ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Dense fog continued to disrupt life across major cities of Pakistan on Thursday, severely reducing visibility and forcing the closure of several motorway sections.
According to a spokesperson for the Motorway Police, traffic has been suspended on multiple routes due to poor visibility. The affected sections include the M-1 from Peshawar to Swabi, M-4 from Shershah to Shamskot, M-5 from Shershah to Rohri, and the M-11 from Lahore to Sambrial. Authorities said traffic flow on several stretches of the national highway has also been affected due to foggy conditions.
Motorway Police have advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel during foggy hours and urged drivers to use fog lights, maintain safe distances, and reduce speed where travel is unavoidable. Officials warned that visibility in some areas has dropped to dangerously low levels, increasing the risk of accidents.
Meanwhile, air quality across the country remains alarmingly poor. Peshawar topped the list as the most polluted city, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 577 particulate matter. According to a global environmental monitoring website, Gujranwala recorded an AQI of 344, while Gujrat stood at 249.
Lahore continued to struggle with hazardous air conditions, registering an AQI of 225 and ranking as the third most polluted major city in the world. Data from the Punjab Environment Department showed that Rahim Yar Khan and Sialkot were the most polluted cities in Punjab, both recording an AQI of 500. Khanewal recorded an AQI of 371, while Narowal stood at 353.
Authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities and follow health advisories amid worsening weather and pollution conditions.