Widespread dense fog descended over major regions of Pakistan during the night of Thursday into Friday, creating hazardous driving conditions and prompting the closure of several critical motorway sections. The severe weather phenomenon significantly reduced visibility, compelling the Motorway Police to take immediate action for public safety.
Major Motorway Sections Closed
The blanket of fog was particularly thick over large areas of Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. In response to the dangerously low visibility, authorities were forced to suspend all traffic on key routes. A spokesperson for the Motorway Police confirmed the closures on several major arteries, including the M1 from Swabi to Burhan, the M2 from Islamabad to Lilla, and the M4 from Shershah to Shamkot. Additionally, traffic was halted on the M5 from Shershah to Rohri and the M14 from Fateh Jang to Kot Bailian.
The decision to close these roads was applied to all vehicle types without exception, given the extreme risk to life and property. The primary concern was the near-zero visibility in many areas, which makes high-speed travel on motorways exceptionally perilous.
National Highways Also Affected
The disruption was not limited to the motorway network. Several national highways also experienced severe traffic interruptions due to the dense fog. On the Indus Highway, visibility dropped to as low as 15 meters between Sehwan and Larkana, making driving virtually impossible. The stretch of road from Sakrand to Mirpur Mathelo was also reported to be badly affected by the poor conditions.
The Motorway Police reiterated that these temporary closures, while inconvenient, are a necessary precaution. They issued a stern warning that poor visibility combined with lane violations during fog is a leading cause of serious, often fatal, accidents.
Safety Guidelines and Public Advisory
In light of the ongoing weather situation, authorities have issued clear guidelines for motorists. Drivers are urged to strictly observe lane discipline, use fog lights, significantly reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. The most critical advice, however, is to avoid unnecessary travel during foggy hours.
The Motorway Police has recommended planning essential journeys between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, when visibility typically improves. For those who must travel, extreme caution is non-negotiable. To manage the situation on the ground, monitoring teams have been deployed across major routes to oversee traffic flow and ensure compliance with safety measures.
The public can contact the Motorway helpline at 130 for real-time guidance, route updates, and assistance related to fog-induced disruptions. Travelers are encouraged to check conditions before embarking on any trip during this period of unpredictable weather.
