Time was when Mall Road Murree was the most attractive spot for tourists from all over the country. It was thronged by them for evening walks. A band played lilting tunes at the entrance of SAMS, a restaurant located right in its middle which was famous for its pastries and tea.
Visitors not wearing jackets and neck ties weren’t allowed entry into the SAMS.
Presence of Lollywood Film Stars in this Restaurant was a common sight.
There were two Cinema Houses on the Mall Road which are now closed since long.
There weren’t too many hotels on the Mall unlike today. The Cecil was the only exception.
Over the years there has been a mushroom growth of hotels on the Mall which has played havoc with the scenic beauty of Murree.
In the years gone by, Murree used to be ideal location for film Directors of the country to shoot films in its lush green forests , particularly film songs.
President Ayub Khan had taken a fancy to Murree and he preferred to stay there in Sumner instead of Nathiagali.
Prime minister Mian Nawaz sharif and now her daughter Maryam, Chief Minister of the Panjab too have also developed a liking for this Hill station which is billed as Wueen of the Hills.
Small wonder both of them took exception to the grown and growing encroachments on government land in Murree in a high level meeting at Murree the other day which have spoiled the beauty of it.
Let us hope that the decisions taken by them for the restoration of scenic beauty of Murree will be translated into reality soon.
