Travel Across Pakistan Likely to Face Disruptions as Smog and Fog Intensify

As Pakistan braces for worsening winter conditions, smog and fog are expected to significantly affect travel across the country in the coming days. Meteorological experts have warned that persistent temperature drops, coupled with rising air pollution levels, are likely to create hazardous visibility conditions from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and parts of Sindh. These factors are set to trigger nationwide travel disruptions, impacting flights, road transport and intercity commute.

Dense Smog Engulfs Major Cities

Over the past week, thick smog has covered several cities in Punjab including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Multan. Air quality levels have dropped to alarming degrees, with Lahore once again ranking among the most polluted cities in the world. The combination of smoke, industrial emissions and seasonal temperature inversion has resulted in dangerously low visibility, especially during early morning and late-night hours.

Meteorologists indicate that smog is expected to intensify as wind activity remains minimal, trapping pollutants in the lower atmosphere. Health officials have also issued alerts, urging citizens to wear masks and limit unnecessary outdoor activity.

Fog Likely to Worsen in the Coming Days

Along with smog, dense fog formation has already begun in several regions of Punjab and KP. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) states that foggy conditions will likely thicken in the coming days due to declining nighttime temperatures. Motorways and highways—especially M2, M3, M4, and GT Road—are expected to face closures or partial shutdowns during peak fog hours.

Motorway Police officials have advised travellers to stay updated through helplines and avoid nighttime travel, when visibility tends to drop to zero in several stretches.

Flight Schedules at Risk

Air travel is expected to face widespread delays and cancellations as smog and fog envelop runways across major airports. Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, Islamabad International Airport, and Multan Airport are already experiencing partial disruptions due to poor visibility. Aviation authorities report that more delays may occur as the winter season deepens.

Airlines operating domestic and international routes have been directed to adjust schedules, ensure passenger safety, and continuously monitor weather updates. Travellers have been urged to reconfirm flight timings before leaving for airports to avoid inconvenience.

Road Travel to Become More Challenging

Intercity travel by road is expected to become increasingly difficult. Motorway closures have become frequent in the past week, leaving passengers stranded for hours. Transporters operating buses and vans between Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Multan expect further delays as fog thickens.

Truckers and goods transport companies also anticipate slower movement, which may affect the supply chain. Delayed shipments of vegetables, fuel and essential commodities could lead to temporary disruptions in markets.

Officials have requested commuters to keep fog lights on, maintain safe speeds, and avoid overtaking during low-visibility hours.

Impact on Daily Commute

Urban commuters may also feel the impact as traffic jams become more common during morning office hours. In Lahore and Islamabad, visibility often drops sharply between 6am and 10am. Rickshaw and motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable, and road safety departments have called for stricter implementation of fog light regulations.

Educational institutions in smog-hit regions may also face closures if air quality worsens further, as was witnessed last year.

Government Response and Advisories

Provincial governments—especially Punjab—have announced plans to tackle worsening smog by increasing inspections on industrial units, brick kilns and vehicles emitting excessive smoke. Anti-smog squads have been instructed to take action against violators contributing to pollution.

The Motorway Police, meanwhile, has launched an awareness campaign urging the public to:

• Check weather updates before travelling
• Use fog lights and avoid high beams
• Maintain safe distance between vehicles
• Avoid unnecessary long-distance travel at night

Authorities also encourage citizens to stay alert through mobile apps and official helplines for real-time updates.

Experts Warn of Continued Weather Instability

Weather experts predict that fog and smog conditions may persist throughout the winter season. According to PMD, visibility levels may improve temporarily with changes in wind patterns, but heavy fog is likely to return frequently until February.

Climate analysts note that rising air pollution levels in urban Pakistan, combined with natural winter phenomena, have made smog a recurring challenge for travellers, respiratory patients and transport operators.

Public and Traveller Precautions

To mitigate risks during the fog-smog spell, experts recommend:

• Wearing face masks to prevent inhalation of pollutants
• Using public transport where possible to reduce road congestion
• Avoiding early-morning and late-night travel
• Staying updated on motorways and airport advisories
• Installing fog lights and ensuring vehicle maintenance

Health specialists also warn that smog particles can worsen respiratory issues, especially among children and elderly citizens.

As smog and fog conditions intensify, Pakistan is gearing up for a challenging travel period. With safety advisories in place and weather warnings issued, authorities urge the public to remain cautious, plan travel wisely and stay informed to avoid disruptions in the coming days.