Foggy M-2 shut down for 8 hours

Motorway police block movement of vehicles due to poor visibility

RAWALPINDI:

The M-2 motorway from Lahore to Islamabad, Pindigheb to Attock and M-1 Islamabad to Burhan Interchange remained closed for eight hours from 1am to 11am on Saturday due to dense fog.

Passengers faced severe problems as the Motorway police blocked the entry of vehicles from all entrances to motorways.

According to the Motorway police spokesman, due to heavy fog on the motorways, visibility dipped to zero. In such a situation, the journey could be extremely difficult and even fatal, he added. The official said that motorways were closed to ensure the safety of passengers' lives and property.

He said that the M-2 from Lahore to Islamabad was closed between Friday and Saturday midnight due to heavy fog. Similarly, Motorway M-14 remained closed for eight hours from Pindi Hakla to Attock. Several areas of Motorway M-1 were also shrouded in heavy fog due to which Motorway M-1 from Islamabad Toll Plaza to Burhan Interchange was closed.

The spokesman said that the fog could continue till next week. Therefore, citizens should avoid travelling on the motorways unnecessarily. “If it is necessary to use the motorway, use fog lights and keep a proper distance from the vehicle in front while driving in heavy fog,” he advised.

The spokesman said that the heavy fog on the motorways passing through the plains of Punjab starts at dusk and continues till 11am to 12am. Motorway policemen perform their duty in severe weather conditions, he said, adding that citizens should get the necessary information from the motorway police helpline before starting their journey.

The National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) shared a public service message on their social media accounts regarding the situation.

“Different areas of Pakistan are shrouded in fog once again, resulting in reduced visibility,” read the message. “The fog in question is currently prevalent in the central and southern districts of Punjab and may remain in effect for the next few days. Keeping the safety of the public in mind, the motorways are closed periodically in different areas depending on the density of the fog. It is requested that unnecessary travel be avoided in foggy conditions.”

PMD predicts cold, dry weather

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday had predicted mainly cold and dry weather in most plain areas of the country during the next 24 hours.

According to details, very cold weather will prevail in upper parts of the country during the next 24 hours. Cloudy weather is expected in upper parts during night hours.

Meanwhile, rain with snowfall is expected at isolated places in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. According to the synoptic situation, continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country. During the last 24 hours, the weather remained cold and dry in most parts of the country.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP

 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2022.