Smog disrupts motorway traffic
A vendor arranges his stall beside a street amid heavy smoggy conditions in Lahore on November 18. Photo: AFP
Lahore and its surrounding areas remained blanketed by dense fog, drastically reducing visibility and impacting traffic flow on Saturday.
Because of the conditions, the Lahore-Islamabad and Lahore-Sialkot motorways were closed for safety reasons. The Lahore Ring Road was also shut down due to the hazardous conditions, according to a spokesperson for the traffic police.
Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Ammara Athar ordered the deployment of extra personnel at all major entry and exit points of the city to ensure orderly traffic management. She instructed the officers to remain present at the critical points to supervise the situation.
"With the closure of major routes, there was an unusual load of traffic within the city," the CTO stated, emphasising the need for vigilance. To enhance visibility and reduce risks, all traffic officers have been instructed to use reflectors and flasher lights.
Pakistan Meteorological Department sources said the Air Quality Index in Multan was recorded 849, while Lahore recorded 449.