Heavy flooding has forced the closure of the Multan–Sukkur Motorway (M-5), the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) announced on Friday. The decision came after rising waters breached protective barriers in several areas, damaging sections of the motorway and inundating nearby villages. Traffic has been diverted to alternative routes as authorities rush to contain the situation and safeguard travelers.
An NHMP spokesperson explained that vehicles traveling from Multan toward Sukkur are being redirected to exit at Shah Shams Interchange, continue along the National Highway, and then rejoin the M-5 at Uch Sharif Interchange. For traffic moving in the opposite direction, from Sukkur to Multan, the detour begins at Uch Sharif Interchange, with drivers advised to use the National Highway before re-entering the motorway at Sher Shah Interchange. To ensure smoother management, NHMP has deployed patrol officers and road guides at key points to assist drivers, provide directions, and reduce congestion.
The motorway closure follows the federal government’s approval of controlled breaches along parts of the M-5 to manage floodwaters threatening Jalalpur Pirwala and surrounding settlements. The approval was granted in a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan. The meeting included senior representatives from the Punjab government, the National Highway Authority (NHA), and other agencies directly involved in disaster management. Officials concluded that diverting floodwaters was a necessary step to protect larger urban populations and critical infrastructure.
According to initial reports, five points along the motorway have sustained flood damage, with water submerging villages in Multan, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur districts. The Multan–Uch Sharif stretch has been particularly affected, prompting an indefinite closure until repair and restoration efforts are completed. NHA teams are currently working around the clock to assess the damage, reinforce embankments, and clear waterlogged sections to enable partial reopening as soon as possible.
Residents in nearby villages have been evacuated to safer locations, but officials warn that heavy rainfall and river overflow may cause further complications. Relief efforts are ongoing, with provincial disaster authorities coordinating rescue operations, temporary shelters, and food supplies for affected families. Local administrations have also been directed to remain on high alert, as the situation could worsen if water levels continue to rise.
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The flooding highlights the vulnerability of vital transport links during extreme weather events. The M-5, a critical part of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), connects southern Punjab with Sindh and serves as a lifeline for trade and passenger movement. Any prolonged closure not only disrupts commuters but also hampers supply chains and economic activity across the region. Experts have called for stronger long-term measures, including improved flood control infrastructure and climate-resilient road designs, to mitigate such disruptions in the future.
