Dense fog shuts major motorways across Pakistan, travel advisory issued

Dense fog shuts major motorways across Pakistan, travel advisory issued

December, 28 2025

(Web Desk): Dense fog has severely reduced visibility across Pakistan, forcing the temporary closure of several major motorways as authorities urge motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and follow safety guidelines.

Severe fog conditions across large parts of Pakistan have significantly reduced visibility, prompting the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) to close multiple motorway sections to traffic in the interest of public safety.

According to official statements, visibility dropped to dangerously low levels in several regions, leading to the closure of key routes, including Motorway M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, and M-11, as well as portions of the E-35 Hazara Motorway, GT Road, and Islamabad–Murree (N-75).

The Motorway Police spokesperson said the closures were implemented strictly to protect lives and property, warning that fog-related accidents increase sharply due to speeding and lane violations.

Motorways Closed Due to Dense Fog

The following motorway sections were temporarily closed as visibility fell to as low as 10–80 meters in some areas:

E-35: Burhan to Thakot
M-2 North: Islamabad to Kot Momin
M-2 South: Kot Momin to Lahore
M-3: Lahore to Abdul Hakeem
M-4: Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem and Abdul Hakeem to Sher Shah
M-5: Sher Shah (Multan) to Zahir Pir
M-11: Mahmood Booti to Sambrial Toll Plaza (Sialkot)
GT Road: Peshawar to Islamabad, Kharian to Lahore
IMDC (N-75): Islamabad to Murree

Motorway Police confirmed that fog intensity remained highest during late-night and early-morning hours, making travel extremely hazardous.

Also Read: Dense fog travel advisory: Essential safety tips for commuters

Sections Reopened After Visibility Improved

As weather conditions improved later, traffic was gradually restored on selected routes, including:

M-4: Opened for all types of traffic
M-5: Reopened, including for heavy vehicles
M-1: Peshawar to Islamabad
M-14: Hakla to Dera Ismail Khan
Swat Expressway: Colonel Sher Khan to Chakdara
N-5 (Central and South Zones): Lahore to Sadiqabad, Rahim Yar Khan to Karachi
West Zone Roads: Hub to Uthal, Kalat to Quetta, Gwadar to Maloka

Authorities stated that reopened sections remain under constant monitoring and may be closed again if fog intensifies.

Motorway Police Safety Advisory

The NHMP urged motorists to strictly follow safety measures during foggy conditions:

Travel preferably between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm
Avoid unnecessary journeys, especially at night and early morning
Use fog lights and low-beam headlights
Maintain safe distance from vehicles ahead
Avoid speeding, sudden braking, and lane changes
Follow lane discipline at all times

Commuters were also advised to use alternative routes such as the GT Road where feasible.

Helpline and Ongoing Monitoring

The Motorway Police emphasized that fog conditions can worsen suddenly during winter. Citizens were advised to stay updated through official advisories and contact the Motorway Police helpline 130 for real-time traffic updates, route guidance, or emergency assistance.

Authorities reiterated that public cooperation is essential to ensure road safety during the ongoing winter fog season, and additional restrictions may be imposed if visibility deteriorates again.