Murree Residents and Political Parties Unite Against Development Plan

In Murree, Pakistan, political parties and local traders have come together to oppose the Murree Development Plan introduced by the Punjab government. They fear it could lead to job losses and affect local livelihoods. The protest, described as a 'grand jirga,' included parties like PPP and PTI, while PML-N boycotted the event. Despite restrictions, a large crowd gathered, causing road blockages for hours.

A shutter-down strike is planned for December 27, urging the government to avoid taking jobs or land unjustly. A committee was formed to create a joint action plan against the development plan, which threatens to demolish 200-year-old bazaars in Jhika Gali and The Mall, displacing locals.

Key figures in the committee include Tufail Ikhlaq, Nasir Abbasi, Raja Nadeem, Umar Naveed Satti, Irfan Almas Abbasi, Nauman Abid Abbasi, Saifullah Saifi, Murtaza Satti, Mehreen Anwar Raja, and Shafqat Abbasi. Former PTI MNA Sadaqat Abbasi emphasized the unity of parties against the plan, which aims to close historic bazaars and acquire land forcibly.

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi criticized the government's actions, highlighting the unfair treatment of locals compared to elites. He urged the government to consult residents before proceeding. Other speakers accused the government of pressuring shopkeepers and hotel owners to sell their land.

Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Sherazi stated that the protest was allowed and explained that the development plan aims to beautify Murree and attract visitors. The plan includes relocating hotels, restoring historical names, and removing obstructive buildings. The Punjab government approved the plan in June, which also features a tourist glass train project.