Thick fog has severely reduced visibility in several regions, prompting the Motorway Police to shut key motorway sections to prevent accidents. According to officials, the M-1 motorway from Peshawar to Swabi, M-4 from Sher Shah to Sham Kot, M-5 from Sher Shah to Rohri, and the M-11 from Lahore to Sambrial have been closed due to poor visibility.
In Punjab, fog-related closures expanded further as the M-2 motorway from Lahore to Sheikhupura and the M-3 from Faizpur to Jaranwala were shut. The Lahore–Sialkot Motorway also remained inaccessible because of extremely low visibility. In southern Punjab, traffic was suspended on the M-4 between Khanewal and Multan and on the M-5 from Multan to Rohri, authorities confirmed.
National highways across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been badly affected, with fog reported in several areas, disrupting routine travel and freight movement. Motorway Police warned that driving during dense fog significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents, particularly due to speeding and lane violations.
Alongside transport disruptions, Pakistan is facing an alarming air pollution crisis. Peshawar emerged as the most polluted city in the country, recording a particulate matter level of 577. According to global air monitoring data, Gujranwala reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 344, Gujrat 249, and Lahore 225, placing it among the world’s most polluted major cities.
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Punjab Environmental Protection Department data showed that Rahim Yar Khan and Sialkot recorded AQI levels of 500, categorizing air quality as hazardous. Khanewal followed with an AQI of 371, while Narowal recorded 353, raising serious health alarms for residents.
Authorities have urged motorists to avoid non-essential travel, especially during late-night and early-morning hours when fog intensity peaks. Officials noted that visibility usually improves between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, making daytime travel comparatively safer.
Drivers who must travel have been advised to strictly follow lane discipline, reduce speed, use fog lights, maintain safe distances, and avoid sudden braking. Motorists were also encouraged to use alternative routes such as the GT Road where possible.
Health experts have warned children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor exposure due to hazardous air quality. Officials said both weather and pollution conditions are being closely monitored, and closed motorway sections will reopen once visibility improves.
Citizens have been advised to stay updated through official advisories and contact the Motorway Police helpline 130 for real-time traffic updates, route guidance, and emergency assistance.
