ISLAMABAD: A dense fog, accompanied by an intense cold wave, enveloped Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Thursday, causing significant disruptions to routine life.
The meteorological department predicts the persistence of fog. The fog’s impact was felt across various sectors, leading to disruptions in domestic and international flights, delays in train services, and the closure of the motorway for normal traffic.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported visibility as low as 50 meters from 5 am to 8 am, gradually improving as the sun gained strength after 11 am.
The temperatures further intensified the cold wave. The meteorological department anticipates a continuation of these weather conditions for a few more days, with fog anticipated to descend on the twin cities in the morning.
Rescheduled journeys and slowed traffic characterized the transportation landscape.
Flights at Islamabad International Airport faced delays and rescheduling, impacting domestic routes to Karachi and Gilgit. The fog-induced delays also affected train schedules, particularly those heading to Lahore and Karachi.
Motorway closures compounded the commuting challenges, with Motorways I, II, and III opening for traffic only in the afternoon. The Motorway Police took proactive measures to enhance commuter safety, deploying special squads and collecting travelers’ contact information to provide real-time updates on weather conditions during their journeys.
The dense fog’s adverse effects lingered into office hours, causing delays for office-goers. The overall impact on daily life underscored the need for heightened caution and adaptability to weather-related challenges in the region.
