A harsh cold wave has taken hold across the country, with heavy snowfall in the northern mountains and icy winds sweeping through the plains, making everyday life challenging, as reported on Saturday.
Snowfall in areas such as Babusar Top, Nanga Parbat, and other northern regions has intensified the chill and disrupted road links. Temperatures dropped to -21°C in Hunza, -19°C in Astore, -11°C in Chilas, and -8°C in Kalat.
In Karachi, night temperatures fell sharply, with the minimum reaching 8°C on Saturday morning. Cold north easterly winds continued to blow, while humidity remained around 40 percent. The Met Office said the cold spell in the city is likely to continue for the next two days.
At the same time, dense fog blanketed large parts of Punjab, forcing authorities to shut several motorway sections due to dangerously low visibility.
Traffic was suspended on M-2 from Lahore to Balkasar, M-3 from Jarranwala to Darkhana, M-4 from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakim and from Gojra to Abdul Hakim, and M-5 from Multan to Zahir Pir and from Multan to Sukkur.
Fog was also reported in Mian Channu, Khanewal, Multan, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and nearby areas.
Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmad said the closures were necessary to protect lives and property. He advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and noted that the safest time to drive during fog is between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
He urged motorists to follow lane discipline, switch on fog lights, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and drive at reduced speeds. In emergencies, road users can contact the Motorway Police helpline at 130.