ISLAMABAD: The dense fog has led to the closure of several motorways throughout Pakistan, thereby causing disruption to the travel of commuters in different areas.
At present, the following stretches of the National Motorway Network are not in service because of the very low visibility brought about by the fog:
M-1: From Peshawar Toll Plaza to Rashakai
M-2: From Kot Momin to Balkassar
M-4: From Shershah to Pindi Bhattian
M-5: From Rohri to Shershah
M-11: From Lahore Main Toll Plaza to Sialkot
دُھند کے باعث:
ایم-1: پشاور ٹال پلازہ سے رشاکئی تک بند ہے۔
ایم-2: کوٹ مومن سے بالکسر تک بند ہے۔
ایم-4: شیر شاہ سے پنڈی بھٹیاں تک بند ہے۔
ایم-5: روہڑی سےشیر شاہ تک بند ہے۔
ایم-11: لاہور مین ٹول پلازہ سے سمبڑیال تک بند ہے۔— National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) (@NHMPofficial) January 1, 2026
The wherewithal has communicated to the motorists that they should refrain from using these routes and also check the status of their journey before leaving. The Motorway Police have been urging all travellers to take precautions, slow down, and adhere to safety measures to prevent contributing to accidents caused by poor visibility.
The authorities responsible for the motorways are monitoring the incident 24/7 and will issue more news as soon as the weather becomes tolerable.
In addition, it is suggested that travellers keep themselves informed about diversion roads and plan their journeys in a way that they avoid delays.
ALSO READ: Motorway routes closed at multiple points
Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway re-opened for traffic
On December 29, the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) on Monday informed that the M-1 Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway has been reopened to traffic, offering relief to travellers after closures caused by thick fog and rain.
Earlier, the motorway was shut from the Peshawar Toll Plaza to the Rashakai interchange due to fog and reduced visibility, creating significant safety hazards. The NHMP highlighted that the shutdowns were carried out solely to avoid accidents and safeguard the lives and belongings of travellers.
A NHMP representative advised drivers to be careful when driving in the weather. Motorists were encouraged to switch on rear fog lamps, keep greater gaps between cars, refrain from speeding, and ideally journey during daylight. Unneeded travel in the morning should be avoided during foggy periods.
Motorway users were also encouraged to consult the NHMP helpline 130 for updated traffic and weather information before starting their journey. Peshawar-Islamabad motorway closed for traffic. Last night, the National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) closed the motorway from Peshawar to Islamabad for all types of traffic due to dense fog.
NHMP official announced that the motorway is currently closed, and citizens are advised to use the Grand Trunk Road for emergency travel until the motorway reopens. The closure affects several sections of the road due to poor visibility caused by fog. Specifically, the area from the M-1 Peshawar Toll Plaza (km 498) to Rashakai (km 459) is closed, and motorists are being directed to the Grand Trunk Road.
M1 motorway from Peshawar Toll plaza to Rashkai has been closed for all kinds of traffic due to Dense fog and extremely low visibility. The motorway police spokesperson stated that the closure of motorways is totally for the purpose of the safety of citizens and to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of people.
The spokesperson urged travellers to use the front and back fog lights during travel to avoid any incident and advised them to prefer travelling in daylight during the foggy season. The purpose of closing the motorway is to prevent accidents and protect the lives and property of motorway users. Motorway police also advised to avoid speeding and keep a longer distance from the vehicle in front than usual.
