Dense fog brought the visibility to almost zero forcing shutting down of major motorways across Pakistan early Saturday, creating serious challenges for commuters, long-distance travellers and transport vehicles.
As thick winter fog darkened cities during early morning hours, visibility has dropped to extremely dangerous levels, forcing authorities to close down several key motorway sections.
Motorway M-2 from Lahore to Kot Momin and M-3 to Darkhana, M-4 from Sher Shah to Pindi Bhatian, M-5 from Sher Shah to Zahir Pir, M-11 from Lahore to Sambrial, M-5 from Zahir Pir to Rohri in Sindh were closed due to thick fog, which engulfed these areas early Saturday. Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmad cautioned that lane violations in such conditions could prove fatal.
Syed Imran Ahmed urged motorists to strictly observe lane discipline and avoid unnecessary travel during foggy weather.
He advised drivers to plan journeys during daylight hours, adding that the safest time to travel in fog is between 10 am and 6 pm.The Motorway police have appealed the drivers to use Grand Trunk (GT) Road for travelling. They have also urged the drivers to drive slowly and switch on fog lights.
The Motorway police have also requested people to stay home and avoid unnecessary travelling. Dense fog has also disrupted traffic at several places on the National Highway due to low visibility. Authorities also instructed motorists to ensure the use of fog lights, refrain from speeding, and maintain adequate distance from other vehicles.
Different parts of Balochistan receive first rainfall of winter
Different parts of Balochistan, including Quetta and Gwadar, have received the first rainfall of the winter season as westerly winds have entered the province.
On the other hand, rain is also expected in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Murree, Kashmir and Hazara division with snowfall over the hills.
It was overcast in the twin cities in the morning on Saturday.
The minimum temperature was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature was expected to go up to 18 degrees Celsius.
The weather department predicted that breeze would blow in the federal capital at the speed of six kilometers per hour throughout the day, while the level of humidity in the air was recorded at 66 per cent.
Similarly, the Met Office forecast drizzle for Karachi during the next few days due to which the weather in the port city would turn colder, especially at night and in the morning.
The minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 16 degrees Celsius, while the level of humidity at 60 per cent.
The weather department said that light breeze would blow in the city from the north-east.
On the other hand, the air quality in the city continues to remain hazardous for human health as it was ranked the fifth most polluted city in the world.