Dense fog across Pakistan continued to disrupt daily life on Saturday, severely affecting motorway traffic, national highways, and flight operations in several major cities, particularly across Punjab. Authorities shut down multiple motorway sections after visibility dropped to dangerous levels, prompting travel advisories nationwide.
According to officials, reduced visibility led to the closure of Motorway M2 from Lahore to Kot Momin, M3 from Faizpur to Darkhana, and M4 from Pindi Bhattian to Multan. Similarly, traffic was suspended on M5 from Multan to Rohri and M11 from Lahore to Sambrial due to thick fog.
Foggy conditions also prevailed on national highways passing through Lahore, Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, and Ahmedpur Sharqia, significantly slowing traffic movement. Several southern Punjab cities, including Mian Channu, Khanewal, Multan, Basti Maluk, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sadiqabad, reported severely reduced visibility, further impacting road travel.
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In addition to road closures, flight operations at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, were partially disrupted. Several international flights experienced delays, while a PIA flight to Madinah was delayed by three hours. Another flight bound for Abu Dhabi was cancelled due to dense fog engulfing Lahore and surrounding districts.
The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, especially during late-night and early-morning hours when fog intensity peaks. Officials emphasized that daytime travel between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm remains comparatively safer during the ongoing winter fog season.
Motorists were also advised to use alternative routes such as the GT Road where possible and strictly follow lane discipline. Authorities warned that fog conditions could deteriorate suddenly, leading to further closures on high-speed routes connecting major urban centers.
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The NHMP confirmed that continuous monitoring is underway and additional restrictions may be imposed if visibility worsens. Citizens were urged to stay updated through official advisories and contact the Motorway Police helpline 130 for real-time traffic updates and emergency assistance.
Officials reiterated that public cooperation is critical to ensuring road safety as winter fog continues to affect travel across Pakistan.
