MuRRee (MaLKa-E-KoHSaR) 5.25

Murree is a hill station and summer resort and the administrative center of Murree Tehsil, Pakistan, which is a subdivision of Rawalpindi District and includes the Murree Hills.


**Since independence of Pakistan**

Murree has expanded since 1947 at a rate much greater than that which its infrastructure can sustain, as has most of Pakistan due to its elite enjoying time off and accruing wealth in places like Muree. Securing water and electricity has been a constant challenge for anyone without significant wealth or influence. The jam-packed bazaar has caught fire a number of times, and the growth of tourism and a construction boom have had an adverse effect on the local natural environment.

**TRIBES**
The main tribe of Murree are the Abbasi, Rajas. Other tribes are the Syeds, Sheikhs, Khawajas, Kethwal Rajputs, the Dhanyals, Awans, Jasgam, Satti, Baig, Quraysh (tribe), mirza, Mengiral Rajput Jats, Kashmiri, Balti, and Barlas.


**ANIMALS**

Many rare animals can be found in Murree. One example is the leopard, which inhabits the neighboring Galiyat region. More common animals include the Rhesus Monkey, foxes and various species of birds. Pheasants, including the rare cheer and kalij, have occasionally been sighted.


**EDUCATION**

Murree has been known for its elitist educational institutions which have been attracting students from across the country since independence. Lawrence College Gora Gali, established as Lawrence Memorial Asylum in 1860 for children of serving or retired British soldiers away from tropical climate of sub-continent. It was part of chain of four such schools established across British India. Spread over an area of more than 150 acres at an altitude of 6397 feet (1950 meters) Lawrence College provides education from class one to twelve including A level and O level and is popular among Pakistani upper classes. Other colleges established during the British period for the children of British colonialist but now serving the Pakistani gentry include Saint Dynes and Convent of Jesus and Mary. Other schools established after independence include Cadet College Lower Topa, Cadet College Murree Pindi Point, Chinar Army Public School & college.


**RELIGION**
Islam is the main religion. However, there is also a Christian presence; churches from the British Era can be found in Murree and Nathia Gali.


**Localities & Union Councils**
Rawalpindi District
Circle Bakote
Mukeshpuri
Abbottabad
Ayubia
Bhurban
Birote
Dewal
Changla Gali
Dunga Gali
Gulehra Gali
Ghora Gali
Bansra Gali
Jhika Gali
Khaira Gali
Mohra Sharif
Nathia Gali
Sehr Bagla
Patriata
Thandiani
Karore
Phagwari
Las Kothar