ISLAMABAD, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A thick blanket of fog paralyzed routine life in parts of Pakistan's eastern Punjab province on Thursday, as near zero visibility made authorities to close several highways, local reports said.

Road accidents were also reported in parts of the province, but no casualty was noted, ARY News said.

Meanwhile, motorway police noted the public to avoid unnecessary traveling and drivers of commercial vehicles were told to use fog lights during rough weather conditions to avoid accidents.

Local meteorological office said cold and foggy weather is expected in Punjab Thursday night and Friday morning.

However, rain and thunderstorm are likely to hit scattered places later Friday, which is expected to help subside the dense fog.