Dense fog blanketed parts of Punjab, prompting authorities to close several sections of major highways to ensure public safety.
Motorway police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed said visibility issues forced the closure of the M2 motorway from Thokar Niaz Baig to Babu Sabu and the M3 motorway from Samundri to Darkhana, Express News reported.
Likewise, the M4 highway between Shorkot and Gojra was closed.
“Highways are closed to ensure safe travel for the public,” Ahmed said, advising motorists to prioritize travel during daylight hours, particularly between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., when it is foggy.
Drivers were also urged to use fog lights for front and rear visibility, avoid unnecessary trips, maintain adequate distances from other vehicles and reduce speed.
Officials stressed that the measures were aimed at reducing accidents caused by dense fog, common in Punjab during winter.
Drivers were encouraged to follow these guidelines for the safety of themselves and others on the road.
Furthermore, Islamabad authorities have announced the schedule of winter vacations in schools and educational institutions in the federal capital.
According to a notification issued on Friday, all public and private schools in Islamabad will remain closed from December 21 (Saturday) to January 5, 2025.
Education departments in other provinces have also released their winter break calendars. In Punjab, winter holidays will begin on December 23 and schools will reopen on January 13, 2025.
Schools in areas with colder temperatures will remain closed until February 28, 2025, while those in relatively warmer regions of the province will have a 10-day break, from January 1 to 10.
As winter sets in, many regions of the country experience cold weather, with intermittent snowfall in the northern mountainous areas.
