Thick fog descended upon the plain regions of Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, creating hazardous driving conditions and leading to the shutdown of several critical motorway sections. The dangerous drop in visibility occurred during the night spanning Sunday and Monday, prompting immediate safety measures from authorities.
List of Closed Motorway Sections
A spokesperson for the Motorway Police confirmed the closures, which were enacted to safeguard lives and property. The affected routes included major arteries across the country. Motorway M1 from Peshawar to Burhan was shut down, along with M2 from Thokar Niaz Baig to Chakri. Traffic was also halted on M3 from Faizpur to Darkhana and M4 from Shershah to Pindi Bhattian.
Furthermore, the fog impacted southern routes, leading to the closure of M5 from Rohri to Shershah and M11 from Lahore to Sambrial. All these sections were closed for every type of vehicular traffic until conditions improve.
Official Safety Advisories for Drivers
Authorities issued stern warnings to the public, emphasizing that violating lane discipline in such dense fog could result in catastrophic accidents. Motorists were strongly advised to adhere to specific safety protocols to navigate the perilous conditions.
The Motorway Police provided a clear set of guidelines for drivers:
- Use fog lights at all times.
- Significantly reduce driving speed.
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
For citizens planning journeys, the police recommended postponing travel if possible. If travel is essential, daytime trips between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm are strongly preferred, as visibility is relatively better during these hours. The public was also urged to avoid any non-essential travel during this period.
Monitoring and Assistance
To manage the situation, the Motorway Police has deployed monitoring teams along major routes. These teams are tasked with ensuring safety and regulating traffic flow as weather conditions evolve.
For real-time guidance or assistance, travelers can contact the Motorway Police helpline at 130. The spokesperson reiterated that these comprehensive measures are solely focused on preventing accidents and protecting citizens during this spell of severe weather.
