Lahore: Severe fog has engulfed large parts of Punjab, significantly reducing visibility and forcing authorities to shut down several major motorways at different locations to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. The closures have caused inconvenience to commuters and transporters, particularly those traveling during early morning and late-night hours.
According to official sources, the dense fog has reduced visibility to dangerously low levels in many areas, making driving conditions extremely hazardous. As a precautionary measure, motorway police have temporarily closed multiple sections of the national motorway network until weather conditions improve.
The Lahore–Islamabad Motorway (M-2) has been closed from Lahore to Kot Momin due to severely affected visibility. This section is one of the busiest motorways in the country, and its closure has disrupted intercity travel between Punjab’s major urban centers.
In addition, the M-3 motorway has been closed from Faizpur to Darkhana. This route is an important link for traffic moving between central Punjab and other regions. Authorities reported that thick fog along this stretch made it impossible to maintain safe driving conditions.
The M-4 motorway, which connects Pindi Bhattian to Multan, has also been shut down. This route is frequently used by commercial vehicles transporting goods between northern and southern Punjab. The closure is expected to impact logistics and freight movement, at least temporarily.
Similarly, the M-5 motorway has been closed from Multan to Zahir Pir due to the same weather conditions. Motorway police officials said that fog density in this area was particularly high, posing a serious risk of collisions if traffic were allowed to continue.
The Sialkot Motorway (M-11) has also been closed because of dense fog. This motorway serves as a vital route for travelers heading toward Sialkot and surrounding industrial areas. Its closure has affected both passenger traffic and goods transport linked to the export-oriented industries of the region.
Motorway police have advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during foggy conditions and to use alternative routes only if absolutely necessary. Travelers have also been urged to remain patient and cooperate with authorities, as the closures are being implemented solely for safety reasons.
Officials emphasized that driving in dense fog can be extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds. Reduced visibility often leads to chain collisions, which have historically caused serious injuries and loss of life on highways during the winter season. As a result, the motorway police adopt a zero-tolerance policy when visibility drops below safe limits.
The authorities have also advised drivers who must travel to ensure that their vehicle lights, especially fog lights, are in proper working condition. They have been instructed to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, reduce speed, and avoid sudden braking. However, officials reiterated that the safest option during severe fog is to delay travel until conditions improve.
Weather experts say that dense fog is common in Punjab during the winter months, particularly in December and January, due to low temperatures, high humidity, and calm winds. These conditions allow fog to persist for long hours, sometimes lasting well into the late morning.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that foggy conditions may continue in several parts of Punjab over the next few days, especially during nighttime and early morning hours. Motorists are therefore advised to stay updated with weather forecasts and motorway advisories before planning their journeys.
Commuters stranded due to motorway closures have expressed concern over delays, but many acknowledged that the decision was necessary for safety. Transporters and bus operators said they were monitoring the situation closely and would resume operations once the motorways reopen.
Motorway police officials confirmed that traffic would be restored gradually as visibility improves. Patrol units remain deployed on affected sections to monitor weather conditions and assist stranded motorists where needed.
Authorities have urged the public to follow official updates through motorway police helplines and social media channels. They stressed that safety remains the top priority and that motorways will only be reopened once visibility reaches acceptable levels.
The current situation once again highlights the recurring winter challenge of fog-related disruptions in Punjab. While inconvenient, officials say such preventive closures play a crucial role in reducing accidents and saving lives during extreme weather conditions.
