Fog shuts down key motorways; cold weather persists across country

WEB DESK: Dense fog has disrupted traffic on several major motorways across the country, prompting authorities to suspend travel in the interest of public safety.

According to a spokesperson for the Motorway Police, the M1 from Peshawar to Burhan Interchange, M2 from Lahore to Kot Momin, M3 from Faizpur to Jaranwala, M4 from Multan to Pindi Bhattian, M5 from Rohri to Multan, and M11 from Lahore to Sialkot have all been closed for traffic. The spokesperson said the decision was taken to protect the lives and property of commuters amid poor visibility caused by fog.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast cold and partly cloudy weather in most parts of the country on Friday, with varying conditions by region. Fog and smog are expected in the plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh, particularly during morning and night hours.

Going region by region, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts that cold and partly cloudy weather is likely in Islamabad and its surrounding areas.

Across Punjab, most districts will experience cold and partly cloudy conditions, while Murree, Galiyat and nearby areas are also expected to remain cold. Fog or smog is likely to affect cities including Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhelum, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Bahawalnagar, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Khanewal, Khanpur, Kot Addu, Bhakkar, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur during morning and night hours.

In Sindh, dry and partly cloudy weather is expected in most districts, while light fog may develop in Sukkur, Rohri, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Mohenjodaro and surrounding areas.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to experience cold and partly cloudy weather across most districts.

In Balochistan, cold and partly cloudy conditions will prevail in most areas; however, strong winds and thundershowers are expected in Chagai, Noshki, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, Gwadar, Kalat, Mastung, Quetta, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Pasni, Harnai and Zhob during the evening and night hours.

The Met Office also predicts extremely cold and partly cloudy weather in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday.