Blinding fog returns to Punjab; motorways sealed for safety

Large parts of Punjab were again blanketed by fog on Monday, leading to the closure of motorways and roads as visibility dropped considerably, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

On the other hand, the AQI level in Lahore continued to improve following a marked reduction in smog. 

With the AQI standing at 154, the city was ranked as the eighth most polluted city in the world.

The AQI over the US consulate was recorded at 245. 

Similarly, it was 217 at Adda Plot, 210 at Askari-10, 205 at Phase 8, DHA and 175 at Johar Town localities of the city.

The Met Office predicted cold and dry weather for the provincial capital during the next 24 hours.

It forecast that the maximum temperature would reach 18 degrees Celsius, while it would remain 7 degrees Celsius on the minimum side.  

Fog affects traffic flow in Shakargarh, Narowal

As with the case with other parts of the province, dense fog engulfed Shakargarh and its outskirts due to which traffic moved at a snail’s pace.

Visibility dropped considerably after dense fog engulfed Narowal and its outskirts for the second consecutive day on Monday.

The fog made it quite difficult for people to travel from one place to another.  

Fog leads to closure of motorways 

Different sections of the motorway were again closed for traffic due to poor visibility.

The entry of vehicles on M-2, connecting Lahore to Islamabad, M-3, from Lahore to Kot Abdul Hakim, M-4, from Pindi Bhattian to Multan, M-5, from Multan to Rohri and M-11, connecting Lahore to Sialkot, was banned.  

Fog was also reported from the towns and cities situated along Multan Road. 

Karachi emerges as world’s second most polluted city   

On the other hand, Karachi emerged as the second most polluted city in the world as the AQI in the city was recorded at 223.

The Met Office said that the maximum temperature in the city would fluctuate between 25 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Cold breeze was blowing from the north-easterly direction at the speed of 11 kilometers per hour, while the humidity level in the air was recorded at 46 per cent.  

Reporters: Ishtiaq Rabbani, Yasir Arafat, Komal Aslam, Umair Afzal and Aqsa Shahid