Motorway Police Urges Daylight Travel as Dense Fog Shuts Motorway Sections

The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has urged travellers to plan their journeys between 10 am and 6 pm during the ongoing foggy season, after dense fog forced authorities to close several motorway sections across the country.

According to Syed Imran Ahmed, spokesperson for the NHMP Central Region, the M4 Motorway has been closed to all traffic from Shamkot to Abdul Hakeem, while the stretch from Sher Shah in Multan to Khanewal is shut to heavy traffic. The M4 section between Abdul Hakeem and Gojra was also reported closed for heavy vehicles in the force's 8 am road status update on Tuesday.

Fog-related disruptions were not limited to the M4. The M1 Motorway was closed earlier in the morning from the Peshawar main toll plaza to Rashakai because of poor visibility. The spokesperson said the closures are intended to protect the lives and property of the public, and advised people to avoid unnecessary travel in fog, preferring daylight hours for any journeys that cannot be postponed.

Dense fog is a recurring hazard on Pakistan's motorway network during the winter months, particularly across Punjab. Last week, the M3 Motorway was closed from Faizpur to Jaranwala due to thick fog, and five major motorways were shut for the same reason in January, underlining how frequently visibility conditions disrupt intercity travel.

The Motorway Police have issued safety guidance for drivers who must travel in foggy conditions, stressing caution and reduced speeds. Commuters are advised to check the latest road status updates before setting out and to allow extra time for their journeys while the foggy spell continues.