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Fog Shuts Pakistan Motorways: Stay Safe This Winter

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Fog Shuts Pakistan Motorways: Stay Safe This Winter - Carr.pk

Dense fog on Pakistan’s motorways continues to pose serious risks this winter, disrupting travel across key routes in many regions. 

On January 12, 2026, the National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) issued updated travel conditions on X, warning commuters of severely reduced visibility across many regions, especially in Punjab and parts of southern Pakistan. 

Affected Motorway Sections on January 12, 2026

According to recent updates from reliable sources, including Dawn, dense fog prompted partial closures on several motorways earlier today. Affected sections included:

Motorway Affected Sections
M-2 Thokar Niaz Baig → Sial Mor (and toward Pindi Bhattian-Lahore)
M-3 Faisal Pur (Faizpur) → Darakhana (Darkhana)
M-4 Shershah → Pindi Bhattian / Faisalabad stretches
M-5 Multan → Sukkur (Shershah → Zaheer Peer / Rohri)
M-11 Lahore → Sambrial / Sialkot

 

These measures, enforced by NH&MP, were lifted as visibility improved after mid-morning in most areas. 

Typical Fog Timeline on Pakistan Motorways

Dense fog on Pakistan motorways follows a clear winter trend: 

  • Thick fog builds overnight or after midnight, dropping visibility to near-zero by early morning in Punjab, Sindh, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
  • NH&MP responds with partial or full temporary closures on routes such as M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, and M-11 to prevent pile-ups and collisions.
  • According to PMD forecasts and NH&MP reports, Fog often lingers until late morning, clearing by 11 AM to 12 PM as sunlight warms the air, allowing gradual reopenings as visibility returns to safe levels. 

Stay Updated with Reliable Real-Time Sources 

For the most accurate information, check official sources regularly, as conditions can change rapidly:

  • NH&MP official travel advisory portal.
  • PMD’s National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) for motorway-specific fog updates, refreshed frequently.
  • Toll-free helpline: 130.
  • Radio FM 95 for live advisories.

Fog camps have been set up in areas like Lahore, Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, and Ahmedpur Sharqia to assist travelers.

Essential Safety Precautions for Foggy Winter Driving

Driving in foggy or winter conditions requires extra vigilance. Here are essential precautions recommended by NH&MP and road safety experts:

Avoid Unnecessary Travel

  • Skip trips during peak fog (late night to early morning).
  • Plan journeys between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM when visibility usually improves.

Use Lights Correctly

  • Switch on fog lights and low-beam headlights only. High beams reflect back and worsen the effect of blindness.
  • Use hazard lights ONLY when stopped.

Control Speed and Distance

  • Drop speed to around 60 km/h (or lower) in dense fog.
  • Double your following distanceand aim for a 4–5-second gap to avoid chain-reaction crashes.

Stay Alert and Prepared

  • No phones or distractions. Keep full focus on the road.
  • Run windscreen wipers and defoggers to maintain clear glass.
  • If visibility drops to zero, don’t stop on the roadway. Cautiously exit to a service area.

Pre-trip checks: Tires, brakes, and battery; pack warm clothes, water, snacks, a first-aid kit, a torch, and reflective triangles.

Road safety is a collective responsibility. By staying informed through official channels such as NH&MP advisories and PMD updates, drivers can minimize risks during this foggy season.

For related stories on winter weather impacts in Pakistan, check our internal links on seasonal road safety and PMD forecasts. Stay cautious, drive slowly, and prioritize safety over haste.

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