Dense fog, which shows no sign of relenting, again prompted the closure of motorways as well highways for traffic in the country on Monday morning. Different sections of the motorway had to be closed after fog engulfed Islamabad and the areas around it. Motorway (M 1), from Islamabad to Peshawar, M 2, from Islamabad to Balksar, Swat Expressway from Colonel Sher Khan to Ismaelia, Hazara Expressway from Burhan to Jhari and M 14 from Hakla to Yark were declared off-limits for vehicles after fog considerably reduced visibility. Spokesman for the Motorway Police (MP) said that the purpose of closing motorways was to prevent accidents and hence ensure the safety of motorists. He asked people to avoid travelling unnecessarily in the morning when fog is usually dense and return to their homes before evening after fog engulfs the plains again.

He also advised them to use fog lights while travelling, drive at a slow pace, and keep distance from other vehicles. “Before starting your journey, dial 130 for information,” the spokesman said to the commuters, adding, “You can also get updates by logging on to the website of the National Highways & Motorway Police.” Cold wave grips Lahore, other parts of Punjab On the other hand, minimum temperature in Lahore dropped to 6 degrees Celsius on Monday morning. Weather experts predicted that the provincial capital and other parts of the country would continue to experience extreme wintery conditions for the next few days. They also forecast dry weather for Punjab during the next 24 hours. Humidity level in the air was recorded at 91 per cent, while breeze was blowing at the speed of 3 kilometers per hour.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)