Interior Minister Sheikh
"Between 16-19 people died in their vehicles last night and the rest are safe and being evacuated," Rashid said.
He said that rescue operations were underway and weather conditions permitting, helicopters will be sent to the area to evacuate those still stranded there.
The government of Punjab province, where Murree is located, said in a statement that more than 23,000 stranded vehicles were evacuated from the area on Friday night.
"Apart from police, 5 platoons of foot soldiers of the army have been called in" to evacuate the vehicles that are still stuck, Rashid explained.
The minister said that all the roads leading to the famous resort have been closed till Sunday evening and the police were stopping tourists from going to the area by foot.
Only emergency vehicles and those carrying blankets and food for the stranded tourists have been allowed to enter the area.
Videos circulated on social media show people getting out of their vehicles and walking in search of shelter.
According to local media reports, seven family members are also among the victims.
Its easy access and proximity to
Rashid said that locals have been providing blankets and food to the stranded tourists.
The military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations, said in a statement that troops are helping the civilian administration in rescuing the tourists.
Army engineers have reached the area and snow removal machines are clearing the roads, it added.
The meteorological department said that a total of 34 inches of snowfall (864 mm) was recorded between
The temperature overnight in Murree was minus 1 degree Celsius.
"There was heavy snowfall because of intense weather conditions and last night was the peak but it will continue till tomorrow,"
Eleven flights to and from
"Yesterday, three flights of
A westerly weather system of strong winds has caused an intermittent rain spell across almost the entire country during the last four days, which has led to the suspension and diversion of flights.
Heavy snowfall has also caused road closures in parts of the country including the
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