Motorways closed, flights delayed, as dense fog shrouds Punjab

Motorway police reported closure of M5 motorway from Multan to Sukkur and Lahore-Sialkot section for all traffic

Dense fog enveloped several cities across Punjab on Monday, prompting motorway closures and flight delays that have disrupted travel across the province.

Motorway police reported that near-zero visibility led to the closure of the M5 motorway from Multan to Sukkur and the Lahore-Sialkot section for all traffic.

 

Authorities have also suspended access to parts of the M2 from Lahore to Bhera, the M3 from Lahore to Darkhana, and the M4 from Multan to Pindi Bhattian due to poor visibility.

 

In addition to road closures, air travel has been affected, with six flights in Multan cancelled, and up to 34 domestic and international flights facing delays across Pakistan.

 

Aviation sources indicate that the disruption is likely to continue until visibility improves.

Motorway authorities are advising drivers to avoid travel unless essential, urging caution due to hazardous driving conditions amid the heavy fog.

Five dead as fog causes multiple vehicle crash near Gharo

At least five people were killed, and several others were reportedly injured in a multi-vehicle accident on Pakistan’s National Highway near Gharo town in Sindh province's Thatta district, as dense fog impaired visibility and contributed to the collision on Sunday.

Three people died at the scene of the crash, with two more succumbing to their injuries in hospital, according to local health officials.

The victims have been identified as Shoaib, Rehman, Nadeem, Moin, and Gul Zaman, accourding to local media reports on Sunday.

Four of the injured are in critical condition and were transferred to Karachi for urgent medical care.

The accident involved six vehicles colliding due to limited visibility from heavy fog. Rescue teams responded to the scene, transferring the deceased and injured to Civil Hospital Thatta. “Three persons were killed instantly, and a total of 14 were injured in the incident,” rescue officials confirmed.

A separate fog-related crash occurred on the M.M. Road near Darya Khan in Punjab, where a passenger bus collided with a parked trailer.

This accident resulted in two fatalities and six injuries. The bus, travelling from Uch Sharif to Rawalpindi, encountered low visibility due to fog, which led to the collision.

Pakistan’s early winter fog is known to pose challenges to road safety, prompting officials to urge drivers to exercise caution as hazardous weather persists.

Smog situation in Punjab: Barrister Saif criticises Nawaz and Maryam for Geneva trip

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Adviser Barrister Dr Saif has criticised former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz for travelling to Europe while Punjab grapples with a severe smog crisis.

In a statement, Dr Saif said that the people of Punjab are struggling to breathe due to the smog, yet the father-daughter duo have embarked on a trip to enjoy the fresh air of Geneva.

He alleged that Maryam Nawaz has hired a private jet for the journey.

"The plane was reportedly filled with trunks and suitcases," he claimed. "The country's condition is dire, but their royal expenses show no sign of ending."

Dr Saif further stated that life in Punjab has come to a halt because of the worsening smog, and the 'Nawaz family's trip abroad is an affront to the people facing hardship.'

"From leaders associated with Form 47, this is what we can expect," he added.

He also questioned the decision to seek medical treatment in Europe, claiming it reflects poorly on the state of healthcare facilities in Punjab.

"Despite multiple terms in power, they haven't established a single hospital where they can receive treatment themselves," Dr Saif remarked.