Multi-billion rupee Murree development package approved

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Feb, 2026) A multi-billion-rupee development package, described as the largest in Murree’s history, was approved at a special meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at Government House Murree on Wednesday.

The meeting reviewed the Murree Development Plan, with Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb briefing participants on ongoing and proposed projects, said a handout issued here.

It was decided to develop Kotli Sattian as Punjab’s newest and most modern tourism hub. The chief minister approved 14 tourism schemes for the area, including a new chairlift project, an eco-friendly glamping pod village and resort, Punjab’s first modern paragliding centre and a sky glass bridge for tourists.

The forum also agreed to extend the Murree Glass Train project from Islamabad International Airport to Muzaffarabad. Bidding for the monorail component will open in March. The train will operate on a 40-kilometre route from Lake View Park to the Murree Bus Stand.

Participants decided to establish a separate department for preservation of Murree’s historical and cultural buildings and to restore heritage structures in their original design. Under a public-private partnership, a hotel complex will also be constructed at a designated site.

Illegal multi-storey buildings affecting the natural landscape, including those on Mall Road, Hall Road and Imtiaz Shaheed Road, have been removed and the space converted into parks and green areas.

Road expansion has also been carried out in Upper Jhika Gali following removal of encroachments.

The first phase of a rainwater harvesting project has been completed, benefiting local residents through improved water supply, while 3,000 homes will benefit in the second phase. The chief minister directed authorities to initiate similar measures in Rawalpindi.

Upgradation and repair work on the Patriata chairlift is under way, a 50-bed hospital has been established in Bhurban, and restoration of 23 buildings and 76 shops on Mall Road has been completed. Construction and rehabilitation of 70 roads in Murree and adjoining areas have been completed, while 120 roads are under development in the second phase.

A principled decision was also taken to upgrade Rawalpindi, Murree and Kashmir Road into state-of-the-art highways.

The chief minister commended Deputy Commissioner Zaher Shirazi and his team for ensuring smooth operations during recent snowfall, as modern machinery, including mechanical snow sweepers and heavy bulldozers, was used to promptly clear roads. Officials said improved drainage arrangements following the establishment of WASA in Murree had provided relief to citizens, while a dedicated tourist force remained active to facilitate visitors.