A severe blanket of dense fog descended across major parts of Punjab on Monday, December 30, 2025, causing significant disruption to road and air traffic. The hazardous conditions, drastically reducing visibility, compelled authorities to shut down several crucial motorways, stranding countless travelers and highlighting the annual winter challenge faced by the region.
Widespread Motorway Closures and Traffic Chaos
The National Highways & Motorway Police (NH&MP) took decisive action in response to the dangerously low visibility. The M-3 motorway, connecting Lahore to Abdul Hakeem, was completely closed for all traffic. Similarly, the M-4 motorway, from Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad, was also shut down to prevent accidents. These closures are among the most significant, affecting a major north-south and east-west corridor in the province.
Other vital routes were not spared. The M-5 motorway, serving travel between Multan and Sukkur, experienced partial closures and severe disruptions. Traffic flow on the heavily used M-2 motorway, linking Lahore and Islamabad, was also severely hampered, with authorities imposing strict speed limits and advising extreme caution. Reports from the ground indicated visibility in some areas had plummeted to less than 50 meters, making driving perilous.
Impact on Aviation and Commuter Advisory
The disruption extended beyond the roads into the skies. Flight operations at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and Sialkot International Airport faced delays and cancellations. Passengers were advised to continuously check with their respective airlines for updated flight schedules before heading to the airports, as the fog played havoc with takeoff and landing schedules.
Motorway police spokespersons urgently appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel during the early morning and late night hours, when fog conditions are typically at their worst. They emphasized that the safety of citizens is paramount and that roads would only be reopened once visibility improved to a safe level. Commuters were directed to use alternative routes where possible, though these were also reported to be congested and slow-moving.
Recurring Winter Hazard and Safety Measures
This incident is not an isolated one but part of a recurring pattern during Punjab's winter months. Dense fog, particularly in the central and northern districts, frequently disrupts economic activity and daily life, leading to accidents, supply chain delays, and economic losses.
Authorities reiterated standard safety guidelines for drivers who must travel in such conditions:
- Use fog lights and low-beam headlights.
- Maintain a significant distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Avoid sudden braking and high speeds.
- Listen to traffic bulletins on radio and follow official social media accounts of NH&MP for real-time updates.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department had earlier issued an advisory warning about the likelihood of dense fog in plain areas, suggesting that the current situation was anticipated. The fog is expected to persist over the coming days, potentially leading to further intermittent closures and travel advisories until weather conditions change.
The widespread disruption serves as a stark reminder of the powerful impact of seasonal weather on infrastructure and mobility. It underscores the need for public adherence to safety advisories and the critical role of prompt action by traffic management authorities to prevent major accidents on the country's busiest highways.
