Lahore:
Large parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain under the grip of dense fog, severely affecting traffic flow on major motorways and national highways and causing widespread inconvenience to commuters. Reduced visibility has forced authorities to shut down several key motorway sections to prevent accidents, while air quality across multiple cities has deteriorated to alarming levels.
According to motorway police, thick fog and extremely low visibility led to the closure of Motorway M-2 from Lahore to Kot Momin, M-3 from Faizpur to Darkhana, M-4 from Pindi Bhattian to Multan, and M-5 from Multan to Zahir Pir. In addition, traffic on the Lahore–Sialkot Motorway (M-11) has remained suspended since last night due to persistent foggy conditions.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Motorway M-1 from Peshawar to Rashakai has also been closed as visibility dropped to dangerously low levels. Authorities stated that these closures are precautionary measures aimed at ensuring the safety of motorists, as dense fog significantly increases the risk of road accidents, especially during early morning and late-night hours.
Motorway police officials have advised travelers to postpone non-essential journeys and, where travel is unavoidable, to use fog lights, maintain safe distances, and drive at reduced speeds. They have also urged commuters to stay updated through official advisories before setting out on long-distance travel.
The prolonged spell of fog has not only disrupted road traffic but has also added to the challenges posed by worsening air pollution in several cities. According to data released by an international environmental monitoring website, particulate matter (PM2.5) levels reached hazardous levels in multiple urban centers. Bahawalpur recorded an alarming PM2.5 concentration of 687, followed by Faisalabad at 488, Peshawar at 450, Gujranwala at 293, and Lahore at 191. These figures far exceed safe limits and pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels can lead to breathing difficulties, eye irritation, reduced lung function, and an increased risk of heart disease. Citizens have been advised to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and keep windows closed during peak pollution hours.
The dense fog and smog situation has also impacted other modes of transportation. In recent days, flight schedules at various airports in Punjab have been disrupted, with delays and cancellations reported due to poor visibility. Similarly, several passenger trains have been running behind schedule as drivers are forced to reduce speed for safety reasons.
Meteorological authorities have attributed the persistent fog to a combination of cold weather, high moisture levels, and stagnant air conditions, which trap pollutants close to the ground. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) stated that such conditions are common during winter months but have intensified this year due to increased emissions from vehicles, industrial activity, and crop residue burning in surrounding regions.
According to the PMD’s latest forecast, weather conditions may slightly improve in the coming days in some areas. The department has predicted rainfall at a few locations in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir, along with light snowfall over mountainous regions. Meteorologists believe that rain and snowfall could help reduce smog intensity by settling airborne pollutants, potentially improving visibility and air quality in affected areas.
However, no immediate relief is expected for the plains of Punjab, where foggy conditions are likely to persist during early morning and nighttime hours. Authorities have emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to address the recurring problem of winter smog, including stricter enforcement of emission standards, promotion of cleaner fuels, and better traffic management.
In the meantime, local administrations and traffic police remain on high alert, monitoring road conditions and providing assistance to stranded motorists where necessary. Emergency services have also been instructed to remain prepared for any incidents arising from reduced visibility or adverse weather conditions.
As dense fog continues to blanket large parts of the country, officials are once again reminding the public to prioritize safety, follow travel advisories, and take necessary precautions to protect their health. The situation highlights the growing challenges posed by seasonal weather patterns and environmental pollution, underscoring the need for long-term policy measures to ensure safer roads and cleaner air across Pakistan.
