Following KP, fog has also engulfed different parts of Punjab as two major sections of the motorway were closed for traffic on Tuesday morning due to poor visibility. M-5, a section of the motorway, was declared off limits for traffic from Sher Shah Interchange to Zahir Pir. Meanwhile, on the M-1, a section of the motorway connecting Islamabad to Peshawar, the stretch from Peshawar to Rashakai had also to be shut due to near-zero visibility.

However, later as the conditions improved, the section from Rashakai to Burhan, and further towards Islamabad, was reopened for traffic. Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed said the closures were necessary to protect lives and property amid hazardous weather conditions. The spokesman advised motorists to travel only during daytime.

He further advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel and contact the Motorway helpline 130 for guidance or assistance during fog-related disruptions. Fog was also reported along the National Highway, particularly in Basti Malook, Lodhran and Bahawalpur, where visibility remains extremely poor. On the other hand, the provincial capital, Lahore, dropped to seventh position in the ranking of the world’s most polluted cities as the AQI in the city on Tuesday plummeted to 182.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)