M3 Motorway Closed Between Faizpur and Jaranwala
The M3 motorway fog closure took effect early on Tuesday after dense fog cut visibility on the stretch between Faizpur and Jaranwala. The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) closed the section to protect travellers, and drivers have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
Syed Imran Ahmed, spokesperson for the NHMP Central Region, confirmed the closure. He said driving in fog was extremely dangerous and appealed to the public to avoid needless journeys while the fog persisted.
M3 motorway fog closure: safer hours to travel
The Motorway Police has advised travellers to prefer daytime journeys during the foggy season. According to the spokesperson, the period from 10am to 6pm is relatively safer for travel, when visibility is usually better than in the early morning or late at night.
The closure covers the Faizpur to Jaranwala section of the M3. Travellers planning to use that stretch should check the latest motorway updates before setting out, since fog closures can be extended or lifted as visibility changes.
The Motorway Police also issued safety advice for drivers who must travel in fog. Drivers should keep their speed low and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. They should stay in their lane and avoid unnecessary overtaking and sudden braking. Fog lights should be used, and headlights, tail lights, and wipers must be in working order. If visibility drops sharply in heavy fog, drivers should stop at a safe place rather than press on.
A familiar winter pattern in Punjab
Fog closures are a regular feature of Punjab’s winter. Earlier this year, five major motorways were closed due to fog. Parts of the M2, M3, and M4 were also shut down for the same reason in December 2024.
The pattern reflects Punjab’s winter geography. Fog forms most thickly in the early morning over the plains, and it can linger over low-lying stretches long after sunrise. Motorway sections that run through open farmland are often hit hardest, because there is little to break the cold, still air.
That is why the Motorway Police repeats the same advice each season. The safest choice is to delay a journey until daylight has burned off the worst of the fog. When a journey cannot wait, low speed and a long following distance give drivers more time to react to vehicles that appear suddenly out of the mist.
Punjab’s road network has seen steady investment in new and upgraded routes. Feature Pakistan has reported on the M4 expansion between Faisalabad and Pindi Bhattian and Rs900 million in repairs for the Hazara Motorway. Work on the Sambrial-Kharian motorway has also moved ahead of schedule. Better roads help, but they do not remove the fog risk itself.
Winter travel planning goes beyond motorways. Feature Pakistan has covered the Murree winter safety plan, which deals with the same seasonal hazards in the hills. The common lesson is simple: check conditions before travelling, and build extra time into any winter journey.
What happens next
The Faizpur-Jaranwala section will reopen once visibility improves to a safe level. The Motorway Police will announce the reopening through its usual updates. Until then, drivers should use alternative routes or delay travel to the safer daytime window.
Anyone already on the road near the closed section should follow police diversions and avoid stopping on the carriageway. In dense fog, a parked vehicle on the motorway is itself a hazard for drivers behind it.
Frequently asked questions
Which section of the M3 is closed?
The M3 Motorway is closed between Faizpur and Jaranwala due to dense fog. The closure was confirmed by the National Highways and Motorway Police Central Region.
Why was the motorway closed?
Dense fog cut visibility on the section to unsafe levels. The Motorway Police closed the stretch to protect the lives and property of the public, since driving in fog is extremely dangerous.
What are the safer hours to travel?
The Motorway Police says the period from 10am to 6pm is relatively safer during the foggy season. Travellers are advised to prefer daytime journeys where possible.
What safety advice applies in fog?
Drivers should keep speed low, maintain a safe distance, stay in lane, avoid sudden braking and unnecessary overtaking, and use fog lights. Headlights, tail lights, and wipers must work properly. If visibility drops sharply, stop at a safe place.
When will the section reopen?
The section will reopen once visibility improves to a safe level. The Motorway Police will announce the reopening in its updates, so travellers should check before setting out.
