Lahore: Dense fog continues to blanket large parts of Punjab, severely affecting visibility and disrupting road traffic, prompting authorities to close several sections of major motorways across the province. The persistent fog has created hazardous driving conditions, leading the Motorway Police to take precautionary measures to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
According to officials, multiple stretches of the motorway network have been closed due to extremely low visibility. The M-2 motorway has been shut from Thokar Niaz Baig to Hiran Minar, while the M-3 motorway remains closed from Faizpur Interchange to Jaranwala. Similarly, the M-4 has been closed from Shershah to Pindi Bhattian, and additional closures include M-4 from Gojra to Multan and M-5 from Multan to Zahir Pir.
Widespread Impact Across Punjab
The dense fog is not limited to motorway routes alone. According to a spokesperson for the Motorway Police, heavy fog has also engulfed several areas along the National Highway, including Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, and Mian Channu, making travel extremely risky.
Southern Punjab has also been badly affected. Khanewal, Multan, Basti Malook, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Ahmedpur Sharqia, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sadiqabad continue to experience dense fog, with visibility reduced to just a few meters in some locations. In several areas, fog combined with cold weather has further worsened driving conditions during early morning and late-night hours.
Motorway Police Advisory
The Motorway Police have strongly advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel until weather conditions improve. Travelers who must drive have been urged to use fog lights, maintain a safe distance between vehicles, reduce speed, and avoid sudden braking.
Officials emphasized that driving in fog without proper precautions significantly increases the risk of serious accidents. “When visibility drops to dangerous levels, closing motorways becomes necessary to save lives,” a Motorway Police spokesperson said, adding that patrol teams are actively monitoring road conditions.
Seasonal Fog and Safety Concerns
Dense fog is a recurring winter phenomenon in Punjab, particularly during December and January. Weather experts explain that low temperatures, calm winds, and high moisture levels contribute to prolonged fog formation, especially during nighttime and early morning hours.
Over the years, fog-related accidents on highways and motorways have claimed numerous lives, prompting authorities to adopt stricter safety protocols. Temporary motorway closures, though inconvenient for travelers, are considered essential to prevent large-scale accidents involving passenger buses, cargo trucks, and private vehicles.
Public Inconvenience and Economic Impact
The continued fog has also disrupted commercial transportation and logistics, causing delays in the movement of goods between major cities. Transporters have reported extended delivery times, while passengers traveling between Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and southern Punjab have faced cancellations and long waiting periods.
Daily commuters, especially those relying on early-morning travel, have expressed frustration but acknowledged that safety must take priority. “The closures are inconvenient, but it’s better than risking lives on roads where you can’t see more than a few meters ahead,” said a traveler stranded near a motorway interchange.
Weather Outlook
Meteorological officials predict that foggy conditions may persist over the next few days, particularly during late night and early morning hours. However, visibility is expected to improve slightly during daytime as temperatures rise and sunlight reduces moisture in the air.
Authorities have urged travelers to stay updated through official traffic advisories before starting their journeys and to use alternative routes only if conditions are confirmed to be safe.
Precautionary Measures for Drivers
Experts recommend several precautionary steps for motorists driving in fog-prone conditions:
- Avoid traveling during peak fog hours, usually late night and early morning
- Use low-beam headlights or fog lights instead of high beams
- Keep windshield and mirrors clean for maximum visibility
- Maintain reduced speed and increased following distance
- Follow Motorway Police instructions and road signs strictly
Conclusion
As dense fog continues to dominate much of Punjab, motorway closures remain a necessary safety measure to protect lives. Authorities, while working to manage traffic disruptions, have reiterated that public cooperation is crucial during such weather conditions. Until visibility improves, citizens are advised to remain cautious, plan travel carefully, and prioritize safety over convenience.
