Dangerous Winter Chaos: 7 Motorway Sections Closed Due to Fog Across Pakistan

Motorway sections closed due to fog have caused major travel disruptions across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as dense fog blanketed vast plain areas overnight, sharply reducing visibility and increasing accident risks.

The Motorway Police confirmed that multiple key motorway routes were shut down during the night between Thursday and Friday to protect lives and property amid extremely hazardous weather conditions. The closures came as visibility in several regions dropped to alarmingly low levels, making night-time travel unsafe.

Motorway sections closed due to fog: official announcement

The Motorway Police spokesperson stated that motorway sections closed due to fog were part of a preventive safety strategy aimed at avoiding mass-casualty accidents. Fog-related incidents historically spike during winter months, particularly in Punjab’s plains and parts of Sindh.

Officials emphasized that closures are only implemented when visibility drops below safe operational limits, ensuring that motorists are not exposed to unseen dangers such as sudden braking, lane confusion, or pileups.

List of motorway sections closed across Pakistan

According to the Motorway Police, the following motorway sections were closed for all kinds of traffic:

• M1 Motorway: Swabi to Burhan
• M2 Motorway: Islamabad to Lilla
• M4 Motorway: Shershah to Shamkot
• M5 Motorway: Shershah to Rohri
• M14 Motorway: Fateh Jang to Kot Bailian

These closures remained in effect until visibility conditions improved to acceptable safety standards.

National highways affected by dense fog

In addition to motorway sections closed due to fog, several national highways also experienced severe visibility reductions:

• Indus Highway (Sehwan to Larkana): Visibility dropped to as low as 15 metres at various locations
• National Highway (Sakrand to Mirpur Mathelo): Dense fog significantly disrupted traffic flow

Transporters reported delays in cargo movement, while passenger buses were advised to halt operations until daylight.

Why motorway sections closed due to fog pose serious risks

Fog is one of Pakistan’s deadliest winter hazards for road travel. Experts warn that motorway sections closed due to fog are often scenes of multi-vehicle collisions if traffic is allowed to proceed unchecked.

Key dangers include:

• Sudden loss of visibility
• Inability to judge vehicle distance
• Lane drifting and wrong-lane entry
• Delayed reaction times

According to the National Highway & Motorway Police (NHMP), fog-related accidents increase significantly between December and January.

External Link: Learn more about fog driving risks at the World Health Organization road safety portal:
https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/safety-and-mobility/road-safety

Motorway Police safety advisory for motorists

To reduce accident risks during foggy conditions, the Motorway Police issued a strong advisory urging drivers to strictly follow safety protocols.

Key instructions include:

• Use fog lights only (avoid high beams)
• Reduce speed well below posted limits
• Maintain a safe following distance
• Strictly observe lane discipline
• Avoid sudden braking

Authorities warned that lane violations during fog could lead to fatal accidents, stressing zero tolerance for reckless driving.

Recommended safe travel timings

Motorists have been advised to prefer daytime travel whenever possible.

Safe travel window:

🕙 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

During these hours, sunlight helps dissipate fog, improving visibility and reducing accident risks. Travel outside this window should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Monitoring and emergency response measures

The Motorway Police confirmed that monitoring teams have been deployed across major routes where motorway sections closed due to fog were reported.

Key measures include:

• Continuous weather monitoring
• Traffic flow management
• Rapid response to stranded vehicles
• Emergency assistance via helpline

📞 Motorway Police Helpline: 130

Motorists can contact the helpline for real-time updates, route guidance, or emergency support.

Weather trends and fog season in Pakistan

Meteorologists note that dense fog has become more frequent and persistent due to changing climate patterns, increased moisture, and stagnant air conditions.

Punjab, upper Sindh, and parts of KP are especially vulnerable during winter nights when temperatures drop rapidly. Transportation experts argue that motorway sections closed due to fog may become more common unless long-term mitigation measures are introduced.

External Link: Pakistan Meteorological Department updates:
https://www.pmd.gov.pk

What travelers should do next

Citizens planning intercity travel are urged to:

• Check weather and traffic updates before departure
• Avoid unnecessary night travel
• Follow Motorway Police social media alerts
• Keep emergency supplies in vehicles

Failure to follow safety advisories not only endangers lives but also disrupts national logistics and emergency services.

Conclusion

The decision to keep motorway sections closed due to fog reflects a critical commitment by authorities to protect public safety amid dangerous winter conditions. While closures cause temporary inconvenience, they play a vital role in preventing catastrophic accidents.

Motorists are urged to cooperate fully, follow official guidance, and prioritize safety over speed. As foggy conditions continue to affect major routes, responsible driving remains the strongest defense against tragedy.