Weather Alert: Motorway Routes Closed Due To Fog – 18 Nov 2025
Once again, a thick layer of fog has made it difficult to travel on Pakistan’s main motorways, leading authorities to temporarily close a number of sections for public safety.
Motorway Police issued a warning on November 18, 2025, advising commuters to avoid needless travel due to hazardous visibility conditions along important routes. It is recommended that travelers keep up with official traffic notifications and adjust their travel plans accordingly.
Dense Fog Disrupts Travel in KP
Authorities were compelled to restrict Motorway M-1 from Peshawar to Rashakai Interchange due to a thick layer of dense fog, which significantly disrupted transport in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In order to prevent accidents and maintain public safety, authorities suspended traffic due to the hazardous road conditions caused by the abrupt decrease in visibility.
Motorway M-1 Closed Due to Zero Visibility
Early in the morning, visibility on a number of M-1 stretches fell to incredibly low levels, according to Motorway Police. The agency promptly closed the highway to all forms of transportation since drivers were unable to see the road ahead. Until the weather improves, officials have advised the public to postpone any non-essential travel.
Authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation as the fog is predicted to last for the next few hours. When there is enough visibility for cars to drive safely, the freeway will reopen.
Travelers Face Delays Across KP’s Key Routes
The unexpected weather shift created hours-long delays for commuters traveling between Peshawar and Islamabad. Many passengers heading to work or inter-city destinations had to reroute or postpone their journeys. Transport companies have also warned passengers to expect schedule changes due to the weather.
Residents across KP have been advised to stay updated with Motorway Police helpline and social media alerts before beginning any journey.
Why Fog Causes Major Risks on Motorways
Dense fog significantly reduces visibility, making it difficult for drivers to judge distances, respond to hazards, or maintain lanes. Motorways, where vehicles typically travel at higher speeds, become particularly dangerous under such conditions. Even a moment of misjudgment can lead to chain-reaction accidents.
The Motorway Police emphasized that safety takes priority over travel convenience as fog-related accidents often result in multiple-vehicle collisions.
Essential Safety Tips for Driving in Fog
Those who must travel are advised to follow strict safety precautions:
- Reduce speed well below the normal limit and maintain extra distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Use low-beam headlights or fog lights, never high beams, as they reflect off the fog and worsen visibility.
- Avoid sudden braking and use indicators early to alert other drivers.
- Stay in your lane and avoid unnecessary lane changes.
- Ensure rear lights are on so you’re visible from behind.
If visibility becomes extremely poor, stop only at safe locations such as a motorway police check-post, service area, or fuel station, never on the main lane or shoulder.
Conclusion
The temporary closure of Motorway M-1 highlights the serious dangers posed by dense fog across KP. With visibility at critically low levels, authorities have prioritized public safety by restricting movement on key routes. Travelers are advised to remain cautious, stay informed through official updates, and avoid non-essential journeys until conditions improve. Taking proper safety measures can help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely.