Severe fog and smog have reduced visibility, leading to the closure of multiple motorways in Punjab to ensure public safety, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Sunday.
According to the details, Motorways M-2 and M-11 have been completely closed to all types of traffic, while Motorway M-3 is shut from Faizpur to Darkhana.
Similarly, motorways M-4 and M-5 are inaccessible, with M-4 closed from Pindi Bhattian to Multan and M-5 from Multan to Sukkur.
Lahore-Sialkot Motorway was closed late last night due to worsening conditions.
Syed Imran Ahmed, spokesperson for the Motorway Police, assured that the motorways would be reopened once the fog and smog subside and visibility improves.
"The motorways have been closed to ensure public safety and provide a secure travel environment. Travellers should prioritise their safety and avoid risks," said the spokesperson.
Conditions on National Highways
The National Highway, particularly Multan Road, is also experiencing reduced visibility. Foggy conditions have been reported in the areas of Lahore, Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Renala Khurd, Okara, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, and Mian Channu.
Citizens are advised by the motorway police to travel during daylight hours, especially between 10 AM and 6 PM, which are safer times during foggy weather.
Drivers should ensure the use of fog lights on both the front and rear of their vehicles. Limit travel to essential journeys only. Drive at reduced speeds and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
For further updates and assistance, citizens are encouraged to contact the Motorway Police Helpline at 130.
22 incoming, outgoing flights delayed at Lahore airport
As many as 22 incoming and outgoing flights, domestic as well as international, at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport were delayed on Sunday after smog coupled with fog in and around the airport reduced visibility considerably.
Saudi Air’s flight SV-738, from Jeddah to Lahore, was delayed by 12 hours.
Similarly, the airline’s Jeddah-bound flights SV-739 and SV-735 were also delayed by 12 and four hours, respectively.
Likewise, PK-178, PIA’s flight from Abu Dhabi to Lahore, touched down at the airport after a delay by five and a half hours.
The airline’s flight, from Lahore to Toronto, PK-797, was delayed by six hours.
PF-716, AirSial’s Jeddah-bound flight, was 16 hours behind schedule.
Similarly, the airline’s flight from Lahore to Damam PF-742 would reach the Saudi city on Monday after a delay by 16 hours.
PF-142, the airline’s Karachi-bound flight was delayed by two and a half hours.
Flynas flight, XY-317, from Riyadh to Lahore, reached Lahore airport after a delay by seven hours.
Likewise, 9P-503, Fly Jinnah’s flight from Sharjah to Lahore reached the Allama Iqbal International Airport after a delay by five hours.
Lahore ranked as world’s second-most polluted city
Although the smog in Lahore was not as dense as it had been for the last several weeks and the air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 358, still the Punjab capital emerged as the second most polluted city in the world on Sunday, leading to an increase in the number of people suffering from eye, throat and chest infections and at the same time reducing visibility, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The AQI over Syed Maratab Ali Road in the city stood at 410, over the CERP office at 376, over Ghazi Road at 320, and over Phase-8, DHA at 286.
The weather department said that the maximum temperature would go up to 24 degrees Celsius later in the day.
A cool breeze was blowing at the speed of five kilometres per hour, while the humidity level in the air stood at 95 per cent.
Multan, with the AQI 256, was the second most polluted city in the country, while Peshawar with AQI 188 was third on the list.
At the same time, poor visibility, resulting from smog, led to the closure of different sections of the motorway.
Met Office forecast dry weather
On the other hand, the Met Office predicted dry and cold weather for most parts of the country, including Islamabad, during the next 24 hours.
However, it said there would be smog in areas in the central and southern Punjab.
Reporters: Komal Aslam, Afshan Rizwan and Hashir Ahsan
Reporter: Rana Faran Yamin and Saeed Ahmad Saeed