Dense fog across Punjab forces National Highways and Motorway Police to shut key routes, disrupting travel and raising safety concerns amid zero visibility reports. Total 7 sections of motorways closed due to fog.
Several sections of major motorways in Pakistan were closed on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, due to dense fog reducing visibility to hazardous levels. The National Highways and Motorway Police enforced the closures around evening hours to prevent accidents. Affected routes include M-4 from Faisalabad to Abdul Hakeem and M-5 from Sher Shah to Zahir Pir.
The disruptions highlight ongoing winter challenges in Punjab, where dense fog often paralyses transport networks, affecting commuters and freight movement in a region reliant on road links for economic activity.
Punjab Motorway Closure Details
National Highways and Motorway Police reported multiple closures starting late Tuesday and continuing into Wednesday. On M-1, the section from Peshawar to Burhan Interchange remained shut for both directions due to fog patches with zero visibility. Similar measures applied to Swat Expressway from Ismaila to Kernel Sher Khan.
Further south, M-3 saw traffic diverted from Rajana southward. M-4 experienced lane closures from Faisalabad to Abdul Hakeem in both bounds. M-5 had lanes closed from Sher Shah to Zahir Pir, and the full road shut from Zahir Pir to Rohri Toll Plaza. Diversions were in place at Rahim Yar Khan for northbound traffic.
A Motorway Police spokesperson stated the closures were precautionary to safeguard lives amid dangerous conditions. Visibility dropped to 10-20 metres in parts of N-5 from Musafar Khana to Sadiqabad.
Dense Fog Pakistan Impacts on Travel
Dense fog in Pakistan has led to widespread travel disruptions. In Punjab, where the phenomenon peaks in winter, authorities recorded severe effects on daily commutes. Rescue 1122 reported 1,081 road traffic crashes across the province in the last 24 hours ending January 7, 2026, resulting in 24 deaths and 1,251 injuries. Of these, 521 serious cases required hospital transfer, while 730 minor injuries were treated on-site.
Data showed 70 percent of crashes involved motorcycles, with Lahore topping the list at 184 incidents affecting 216 people. Multan followed with 71 crashes and 78 victims, then Faisalabad with 59 crashes impacting 61. One fatal accident in Layyah saw a loader rickshaw collide with a parked truck, killing a 20-year-old and injuring three others.
These figures underscore the risks of dense fog in Pakistan, where reduced visibility compounds issues like lane violations. Motorways closed due to fog have stranded travellers, forcing reroutes via national highways with similar fog hazards.
Fog Travel Advisory from Authorities
National Highways and Motorway Police issued a fog travel advisory urging drivers to avoid unnecessary trips. Recommended measures include using fog lights, reducing speed, and maintaining greater distances between vehicles. Daytime travel between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM was advised for better visibility.
The advisory stressed lane discipline to avert pile-ups. Citizens were directed to call helpline 130 for real-time updates. Monitoring teams are deployed on major routes to manage flow as conditions change.
In responses to public queries on social media, NHMP confirmed that sections would reopen once visibility improves, emphasising safety over haste. For instance, replies to travellers noted fog patches in various areas as the reason for sustained Punjab motorway closure.
Background on Winter Fog in Punjab
Punjab faces annual dense fog from December to February, driven by temperature inversions and moisture from irrigation. This year, the pattern has intensified, leading to repeated motorway closures. Historical data from Pakistan Meteorological Department indicates similar events in past winters, with visibility often below 50 metres.
In 2025, fog caused over 10,000 crashes nationwide, per government reports. The current wave aligns with this, affecting Punjab’s flat terrain most severely. Economic toll includes delayed goods transport, impacting trade in South Asia’s agrarian hub.
What’s Next
Authorities expect gradual improvement if weather shifts, but persistent cold may prolong issues. Travellers should monitor updates to avoid risks from motorways closed due to fog.
Motorways closed due to fog remain a key concern, with NHMP poised to lift restrictions as soon as safe.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 7th, 2026
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