Dense fog blanketed Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday morning, severely disrupting daily life across the twin cities. Visibility dropped to as low as 25 metres in several areas, affecting road, rail and air travel during the early hours.
Islamabad International Airport remained engulfed in fog between 5am and 8am, while traffic on major roads slowed significantly. Conditions gradually improved later in the morning as sunlight helped disperse the fog.
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According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the ongoing cold wave accompanied by fog is expected to persist across the country, including the twin cities, on Saturday. Officials said the intensity of both cold and fog would begin to ease by the end of the week.
A Met Office official said continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country, bringing cold and dry weather. Upper hilly regions are expected to remain extremely cold during morning and night hours.
Moderate to dense fog is forecast for the plains of Punjab, upper Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with no immediate rainfall expected. Morning and late-night fog is likely to continue in Rawalpindi and Islamabad over the next few days.
The minimum temperature in the twin cities was recorded at 4 degrees Celsius. Officials warned that temperatures could drop further to around 1 degree Celsius in the coming two to three days.
The cold wave has added to residents’ difficulties, particularly in areas facing low gas pressure. Hospitals have also reported a rise in cold-related illnesses, with elderly people and children most affected.
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Doctors at city hospitals said they were receiving over 100 patients daily with complaints linked to extreme cold. Citizens have been advised to keep warm, cover their heads and ears, and increase fluid intake.
Fog also caused delays in train services from Karachi and Lahore. Meanwhile, the Motorway Police urged motorists to observe lane discipline, use fog lights, reduce speed and avoid unnecessary travel, recommending daytime journeys between 10am and 6pm.