Different sections of motorway were closed in Punjab on Friday morning due to smog as police advise people to avoid unnecessary travelling.

Moreover, repair work was under way in different sections of highway.

Lahore and Karachi were ranked among the top 5 polluted cities of the world at 9:39am. According to the air quality index, Lahore was ranked third in the index with 271 AQI that is very unhealthy as per the system while Karachi was ranked fifth in the index with 199 AQI that is unhealthy.

As per the US AQI, a fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration of 60 micrograms per cubic meter in the air is “unhealthy” that can cause respiratory problems. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends an annual average of 10 for PM2.5.

By 9:10am these sections of highway were opened

• M-1: Islamabad - Peshawar Motorway
• M-4: Shamkot to Abdul Hakeem Interchange
• M-3: Faizpur, M-2/M-3 junction to Jardanwala interchange