Dense fog continued to wreak havoc across Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, severely disrupting traffic on major motorways and national highways, with visibility dropping to zero in several sections.
According to National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP), multiple motorway sections were closed, lanes were shut, and traffic was diverted as a safety precaution due to extremely low visibility during late-night and early-morning hours.
Major Motorway Closures and Diversions Due to Fog
Authorities confirmed that the M-2 Motorway was closed from Thokar Niaz Baig to Kot Momin, while traffic on the M-3 Motorway was suspended between Faizpur and Samundri. The M-11 Lahore–Sialkot Motorway also remained completely closed in both directions due to dense fog.
On the M-4 Motorway, sections from Sher Shah to Abdul Hakeem were shut, while parts of the M-5 Motorway between Sher Shah and Zahir Pir experienced lane closures. Traffic was diverted at Pindi Bhattian, Rashakai Interchange, and Sheikhupura to manage congestion and prevent accidents.
Motorway officials reported zero-meter visibility between MTP Peshawar and Rashakai Interchange, making travel extremely dangerous.
Sections Affected Across Regions
- Closed Motorways: M-1 (partial), M-2, M-3, M-4 (sub-sector), M-5 (lane closures), M-11
- Diversions: Rashakai Interchange, Pindi Bhattian, Sheikhupura
- Fog-Affected Areas: Punjab plains, upper Sindh patches, KP motorway sections
Meanwhile, several motorway sectors including Islamabad–Kot Momin (M-2 North), Hakla–Dera Ismail Khan (M-14), Swat Expressway, and Ahmedpur East–Sadiqabad were reported clear and operational.
Fog Also Disrupts Air Travel
The dense fog also impacted aviation operations, with officials confirming that seven domestic and international flights were delayed or disrupted due to poor visibility at major airports.
Also Read: Dense fog travel advisory: Essential safety tips for commuters
NHMP Issues Strict Safety Advisory
The NHMP urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, especially at night and early morning, and advised commuters to use GT Road where feasible.
Safety Guidelines for Foggy Conditions:
- Travel preferably between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm
- Use fog lights and low-beam headlights
- Maintain safe distance from other vehicles
- Avoid speeding, sudden braking, and lane changes
- Follow lane discipline strictly
- Monitor official travel advisories before departure
Helpline and Continued Monitoring
Authorities warned that fog conditions may worsen suddenly during winter nights. Motorists were advised to stay updated through official channels and contact the Motorway Police Helpline 130 for real-time traffic updates and emergency assistance.
Officials reiterated that public cooperation is vital to prevent accidents as winter fog continues to blanket key transport routes across the province.
