Widespread dense fog has severely disrupted road travel across Pakistan, compelling authorities to shut down several critical sections of the national motorway network. The precautionary closures aim to prevent accidents and ensure public safety as visibility dropped to dangerously low levels in multiple regions.
List of Motorway Sections Closed
According to an official spokesperson for the Central Region Motorway Police, the closures are extensive. The affected routes include Motorway M-3 between Jaranwala and Darkhana, and Motorway M-4 from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem. Furthermore, significant portions of Motorway M-5 have been sealed, specifically the stretch from Multan to Zahir Pir and the Multan–Sukkur section.
Additional closures were swiftly enforced as conditions worsened. These include the M-5 sections connecting Multan to Dera Ismail Khan and the segment from Rahim Yar Khan to Rohri. The police spokesperson emphasized that these decisions were purely precautionary, taken to protect lives and property from the heightened risk of serious collisions.
Critical Safety Advisory for Drivers
With the fog expected to persist, the Motorway Police issued a stern warning to the public. Lane violations during such low visibility are a major cause of catastrophic accidents. To mitigate risks, motorists are strongly advised to plan their journeys during daylight hours.
The designated fog-safe travel window is generally between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. For those who must travel, authorities have outlined essential safety protocols:
- Strictly observe lane discipline and avoid sudden lane changes.
- Always use fog lights and low-beam headlights.
- Refrain from overspeeding and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Avoid all unnecessary journeys during peak fog hours.
- For the latest road status and assistance, contact the motorway helpline at 130.
Looking Ahead and Public Cooperation
The situation remains fluid, with motorway sections reopening as visibility improves. However, the current weather pattern suggests that intermittent closures could continue in the coming days. The spokesperson reiterated that public cooperation is paramount.
By heeding the travel advisories, using fog lights correctly, and planning trips for safer daytime hours, citizens can significantly reduce the risk on the roads. The primary goal of these disruptive closures is a singular one: to ensure every traveler reaches their destination safely despite the challenging weather conditions gripping the nation.
