A severe blanket of dense fog brought the federal capital to a virtual standstill early Tuesday morning, creating hazardous conditions for commuters and raising significant public health concerns. Visibility plummeted to near-zero levels in multiple sectors, severely disrupting the morning rush hour and prompting urgent warnings from both medical and traffic authorities.
City Grinds to a Halt as Fog Induces 'White Silence Syndrome'
In several parts of Islamabad, visibility dropped to less than five meters, transforming typically bustling streets into silent, eerie landscapes. Major thoroughfares like Jinnah Avenue and Margalla Road became almost impossible to navigate by 7 a.m., with sectors from F-7 to I-8 shrouded in thick mist.
Neurologists identified the disorienting experience as "White Silence Syndrome," a fog-induced neurological condition. Dr. Faisal Ahmed from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) explained that the phenomenon forces the brain into survival mode. "It narrows your vision, muffles surrounding noise, and significantly slows down reaction times," he said. This leads to drivers misjudging distances and struggling with balance, increasing the risk of accidents.
Residents reported immediate symptoms upon exposure, including:
- Eye strain and burning sensations
- Muffled hearing and dizziness
- Mental fatigue and delayed reflexes
Ahmed Raza, a banker commuting from G-9, described feeling physically compressed and heavy. "Car horns sounded distant, and I realized my reactions were too slow, so I had to abandon my drive," he recounted.
Dual Crisis: Road Safety Threats and Escalating Health Complaints
The fog's impact extended beyond transportation chaos, triggering a spike in health issues. Doctors reported a surge in respiratory complaints as the fog droplets, laden with pollutants from vehicles, brick kilns, and industry, aggravated conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and seasonal flu.
Residents also complained of sore throats, joint stiffness, and an increased risk of hypothermia, especially for vulnerable populations like the homeless. Dr. Ahmed noted prolonged exposure could lead to psychological effects such as irritability, low mood, and cognitive fatigue, similar to seasonal affective disorder. "We see children becoming disengaged and office workers battling mental fog for hours," he added.
On the roads, the fog played visual tricks, making distant landmarks like Centaurus Mall vanish while nearby hazards like curbs remained visible, further misleading drivers.
Authorities Respond with Advisories and On-Ground Measures
In response to the crisis, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) urgently advised motorists to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and avoid non-essential travel. Traffic officers were deployed across key intersections to manage the resulting congestion and assist stranded commuters.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Hamzah Humayun personally conducted inspections during peak hours at critical points including the Islamabad Expressway and Faizabad Checkpoint. He directed officers to enforce lane discipline and prevent bottlenecks. An ITP official emphasized, "Drivers must exercise patience and caution," noting that personnel were instructed to guide citizens politely and respond swiftly to disruptions. The public was advised to contact Traffic Helpline 1915 or emergency helpline Pucar-15 for assistance.
Experts Point to Larger Environmental Challenges
Environmental analysts warn that such intense fog episodes in Islamabad have become denser and more prolonged over the past five years. They attribute this trend to a combination of climate change, unchecked urban expansion, and rising pollution levels. Experts stress that the city must adopt smarter urban planning and stricter pollution controls to mitigate future risks.
As the fog lingered through the morning, authorities cautioned residents to remain vigilant, warning that similar dangerous conditions are likely to recur unless these broader environmental challenges are decisively addressed.
