Dense fog disrupts travel in Punjab, key motorways closed

Heavy fog blanketed parts of Punjab prompting authorities to close multiple sections of major motorways to ensure public safety.

Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed said that visibility issues forced the closure of the M2 motorway from Thokar Niaz Baig to Babu Sabu and the M3 motorway from Samundri to Darkhana, Express News reported.

Similarly, the M4 motorway has been closed between Shorkot and Gojra.

“Motorways are closed to ensure safe travel for the public,” said Ahmed, advising motorists to prioritise travel during daylight hours, particularly between 10 am and 6 pm, during foggy weather conditions.

Drivers were also urged to use fog lights for both front and rear visibility, avoid unnecessary travel, maintain appropriate distances from other vehicles, and reduce speed.

Authorities highlighted that the measures were aimed at reducing accidents caused by the dense fog, which is common in Punjab during winter.

Motorists were encouraged to follow these guidelines for their safety and that of others on the road.

Moroever, Islamabad authorities have announced the schedule for winter holidays in schools and educational institutions in the federal capital.

According to a notification issued on Friday, all public and private schools in Islamabad will remain closed from December 21 (Saturday) to January 5, 2025.

Educational departments in other provinces have also issued their winter vacation schedules. In Punjab, winter vacations will begin on December 23 and schools will reopen on January 13, 2025.

Schools in areas with colder temperatures will remain closed until February 28, 2025, while those in relatively warmer regions of the province will have a 10-day break, from January 1 to January 10.

As winter settles in, many regions of the country are experiencing chilly weather, with intermittent snowfall in northern hilly areas.