keep things orderly and safe this year, the district administration has enforced Section 144 in Murree from August 12 to August 14, 2025. The order focuses on crowd control at key tourist spots and prioritizes family access.
At a glance (what visitors need to know)
- Effective dates: August 12–14, 2025.
- Where it applies most visibly: Mall Road and GPO Chowk, Murree.
- Who can enter these spots: Only tourist families will be allowed during the enforcement period.
- Why it’s in place: To manage holiday crowds and maintain public order during Independence Day celebrations.
Penalty for violations: Offenders may face action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code per the official caution.
What is Section 144—and what does it usually restrict?
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) empowers the local administration to issue immediate orders in the interest of public safety and order—most commonly restricting public gatherings or specific activities in designated areas for a set time. Authorities across Pakistan use it during high-risk periods to avoid overcrowding or unrest.
What exactly has been ordered in Murree?
According to the district administration’s Independence Day plan, only families are permitted to enter Mall Road and GPO Chowk during Aug 12–14. The Deputy Commissioner’s decision followed security and crowd-management assessments ahead of the holiday. Violations can invite legal action, with the media citing possible prosecution under Section 188 PPC.
Does Section 144 close Murree to all visitors?
No. The order does not shut Murree; it restricts access to specific hotspots and prioritizes families at those locations to prevent overcrowding. General movement and travel to and from Murree remain open, subject to routine checks and traffic control. (Plan for detours and allow extra time.)
Why has Murree done this now?
Murree typically experiences a heavy influx around August 14. The administration’s stated aim this year is crowd control and public safety—managing footfall at signature venues while keeping the holiday atmosphere intact. Similar holiday or event-period restrictions are common across Pakistan when large gatherings are expected.
If you’re visiting between Aug 12 and 14—do this
- Travel with family if you plan to visit Mall Road/GPO Chowk, as these areas are family-only during the order. Keep CNICs handy for quick verification at checkpoints.
- Arrive earlier in the day. Morning/early afternoon entries are usually smoother on holiday weekends.
- Use official parking and follow wardens’ directions. It reduces delays and the risk of being turned back from restricted stretches.
- Book stays near your planned activities. If Mall Road is your focus, choose accommodation within walking distance to avoid multiple checkpoints.
- Expect traffic management. Peak hours around the 14th are busy; factor in buffer time for scenic stops and weather-related slowdowns.
- Be courteous at checks. Enforcement teams are prioritizing safety and throughput; cooperation speeds things up for everyone.
What you should avoid
- Attempting to access Mall Road/GPO Chowk if you’re not with family—this is the core restriction and is being actively enforced.
- Gathering in large groups or creating bottlenecks near choke points and intersections. (Large, ad-hoc gatherings are generally restricted whenever Section 144 is in force.)
- Ignoring wardens/police instructions. Non-compliance can lead to penalties under the order (media have flagged Section 188 PPC as applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
August 12–14, 2025, with special emphasis on Mall Road and GPO Chowk in Murree.
The administration has stated only families are allowed to enter Mall Road/GPO Chowk during the order. You can still visit Murree, but you may be restricted from these specific hotspots until the order ends.
Authorities have warned of legal action, with reports referencing Section 188 PPC for violations.
To manage the Independence Day crowd surge and maintain public safety in the hill station’s highest-density zones.
