ISLAMABAD: According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a severe cold and dense fog spell continues to affect large parts of the country, disrupting daily life and prompting road safety concerns in several regions.
The PMD said that cold and dry weather will prevail across most parts of Pakistan, while severe cold conditions are expected in mountainous areas during the morning and night hours.
It warned that moderate to dense fog is likely to persist over the plains of Punjab, upper Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly during late night and early morning hours. Islamabad and surrounding areas are also expected to remain cold and dry with intermittent fog.
As a result of poor visibility, the Motorway Police have closed multiple motorway sections. Traffic has been suspended on Motorway M-2 from Lahore to Kot Momin, M-3 from Darkhana to Faizpur, M-4 from Shershah to Pindi Bhattian, and M-11 from Lahore Main Toll Plaza to Sambrial due to dense fog. In addition, Motorway M-5 (Multan–Sukkur) has also been closed to ensure commuter safety.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a three-day fog alert for central and southern Punjab, warning of reduced visibility in major cities including Lahore, Jhang, Multan, Khanewal, Mian Channu, and Sahiwal.
The PMD further reported that fog is likely to affect upper Sindh, especially areas around Sukkur, while parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may receive rainfall, with additional snowfall expected in hilly regions.
The cold wave remains intense across northern and western areas. Snowfall has stopped in Neelum Valley, however temperatures in Gurez Valley have plunged to minus 15 degrees Celsius.
Balochistan continues to experience freezing conditions, with minimum temperatures recorded at minus 2°C in Quetta and minus 4°C in Qalat.
Authorities have advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel during foggy hours and urged motorists to use fog lights and maintain safe driving speeds.
