Dense fog has enveloped large parts of Pakistan’s plains, severely disrupting daily life by affecting flight operations and forcing the closure of several major motorways at multiple locations. The weather condition, which typically intensifies during winter mornings and late nights, has significantly reduced visibility, raising serious concerns for commuters and transport authorities.
According to officials, thick fog has settled over vast stretches of Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, making travel extremely hazardous. As visibility dropped to dangerously low levels, motorway authorities took precautionary measures by shutting down key sections of the national motorway network to prevent accidents.
The Motorway Police reported that Motorway M-1 has been closed from Peshawar to Rashakai due to extremely poor visibility caused by dense fog. Similarly, Motorway M-3 has been shut down from Faizpur to Darkhana, where fog conditions have made safe driving nearly impossible.
In central Punjab, Motorway M-4 has been closed from Pindi Bhattian to Sher Shah, while in Sindh, Motorway M-5 has also been closed from Rohri to Sher Shah. These closures have disrupted intercity transport, particularly freight movement, as hundreds of vehicles have been forced to stop at designated points.
Authorities further confirmed that Motorway M-11, which connects Lahore to Sialkot via Sambrial, has been closed due to foggy conditions. This route is frequently used by travelers and industrial transport, and its closure has caused inconvenience to commuters and businesses alike. Additionally, Motorway M-14 has been closed from Kot Bailian to Isa Khel, further limiting travel options for motorists.
The Motorway Police have advised drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during foggy conditions and to delay their journeys until visibility improves. They have also urged motorists who must travel to use fog lights, maintain safe distances, and reduce speed. Officials emphasized that speeding in fog is a major cause of fatal accidents during winter months.
In addition to road travel, air traffic has also been affected by the prevailing weather. Several domestic flights have experienced delays or cancellations as dense fog reduced visibility at major airports, particularly during early morning hours. Passengers traveling to and from major cities such as Lahore, Islamabad, and Multan faced uncertainty, with airline staff advising travelers to check flight schedules before heading to airports.
Aviation sources said that fog-related disruptions are common during winter, especially in northern and central parts of the country. While modern navigation systems help aircraft land in low-visibility conditions, operations are often delayed when fog becomes too dense or persistent.
Meteorological experts explained that the current fog spell is the result of cold air, high humidity, and calm wind conditions, which are typical during this time of year. They said that fog is likely to continue in the coming days, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours, and may gradually clear by late morning or afternoon as temperatures rise.
Health experts have also advised citizens to take precautions, as prolonged exposure to fog and cold weather can aggravate respiratory problems. Elderly people, children, and those with asthma or other breathing conditions have been urged to stay indoors during peak fog hours.
The situation has once again highlighted the recurring winter challenges faced by Pakistan’s transport infrastructure. Every year, dense fog leads to accidents, travel delays, and economic losses due to disruptions in trade and mobility. Transport experts have stressed the need for improved early warning systems, better public awareness, and enhanced road safety measures to minimize the impact of fog-related hazards.
Motorway Police officials reiterated that closures are temporary and will be lifted once visibility improves to safe levels. They said patrols remain active on affected routes to guide stranded motorists and ensure public safety.
Commuters have been advised to stay updated through official announcements and traffic updates before planning long-distance travel. Authorities have also recommended using alternative routes where possible and exercising patience during delays.
As dense fog continues to blanket the country’s plains, both road and air travelers are urged to prioritize safety over speed. With winter conditions expected to persist, vigilance and responsible driving remain crucial to preventing accidents and ensuring safe travel across Pakistan.
