Dense fog across Punjab forced the closure of several motorways overnight, crippling traffic in Lahore and other cities as authorities issued urgent safety advisories amid near-zero visibility.
Dense fog once again blanketed large parts of Punjab, including Lahore, late Friday night into Saturday, severely disrupting daily life and paralyzing road traffic across the province. Extremely low visibility created hazardous driving conditions, prompting authorities to shut multiple motorway sections to prevent accidents.
According to the National Highways and Motorway Police, several key routes were closed for all types of traffic due to dangerously poor visibility. These included the M2 from Thokar Niaz Baig to Lilla and Lahore to Kot Momin, the M3 from Faizpur to Samundri and Lahore to Darkhana, the M4 from Sher Shah to Pindi Bhattian and onward to Multan, the M5 from Sher Shah to Zahir Pir, and the Lahore–Sialkot Motorway M11 from Lahore to Sambrial. Officials also confirmed that the M5 from Zahir Pir to Rohri was closed specifically for heavy traffic.
Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed said visibility in several areas dropped to between zero and 100 meters, making travel extremely dangerous. Dense fog was reported across multiple districts, including Sundar, Manga Mandi, Phool Nagar, Pattoki, Kasowal, Iqbal Nagar, Mian Channu, Khanewal, Multan, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur, affecting both motorways and national highways.
Also Read: Dense fog travel advisory: Essential safety tips for commuters
In Chakwal, traffic was completely halted at the Balkasar Interchange on the M2 Motorway. Long queues of vehicles formed on the Lahore-bound side, while Motorway Police placed containers on the road to block traffic and avoid further congestion and accidents amid thick fog.
Authorities strongly warned motorists that speeding and lane violations during foggy conditions significantly increase the risk of serious and fatal accidents. Drivers were urged to strictly follow lane discipline, reduce speed, switch on fog lights, and maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. Officials also advised avoiding sudden braking and non-essential travel, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours when fog intensity peaks.
The Motorway Police noted that visibility usually improves between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, making daytime travel comparatively safer. Commuters were encouraged to use alternative routes such as the Grand Trunk (GT) Road where possible and to stay updated through official advisories.
Health experts have also cautioned children, elderly citizens, and people with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor exposure, as dense fog combined with poor air quality poses serious health risks. Authorities said weather and visibility conditions are being closely monitored, and closed motorway sections will be reopened once conditions improve.
Citizens have been advised to contact the Motorway Police helpline at 130 for real-time traffic updates, route guidance, and emergency assistance.
