Dense fog leads to closure of motorways in Punjab
Different sections of the motorway were closed for traffic on Monday after dense fog engulfed large swathes of Punjab, reducing visibility to almost zero at some places, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
M-2, a section of the motorway connecting Lahore to Islamabad, had to be closed from Lahore to Kot Momin, while a section of the motorway, connecting Lahore to Sialkot, was also declared off-limits for traffic.
Similarly, M-3 was closed from Faizpur to Darkhana; M-4, from Pindi Bhattian to Multan, and M-5, from Multan to Rohri.
Dense fog was also reported from Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, Kasowal, Iqbal Nagar, Chichawatni, Mian Channu, Khanewal, Basti Malook, Multan, Lodhran, Ahmadpur East, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad and Bahawalpur.
On the other hand, spokesman for the Motorway Police Syed Imran Ahmad said that the violation of lanes during fog could result in accidents; therefore, road users should make sure they stay in their lanes.
He also advised people to avoid travelling unnecessarily, and if it was really necessary, travel during daytime. “Journeying between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM is the safest,” he added.
He also urged motorists to turn the fog lights of their vehicles on during driving. “Similarly, also drive at a slow speed,” the spokesman said, and added, “Keep distance from other vehicles.”
He also advised motorists to dial helpline number 130 in the event of an emergency.
On the other hand, the air quality of Lahore continues to remain extremely polluted as the city, with the AQI recorded at 322, topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities of the world.
Reporter: Faran Yamin