NHMP Travel Advisory: Understanding Pakistan’s Motorway and Highway Network

Safe and efficient travel is a priority for millions of people in Pakistan who rely on national highways and motorways every day. With rapid expansion in infrastructure and increased vehicle traffic, the role of the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has become central to ensuring safety, enforcing rules, and providing reliable guidance to commuters. A structured travel advisory system is not only about informing drivers—it is about creating a culture of awareness, responsibility, and preparedness on the road.

The NHMP’s travel advisories cover the entire network, spanning motorways, highways, and regional sections. These advisories are regularly updated to address weather conditions, construction works, security measures, and traffic management. For travelers, especially those unfamiliar with long-distance driving, these advisories are essential to planning safe journeys across Pakistan.

The Expansion of the Motorway Network

Pakistan’s motorway system has become a backbone of the country’s transportation infrastructure, linking major cities, economic zones, and tourist destinations. The most notable project is the Hazara Motorway, an ambitious venture divided into seven packages.

• The first four packages, connecting Burhan to Mansehra, were completed and inaugurated on 27 December 2017 and 18 November 2019.

• The remaining three packages, extending from Mansehra to Thakot, were inaugurated on 29 July 2020.

This project not only reduced travel times between northern cities but also opened new economic opportunities and improved accessibility to tourism-rich regions such as Abbottabad and Hazara.

By extending deeper into the northern belt, the motorway network now serves as a lifeline for local communities, businesses, and cross-country travelers. The NHMP ensures that each section—old or new—remains safe, monitored, and clearly communicated to the public through advisories.

Why Travel Advisories Matter

Travel advisories play several critical roles for motorists:

1. Weather Warnings – Pakistan’s diverse climate means travelers often encounter heavy fog in Punjab during winter, monsoon rains in Sindh, or landslides in the northern regions. Advisories help drivers prepare for these challenges.

2. Traffic Updates – Construction, diversions, or sudden congestion can delay trips. NHMP advisories provide real-time updates that help commuters plan alternate routes.

3. Safety Alerts – In cases of accidents, emergencies, or road closures, advisories inform motorists immediately to prevent further risks.

4. Law Enforcement Guidance – Advisories also remind drivers about speed limits, seatbelt requirements, and bans on mobile phone usage while driving.

In short, advisories act as a filter through which the most critical travel information is communicated clearly to all.

Sections and Filtering System

The NHMP has developed a user-friendly way of categorizing advisories by network, section, and filters.

• Network Level: Covers the entire motorway and highway system, including M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and Hazara Motorway.

• Section Level: Breaks down advisories for specific stretches, such as Burhan–Mansehra or Mansehra–Thakot.

• Filter Level: Allows travelers to refine advisories by type—weather-related, traffic-related, or law-enforcement-related.

This structured system ensures that drivers get information tailored to their exact route rather than sifting through irrelevant updates. For instance, a traveler heading from Lahore to Islamabad via the M2 Motorway can access advisories specific to that stretch, while someone bound for the northern areas can check Hazara Motorway updates.

Motorway Travel and Safety Standards

The NHMP has established strict standards for motorway driving, making these routes significantly safer compared to conventional highways. These include:

• Enforcing Speed Limits: Speed detection cameras and patrol units monitor compliance.

• Lane Discipline: Heavy vehicles are restricted to the left lane, while overtaking is strictly regulated.

• Emergency Assistance: Helplines and emergency response teams are available for breakdowns, medical issues, or accidents.

• Awareness Campaigns: Continuous reminders about seatbelt use, child safety, and distracted driving are part of NHMP’s outreach.

These standards highlight why motorists increasingly prefer motorways for long journeys—they combine efficiency with safety.

Challenges in Range and Accessibility

While motorways have transformed travel in Pakistan, not all sections meet the same level of efficiency.

• Northern Sections: Routes such as Mansehra to Thakot face unique geographical challenges like landslides and snow, which demand frequent advisories.

• Overcrowding: Popular motorways like the M2 (Lahore–Islamabad) often experience congestion during holidays, requiring extra monitoring.

• Public Awareness: Despite advisories, not all drivers heed NHMP’s instructions. Awareness gaps remain a hurdle.

The NHMP continues to expand its digital communication—through apps, SMS alerts, and social media updates—to address these challenges.

The Importance of Compliance

Travel advisories are only effective if drivers follow them. Non-compliance, such as ignoring fog warnings or over-speeding despite alerts, can lead to accidents. The NHMP stresses that advisories should be treated as mandatory guidelines rather than optional recommendations.

Correct compliance also strengthens road safety culture across the country, reducing pressure on enforcement officers and allowing smoother traffic flow.

Motorway Advisory Technology

Technology is transforming how advisories are shared and enforced. NHMP now integrates:

• Variable Message Signs (VMS): Electronic boards along motorways provide real-time alerts.

• Mobile Applications: Travelers can check advisories before departure.

• Drone Surveillance: In some sections, drones are used to monitor traffic conditions and guide patrols.

• GPS and AI Integration: Future plans involve predictive advisories, where AI can forecast potential delays or hazards.

This digital approach ensures that even in remote sections, travelers remain informed.

Looking Ahead: A Safer, Smarter Network

The expansion of Pakistan’s motorway network, including major projects like the Hazara Motorway, reflects the country’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure. But construction alone cannot guarantee safe and efficient travel. The NHMP’s travel advisories remain the backbone of informed mobility.

By dividing advisories into network, section, and filter levels, the NHMP has created a system that is both comprehensive and easy to navigate. However, the real test lies in ensuring that drivers understand and respect these advisories.

The future of safe motorway travel in Pakistan will depend on three things:

1. Continued investment in infrastructure.

2. Strong enforcement and public awareness by NHMP.

3. Integration of advanced technology for real-time communication.

Conclusion

The motorway and highway network in Pakistan is one of the most significant achievements in national infrastructure development. From Burhan to Thakot, the phased completion of projects has transformed accessibility and travel efficiency. Yet, with growing traffic and unpredictable weather conditions, the importance of NHMP travel advisories cannot be overstated.

By offering structured updates across all networks and sections, and filtering advisories for relevance, the NHMP has provided a reliable safety net for motorists. But the responsibility also lies with drivers to heed these guidelines.

Ultimately, the success of Pakistan’s motorway system depends on a partnership between infrastructure, enforcement, and responsible driving. When all three align, the result is not only safer roads but also a stronger, more connected nation.