Severe fog triggers closure of several motorways across Punjab

WEB DESK: Several major motorways across Punjab were closed on Saturday due to dense fog, authorities said, warning motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow safety guidelines.

According to National Highways & Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed, the closures were implemented to protect lives and property amid dangerously low visibility.

The M-2 motorway from Lahore to Kot Momin, M-3 from Lahore to Darkhana, and the Lahore–Sialkot M-11 were all shut due to fog, officials from the Central Region confirmed. The M-4 motorway between Pindi Bhattian and Multan, as well as the M-5 from Multan to Zahir Pir, were also closed for the same reason.

Authorities said visibility on several stretches of the national highway had dropped to between zero and 100 meters. Fog was reported in areas including Sundar, Manga Mandi, Phool Nagar, Pattoki, Kasowal, Iqbal Nagar, Mian Channu, Khanewal, Multan, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur.

The Motorway Police cautioned that lane violations in foggy conditions could lead to serious accidents and urged road users to strictly observe lane discipline. Citizens were advised to prefer daytime travel, noting that the safest travel window during fog is between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Drivers have been instructed to use fog lights at all times, avoid speeding, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and refrain from non-essential travel until conditions improve.

For guidance or emergency assistance, motorists have been advised to contact the Motorway Police helpline at 130, the spokesperson said.