Dense fog has forced authorities to halt traffic on the M-5 motorway between Rori and Pano Akila to ensure the safety of motorists.

According to a spokesman for the Highways Police, the section is closed as a precaution to protect the lives and property of motorists in conditions of extremely poor visibility. Authorities have advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel in foggy conditions and prefer to travel during daylight hours.

A spokesperson said the best time to travel during the foggy season is between 10am and 6pm**. Drivers are also urged to drive at a reduced speed, maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front and strictly observe lane discipline.

The traffic police also advised motorists to avoid unnecessary overtaking and sudden braking, to use fog lights and to ensure that their vehicle’s headlights, taillights and wipers are in good working order. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and monitor official traffic updates before setting off.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has extended the deadline for the mandatory registration of firearms held by licensed individuals until November 21.

The AJK Home Department has issued a notification announcing the extension, giving firearm licence holders additional time to register their weapons at their respective police stations. According to the department’s notification dated November 5, 2026, all persons holding firearms licenses in Azad Jammu and Kashmir are required to register their weapons at the respective police station.

The notice warned that people found in possession of unregistered guns would face legal action, including immediate arrest and confiscation of their firearms. The Ministry of Interior announced that measures have been taken to limit the use and supply of illegal weapons in the region.

Authorities are calling on all licensed firearms holders to complete the registration process within the revised deadline to avoid legal consequences.

Air pollution continued to grip Lahore, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 269, indicating unhealthy air quality.

Wind speed in the city was recorded at 5 kilometres per hour, blowing from the northwest. Wind speeds are expected to reach 11 kilometers per hour in the afternoon, which could lead to some improvements in air quality.

Following the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, an anti-smog operation is underway across the province as authorities step up efforts to curb local sources of pollution. In the last 24 hours, enforcement teams have targeted industrial units, brick kilns, plastic-related companies and commercial cooking plants for violating environmental regulations and imposed fines of millions of rupees.

Authorities inspected 272 industrial units in Punjab, sealed 11 industrial units and demolished two offending units. A fine of Rs 13.25 lakh was also imposed.

In this crackdown on brick kilns, a total of 513 brick kilns were inspected, 24 sealed, 6 demolished and 8 cases initiated. The total fine was 18,000,000 rubles.

As part of the fight against substandard plastic, officials inspected 183 locations and confiscated 294 kg of plastic and imposed an additional fine of 30,000 rubles. A total of 92 barbecue restaurants and commercial cooking establishments were tested to control oil fume emissions. Extractors are installed in 58 places, but three rooms are cordoned off. Wind speed, direction and air pollution levels are continuously monitored using scientific data from Climate Watch, while anti-smog measures are implemented in accordance with the prevailing weather conditions.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said weather conditions were beyond the government’s control but regulating local sources of pollution was its responsibility, adding that no leniency would be shown in enforcing environmental laws. She urged farmers not to burn crop residues and called on citizens to avoid activities that create smog and contribute to air pollution.