Dense fog continued to disrupt traffic movement across several parts of Punjab on Monday, prompting the closure of multiple sections of major motorways due to extremely poor visibility.
5.2-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Karachi, No Casualties Reported
According to Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed, the M-2 motorway has been closed from Lahore to Islamabad because of thick fog. The M-3 motorway has been shut between Faizpur and Rajana, while the M-4 remains closed from Gojra to Multan. In southern Punjab, traffic on the M-5 motorway has also been suspended from Multan to Zahir Pir as foggy conditions persist.
The spokesperson said the temporary closure of these routes is aimed at ensuring the safety of commuters and protecting lives and property. Motorists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during foggy conditions.
Dense fog has also affected several sections of the national highway, including Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Okara and Sahiwal. Reduced visibility has been reported in Kassowal, Iqbal Nagar, Chichawatni and Mian Channu. Severe fog continues to blanket Khanewal, Multan, Basti Malook, Lodhran and Bahawalpur, while Ahmedpur Sharqia, Rahim Yar Khan and Sadiqabad remain under heavy fog.
Meanwhile, air quality in several cities remains at hazardous levels. Lahore earlier ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 342. According to an international environmental monitoring platform, Peshawar currently stands as Pakistan’s most polluted city with a dangerously high AQI of 435.
Faisalabad recorded an AQI of 278, while Punjab’s Environment Department reported AQI levels of 279 in Narowal, 251 in Sheikhupura and 236 in Khanewal, raising serious health concerns.
Authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, use fog lights and maintain safe distances while driving, and follow official advisories until weather and air quality conditions improve.
