Severe fog continued to blanket large parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, significantly reducing visibility and prompting authorities to close several sections of key motorways to ensure public safety. The dense fog, combined with worsening air pollution across major cities, has disrupted daily life, travel plans, and economic activity, while raising fresh concerns about road safety and environmental health.
According to motorway authorities, extremely low visibility led to the closure of multiple highways at different points. The M-1 motorway was closed from Peshawar to Swabi, while the M-4 was shut between Sher Shah and Sham Kot. Similarly, traffic on the M-5 motorway was suspended from Sher Shah to Rohri, and the M-11 motorway was closed from Lahore to Sambrial. These closures were implemented as a precautionary measure after visibility dropped to dangerously low levels in the early morning hours.
Officials from the Motorway Police stated that fog conditions were so severe that drivers were unable to see even a few meters ahead in some areas, making travel extremely hazardous. As a result, motorists were advised to postpone non-essential journeys, particularly during early morning and late-night hours when fog intensity is usually at its peak. The Motorway Police also urged drivers to use fog lights where necessary, maintain safe distances, and strictly follow traffic advisories once roads are reopened.
In addition to motorways, traffic flow on several national highways was also affected due to poor visibility. Long queues of vehicles were reported at various points as commuters and transporters waited for conditions to improve. Passenger buses, freight vehicles, and private cars were among those stranded, causing delays in goods transportation and inconvenience for travelers heading to work or returning home.
While fog remains a seasonal phenomenon during winter months, authorities have noted that its intensity has increased in recent years, often coinciding with high levels of air pollution. On Thursday, air quality across multiple cities remained alarmingly poor. Gujranwala topped the list as the most polluted city in the country, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 429 particulate matter units, a level considered extremely hazardous to human health.
Data from an international environmental monitoring website showed that Faisalabad recorded an AQI of 347, Peshawar 272, Rawalpindi 207, and Lahore 180. These figures indicate unhealthy to hazardous air quality levels, posing serious risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such polluted air can lead to breathing difficulties, eye irritation, throat problems, and long-term lung damage. They have advised residents to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks when stepping outside, and keep windows closed during peak pollution hours. Schools and offices have also been urged to take precautionary measures to protect students and employees.
Environmental analysts link the worsening smog and fog conditions to a combination of factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, crop residue burning, and unfavorable weather patterns that trap pollutants close to the ground. In Punjab, the winter smog season has become a recurring crisis, often resulting in reduced visibility, increased road accidents, and rising health complaints.
Authorities have reiterated that motorway closures are temporary and will remain in place until visibility improves to safe levels. Regular updates are being issued through official channels, and commuters are encouraged to stay informed before planning their journeys. Meanwhile, discussions continue at provincial and federal levels on long-term strategies to combat air pollution, including stricter emission controls and the promotion of cleaner transportation.
