With the arrival of tourists in the snowy areas an unusual increase has been witnessed in the prices of snow chains and hotel rents that is causing serious difficulties for both locals and visitors.
According to local sources the prices of snow chains used for vehicle tires have increased by up to Rs10,000 while an artificial shortage has also been created in the market.
Large quantities of snow chains are being supplied from cities to snowfall-hit areas that is resulting in a lack of availability for local buyers.
Meanwhile tourists visiting to enjoy snowfall are facing heavy charges from hotel management.
In various areas the rent for hotel rooms has reached up to Rs40,000 per night prompting strong concerns from tourists.
Citizens have complained that hotel owners are charging arbitrary rates and the relevant authorities have remained silent on the issue.
PMD forecasts cold, dry weather across most parts of country
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast cold and dry weather across most parts of the country over the next 24 hours and hilly areas will continue to experience very cold conditions.
The Met Office said fog may develop during early morning hours in several districts of north-east Punjab, including Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Jhang and Sargodha. The fog may affect road traffic and daily activities.
Islamabad is expected to remain cold and dry. Most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also experience cold and dry weather and Chitral, Dir, Swat and nearby areas may see partly cloudy conditions with chances of light rain and light snowfall during the evening and night.
Punjab will continue to experience cold and dry weather, with very cold conditions likely in Murree, Galiyat and adjoining areas. Sindh is also expected to remain cold and dry across most districts.
In Balochistan, the PMD has forecast cold and dry weather in most areas, with very cold conditions in northern districts. Cold winds are likely to blow in many areas during the afternoon.
Kashmir will remain very cold and dry, while Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to experience very cold weather with partly cloudy skies.
Also read: PMD forecasts cold, dry weather across most parts of country
