Smog persists in Lahore as the Punjab capital, with the air quality index (AQI) recorded at 239, was ranked as the third most-polluted city in the world on Wednesday. Dhaka, with the AQI 266, and New Delhi with the AQI 254, were the world’s most and second most polluted cities, respectively. The situation at Brevzon and the US consulate, Lahore was worst as the AQI at these places stood at 490. These areas were followed by The Mall where the AQI stood at 410 while Phase 8, DHA with AQI 342 stood on the fourth position. The humidity level in the air was recorded at 87 per cent. The Met Office said that maximum temperature in the city would go up to 21 degrees Celsius later in the day while it would remain 7 degrees Celsius on the minimum side.

The office further said that there were no chance of rain in the city in the next 72 hours. Motorway closed due to fog On the other hand, different sections of the motorway in Punjab had to be closed for traffic on Wednesday morning after dense fog reduced visibility on roads almost to nil. M 2, from Lahore to Kot Momin, M 3, from Faizpur to Darkhana, M 4, from Shamkot to Pindi Bhattian, M 5, from Sher Shah to Zahir Pir, and section of the motorway connecting Lahore with Sialkot (M 11) were closed after these areas were engulfed by fog. Motorway Police (MP), on the other hand, said that motorway had to be closed in order to ensure the safety of people. Spokesman for the MP advised people to avoid travelling unnecessarily, and turn the fog lights on if it was really necessary. He asked motorists to drive at a slow speed and keep their distance from other vehicles. He said asked the road users to contact the Force on helpline number 130 in case of an emergency.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)