Intense fog descended upon the plains of Punjab and Sindh provinces overnight from Thursday into Friday, creating severe disruptions to daily life and bringing road and motorway traffic to a standstill.
Major Motorways Shut Down
The hazardous conditions, characterized by critically low visibility, prompted the Motorway Police to enact widespread closures. All traffic on the Lahore–Kot Momin stretch of the M2 has been suspended completely. On the M3 motorway, the entry of heavy transport vehicles has been prohibited.
In a significant move to prevent accidents, authorities have also shut down several other critical routes for all traffic. These include the M4 (Faisalabad–Multan), M5 (Multan–Sukkur), and the M11 (Lahore–Sialkot) motorways.
Official Warnings and Safety Advice
Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed confirmed the closures, stating they were essential to protect lives and property. He reported that dense fog is also affecting numerous cities along the National Highway, where visibility remains dangerously poor.
Authorities have issued stern warnings, noting that lane violations in such fog could lead to serious collisions. They have urged all drivers to strictly maintain lane discipline. Key safety advisories for motorists include:
- Switching on fog lights.
- Reducing speed significantly.
- Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Public Advisory and Travel Guidelines
Citizens have been strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to prefer journeys during daylight hours. The Motorway Police has designated 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM as relatively safer travel hours, when visibility is expected to improve.
For guidance or assistance related to fog disruptions, the public can contact the Motorway Police helpline at 130. To manage the evolving situation, monitoring teams have been deployed across major highways to oversee traffic flow and ensure public safety.
