Severe Cold Wave Grips Pakistan

A severe cold wave has gripped all parts of Pakistan, with heavy snowfall in northern mountainous regions and icy winds sweeping across the plains, making daily life difficult, reported 24NewsHD on Saturday.

Snowfall over Babusar Top, Nanga Parbat, and other northern areas has intensified the cold and disrupted road connectivity. Temperatures plunged to -21°C in Hunza, -19°C in Astore, -11°C in Chilas, and -8°C in Kalat.

In Karachi, nighttime temperatures dropped sharply, with the minimum recorded at 8°C on Saturday morning. Cold north-easterly winds continued to blow, while humidity stood at 40 percent. The Met Office said the cold wave in the city is likely to persist for the next two days.

Meanwhile, dense fog engulfed large parts of Punjab, forcing authorities to close multiple motorway sections due to extremely low visibility. Traffic was suspended on M-2 (Lahore to Balkasar), M-3 (Jarranwala to Darkhana), M-4 (Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakim and Gojra to Abdul Hakim), and M-5 (Multan to Zahir Pir and Multan to Sukkur).

Fog was also reported in Mian Channu, Khanewal, Multan, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and surrounding areas.

Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmad said authorities closed roads to protect lives and property. He advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and said the safest travel time during fog is between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.

He urged motorists to follow lane discipline, use fog lights, maintain safe distances, and drive at reduced speeds. In case of emergency, road users can contact the Motorway Police helpline at 130.