Dense fog on Thursday severely reduced visibility in several areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting the closure of multiple motorway sections, while air quality in many cities of the country remains dangerously poor.

According to a spokesperson for the Motorway Police, the M-1 motorway section from Peshawar to Swabi, the M-4 from Sher Shah to Shams Kot, the M-5 from Sher Shah to Rohri, and the M-11 from Lahore to Sambrial have been closed to traffic.

Traffic flow on highways has also been affected by the fog. The Motorway Police have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during foggy conditions.

Meanwhile, air pollution continues to pose serious health risks in several cities.

Peshawar recorded an air particulate level of 577, making it the most polluted city in the country.

According to an international environmental monitoring website, Gujranwala recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 344, while Gujrat stood at 249.

Lahore, with an air index of 225, ranked third among the world’s most polluted major cities.

Data from the Punjab Environment Department’s website showed Rahim Yar Khan and Sialkot as the most polluted cities in the province, both recording an AQI of 500.

Khanewal registered an AQI of 371, while Narowal recorded 353.

Marriyum claims air quality improves

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the improvement in air quality, despite severe mid-December cold, low temperatures, high humidity and stagnant winds, was a major achievement for the government.

She said the positive results of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s effective, coordinated and timely Smog Action Plan had begun to emerge, adding that, by the grace of God, local pollution had been largely brought under control due to government policies.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said strict monitoring of industrial emissions, transport and construction activities, along with a zero-tolerance policy on the burning of crop residues, had led to a marked reduction in pollution levels.

She said the improvement in air quality, despite adverse natural and weather conditions, was clear evidence of the success of government measures.

The senior minister said smog was not a problem that could be resolved in a single day, stressing that consistent policies, strict enforcement and public cooperation were key to tackling the issue.

She added that the Punjab chief minister was determined to make the province smog-free on the lines of Beijing.

Maryam Aurangzeb also urged the public to ensure the use of face masks, particularly for the elderly, children and patients, avoid unnecessary use of private vehicles, and prioritise public transport.

She said responsible public behaviour would help sustain the improvement in air quality.