Fog blankets large parts of Pakistan, disrupts flights in Karachi, Lahore

ISLAMABAD: Dense clouds of fog on Thursday badly disturbed air and land travel in the country particularly Punjab, with dozens of flights being cancelled, delayed or diverted to other cities at Allama Iqbal International Airport and even at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

According to local TV channels, heavy fog in Karachi on Thursday morning affected smooth traffic flow near the university road, airport and Malir area.

The airport authorities in Lahore and Karachi had to make changes in their local and international flight schedules due to persistent fog.

Parts of Lahore witnessed varying levels of visibility due to density of fog. Visibility near Allama Iqbal International Airport dropped to 50 metres following which schedule of more than 20 local and international flights was adjusted.

Fog continued to cover the entire walled city and major parts of Punjab disrupting normal life activities of people and motorways being closed.

Visibility at motorway near Kot Momin went down to zero forcing a road accident that injured at least eight people.

Motorway Police warned people across Punjab to avoid unnecessary travel and must use fog lights to avoid any untoward incident.

It was hard for drivers to pass through the national highway, superhighway and motorway after visibility level dropped to zero near Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal and adjoining areas.