Dense fog has severely disrupted road travel across Punjab, forcing the National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) to close multiple sections of major motorways and national highways due to dangerously low visibility.
According to Motorway Police Central Region spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed, the M-2 Motorway has been completely closed for all types of traffic from Lahore to Kot Momin. The Lahore–Sialkot Motorway (M-11) has also been shut due to persistent fog, while the Eastern Bypass has been closed as a precautionary safety measure.
Authorities confirmed that the M-3 Motorway is closed from Faizpur to Samundri, and the M-4 Motorway has been shut at multiple sections, including Pindi Bhattian to Gojra and Sher Shah to Abdul Hakeem, citing extremely poor visibility.
In addition, the M-1 Motorway from Peshawar to Swabi has also been affected by dense fog, further disrupting inter-city travel between major urban centers including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Peshawar.
Also Read: Dense fog travel advisory: Essential safety tips for commuters
National Highways Under Pressure
Due to the motorway closures, traffic has been diverted to national highways, leading to unexpected congestion. Heavy fog has been reported on national highways in Lahore, Manga Mandi, Phool Nagar, Pattoki, as well as Jamber, Renala Khurd, Okara, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Kasowal, and Iqbal Nagar, where visibility has dropped to dangerously low levels in patches.
Motorway Police stated that fog in scattered patches is especially hazardous for drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.
Impact on Air Travel
Foggy weather conditions have also disrupted air travel, with at least seven domestic and international flights either delayed or affected due to reduced visibility at airports.
Safety Advisory Issued
The NHMP emphasized that the temporary closures aim to protect lives and property. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours when fog intensity increases.
Motorway Police advised travelers to prefer daytime travel, with the safest window identified as 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Fog Driving Safety Guidelines
Motorists traveling during foggy conditions have been instructed to:
- Reduce speed and drive cautiously
- Use fog lights and low-beam headlights
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
- Avoid sudden braking and lane changes
- Follow lane discipline strictly
- Check weather and road updates before traveling
Commuters were also advised to use alternative routes such as GT Road where feasible.
Also Read: PMD snow alert: Travelers advised to follow safety guidelines
Helpline and Monitoring
Authorities warned that fog conditions may worsen suddenly during winter, and additional closures could be imposed if visibility deteriorates again. Citizens are advised to stay updated through official NHMP alerts and contact the Motorway Police helpline 130 for real-time traffic information or emergency assistance.
Officials reiterated that public cooperation is crucial to ensuring road safety during the ongoing winter fog season.
