Smog, fog hit City: Motorways, Ring Road closed

Lahore and its surrounding areas have been blanketed by dense fog, drastically reducing visibility and impacting traffic flow across the city on.

In response to the severe conditions, the Lahore-Islamabad motorway and the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway (M-11) have been closed for safety reasons. Additionally, Lahore Ring road has been shutdown due to the hazardous conditions, according to a spokesperson for the traffic police. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore, Ammara Athar has directed the deployment of extra personnel at all major entry and exit points in Lahore to ensure orderly traffic management.

She further instructed sector officers to remain present at these critical points to supervise the situation closely. “With the closure of major routes, there was an unusual load of traffic within the city,” CTO Ammara Athar stated, emphasizing the need for vigilance. To enhance visibility and reduce risks, all traffic officers have been instructed to use reflectors and flasher lights.

Our correspondent adds: Punjab Police, under the direction of Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr Usman Anwar, is actively working across the province for the prevention of smog and environmental protection.

In the last 24 hours, during the anti-smog crackdown in provincial capital and other districts, 43 cases were registered, 11 individuals were arrested, and fines exceeding 8 lakh rupees were imposed on 423 individuals. Additionally, 32 individuals were issued warnings. According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, 17 cases of crop residue burning, 336 cases of high-emission vehicles, 13 industrial violations, 23 cases of brick kilns and 13 other violations were reported, and legal action was taken. Punjab Police spokesperson further said that during the current year's anti-smog crackdown, a total of 2,025 individuals were arrested, 2,248 cases were registered, and over four crore 91 lakh rupees in fines were imposed on 21,042 individuals, with 1,310 warnings issued.

A total of 1,414 cases of crop residue burning, 18,095 cases of high-emission vehicles, 309 industrial violations, 837 brick kiln violations, and 247 other violations were reported. Spokesperson Punjab Police added that in the last 24 hours, 5,092 vehicles emitting excess smoke were fined, 398 were impounded, and 2 had their fitness certificates cancelled. This year, a total of 7,30,390 vehicles emitting excess smoke have been fined, 1,56,858 vehicles impounded, and fitness certificates of 10,016 vehicles have been cancelled. IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has directed an acceleration of the anti-smog crackdown on highways, industrial areas, agricultural sites, and other locations, stressing that strict action be taken under a zero-tolerance policy against those violating smog SOPs.