Severe fog has gripped large parts of Pakistan, leading to the closure of several major motorways and causing significant disruption to road and air travel, particularly in Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel as visibility in many areas has dropped to dangerously low levels, posing serious risks to commuters.
According to traffic and motorway police officials, dense fog has resulted in the suspension of traffic on multiple sections of the national motorway network. Due to extremely low visibility, several key routes have been closed to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. In Punjab, the M-2 motorway has been closed from Thokar Niaz Baig to Chakri, while the M-3 has been shut from Faizpur to Darkhana. Similarly, the M-4 motorway is closed from Pindi Bhattian to Shershah.
In Sindh, traffic has been suspended on the M-5 motorway from Shershah to Sukkur, one of the country’s most important north–south transport corridors. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the M-14 motorway has been closed from Injra to Isa Khel due to poor visibility caused by thick fog. Officials said these closures would remain in place until weather conditions improve and visibility returns to safer levels.
Several areas in Sindh have been particularly affected by the fog. Reports indicate that visibility on roads between Sehwan and Larkana has dropped to as low as 10 to 30 meters at various locations, making driving extremely hazardous. Traffic police have advised drivers to reduce speed, use fog lights where necessary, and avoid traveling during early morning and late-night hours when fog intensity is usually at its peak.
The impact of the fog has not been limited to road travel alone. In Lahore, dense fog has also partially disrupted flight operations at Allama Iqbal International Airport. Airport authorities confirmed that the flight schedule has been affected due to reduced visibility, leading to delays in several domestic and international flights. In particular, multiple outbound international flights have been delayed, causing inconvenience to passengers.
Passengers traveling abroad have been advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules. Airport officials stated that while flight operations have not been completely suspended, landings and takeoffs are being managed cautiously in line with safety protocols. Visibility levels are being continuously monitored, and decisions regarding flight operations are being taken accordingly.
The adverse weather conditions have already led to tragic consequences in some areas. Near Samma Satta, a fatal road accident occurred due to dense fog when a truck collided with a motorcycle. As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist lost his life on the spot, while two other individuals sustained injuries. Rescue teams and police rushed to the scene, shifted the injured to a nearby hospital, and initiated an investigation into the incident.
Police officials said that poor visibility caused by fog appears to be a major factor in the accident. They once again emphasized the importance of cautious driving during foggy conditions, especially on highways and rural roads where visibility can suddenly drop without warning.
Motorway police have reiterated their advisory to motorists, urging them to delay travel plans if possible and strictly follow safety guidelines. These include maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, avoiding sudden braking, using low-beam headlights or fog lights, and not overtaking unnecessarily. Drivers have also been advised to check weather updates before starting their journeys.
Meteorological authorities have forecast that dense fog conditions may persist in several parts of the country over the next few days, particularly during the early morning and late-night hours. Cold and calm weather patterns are contributing to the formation of fog, especially in plains and low-lying areas of Punjab and Sindh.
The ongoing fog spell has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Pakistan’s transport system to adverse weather conditions. Every year, winter fog causes widespread disruption to travel, leading to delays, accidents, and economic losses. Experts stress the need for greater public awareness, improved traffic management, and better coordination between relevant authorities to minimize the impact of such weather events.
For now, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have assured the public that motorways will be reopened as soon as visibility improves and conditions are deemed safe. Until then, citizens are advised to exercise patience, prioritize safety, and remain updated through official traffic and weather advisories.
