Dense fog continued to blanket Lahore and several other cities of Punjab, severely reducing visibility and disrupting normal life across the province. Authorities temporarily closed multiple motorway sections to prevent accidents as visibility in several areas dropped to between zero and 100 meters.
According to Central Region Motorway Police Spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed, Motorway M2 has been closed from Lahore to Kot Momin, while Motorway M3 was shut from Lahore to Darkhana, Faizpur to Samundri, and Faizpur to Jaranwala due to hazardous driving conditions. The Lahore–Sialkot Motorway (M11) was also closed to all traffic.
In addition, Motorway M4 was shut from Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad and Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem, while authorities confirmed closures on Motorway M5 in affected stretches as a precautionary measure. Motorway Police said the decisions were taken to protect lives and property amid dangerously low visibility.
Also Read: Dense fog travel advisory: Essential safety tips for commuters
Dense fog also affected several sections of the National Highway, including Sundar, Manga Mandi, Phool Nagar, Pattoki, and surrounding areas. In Lahore, visibility dropped to around 100 meters, while the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 189, indicating unhealthy air conditions.
The foggy weather also disrupted flight operations at Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, where several outbound international flights were delayed. Airport sources confirmed delays to flights bound for Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Canada, with a Pakistan International Airlines flight delayed by more than seven hours.
Motorway Police strongly warned that speeding and lane violations during foggy conditions could lead to serious and fatal accidents. Motorists were advised to strictly follow lane discipline, reduce speed, use fog lights, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Authorities urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, especially during late-night and early-morning hours when fog intensity peaks.
Officials noted that the safest travel time during fog is between 10 am and 6 pm, when visibility usually improves. Drivers were encouraged to use alternative routes such as the GT Road where possible and remain alert to sudden weather changes.
Health experts also cautioned children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor exposure, as dense fog combined with poor air quality poses additional health risks. Authorities said weather, visibility, and pollution levels are being closely monitored, and closed motorway sections will reopen once conditions improve.
Citizens have been advised to stay updated through official advisories and contact the Motorway Police helpline 130 for real-time traffic updates, route guidance, or emergency assistance.
