Severe Smog and Fog Disrupt Travel in Punjab, Flights and Motorways Closed

Dense smog and fog across Punjab have caused massive travel disruptions. Multiple motorways and flights have been shut down, causing widespread chaos. Authorities are working to manage the ongoing weather crisis.

Dense Smog and Fog Disrupt Travel in Punjab and Surrounding Areas

Severe smog and fog in various cities of Punjab, including Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, and Hafizabad, have led to reduced visibility and caused the closure of several motorways.

Motorways Closed for Traffic

Due to the thick fog and smog, several major motorways have been closed. The M2 motorway from Lahore to Bhera, M3 from Lahore to Dera Khan, and M4 from Multan to Pindi Bhattian are all shut down. 

Other Affected Routes

According to the spokesperson for the Motorway Police, the M5 motorway from Multan to Sukkur, as well as the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, have also been closed for all types of traffic. 

Smog Spreads Beyond Punjab

The smog has now spread beyond Punjab, reaching Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to reports, tonight, Multan remains the most polluted city in Pakistan, followed by Lahore and Peshawar.

Flight Operations Disrupted

The severe fog and smog have also impacted flight operations in Punjab. Six flights from Multan have been canceled due to extremely low visibility. Aviation sources report that 34 flights nationwide have been delayed. 

Delays and Cancellations

Due to reduced visibility, a flight from Muscat to Multan was diverted to Islamabad, and a flight from Jeddah to Multan was redirected to Lahore. Additionally, flights from Lahore to Sialkot and from Dubai to Lahore were diverted to Islamabad.

More Delays in International Flights

Several international flights were delayed or rerouted as well. Flights from Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Istanbul, Jeddah, and Madinah to Lahore and Islamabad faced delays. Moreover, PIA's flight from Karachi to Lahore was delayed by four hours.

The ongoing smog and fog are causing widespread disruption to travel, highlighting the severe impact of air pollution in the region.

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