ISLAMABAD: Dense fog and high pollution affected several cities across Pakistan on Sunday, prompting travel advisories and road closures, while rainfall is expected in parts of Karachi and Islamabad later this week.
In Punjab, Lahore’s air quality worsened, placing it sixth among the world’s most polluted cities with an AQI of 189. Pollution readings in Chaman Park, Gulberg II, Cantt, and Askari-10 were recorded at 606, 553, 541, and 468 respectively. Thick fog engulfed Lahore, Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Iqbal Nagar, Mian Channu, Khanewal, Multan, and Bahawalpur, significantly reducing visibility.
Karachi ranked fourth among polluted cities with an AQI of 179 and is forecast to receive rain from December 30. Islamabad’s weather remained cold and dry with partly cloudy conditions; the minimum temperature was recorded at 7 degrees Celsius and the maximum at 19 degrees.
Rainfall in Islamabad is expected between December 30 and January 2. Westerly winds will affect upper areas of the country from December 28, and Karachi’s temperatures will range from a low of 12 to a high of 28 degrees Celsius.
Due to dense fog, Motorway Police closed multiple sections in Punjab to ensure motorist safety. M-2 was closed from Lahore to Kot Momin, M-3 from Faizpur to Darkhana, M-4 from Pindi Bhatian to Multan, M-5 from Multan to Zahir Pir, and M-11 from Lahore to Sialkot. Authorities advised travellers to use the Grand Trunk Road as an alternative and urged drivers to reduce speed and switch on fog lights.
Motorway Police urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, especially during nighttime when visibility is further reduced. Those who must travel were advised to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, stay within their lanes, and avoid overtaking.
Police teams are patrolling affected areas continuously, and citizens can contact the Motorway Police helpline at 130 or follow official social media channels for updates.
Authorities emphasized that travel during daytime, between 10 am and 6 pm, is safer until fog conditions improve. Motorists are reminded that dense fog, combined with poor air quality, increases the risk of accidents and can significantly disrupt travel plans.
