Long-distance motorway travel is a regular part of life for many people in Pakistan. Families travel between cities, businesses move goods, and thousands of drivers use the motorway network every day.
Most journeys are completed without a problem, but an emergency can happen at any time. A collision, vehicle fire, medical problem, or mechanical failure can leave you needing assistance when you are several kilometres away from the nearest city.
That is why it is useful to keep the important Pakistan motorway helpline numbers for 2026 saved on your phone.
The most important contact for motorway-related assistance is the National Highways & Motorway Police helpline, 130. Other emergency services have separate contact numbers depending on the type of incident.
1. Why Every Motorway Driver Should Know Emergency Contacts
When an emergency happens, searching online for the correct number can waste time.
You may also be dealing with:
- Poor mobile signal
- Heavy traffic
- Bad weather
- An unfamiliar location
- Injured passengers
- A damaged vehicle
- Low phone battery
Keeping the important contacts saved beforehand means you can concentrate on getting assistance rather than looking for information.
It is also important to understand that different services handle different types of emergencies. A police emergency, medical incident, motorway safety issue, and vehicle recovery requirement are not necessarily handled by the same organization.
2. Pakistan Motorway Emergency Contacts at a Glance
Here is a quick reference for the main emergency contacts commonly relevant to motorway travelers:
| Service | Contact | Main Purpose |
| National Highways & Motorway Police | 130 | Motorway and highway assistance |
| Police Emergency | 15 | Police emergencies |
| Rescue Service | 1122 | Medical and rescue emergencies |
| Fire Brigade | 16 | Fire emergencies |
| Madadgar Recovery | See city contacts below | Vehicle towing and recovery |
The National Highways & Motorway Police officially lists 130 as its helpline. Punjab Police lists 15 for police emergencies, 1122 for Rescue Service, and 16 for Fire Brigade.
3. National Highways & Motorway Police
The National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) is the main government authority motorists associate with safety and law enforcement on Pakistan’s national highways and motorways.
Its official information states that the organization promotes safety on motorways and highways and provides assistance to road users.
When is Motorway Police assistance useful?
You may need their assistance when there is:
- A serious road incident
- A traffic hazard
- A dangerous obstruction
- A motorway safety concern
- An accident requiring police attention
- A situation affecting other road users
If your vehicle simply needs transportation to a workshop, remember that police assistance and vehicle recovery are separate services. You may need a private recovery operator for the physical movement of the vehicle.
4. Police Assistance on the Road
Some motorway incidents involve more than a vehicle problem.
For example, you may experience a security issue, theft, confrontation, or another situation requiring police intervention.
Punjab Police lists 15 as its Police Emergency helpline.
When contacting police, explain the situation clearly instead of giving only a general statement such as “I need help.”
Mention what has happened, whether anyone is in immediate danger, and where you are located.
5. Rescue and Medical Emergencies
A road incident can quickly become a medical emergency.
If someone has suffered serious injuries, the priority should be obtaining medical assistance rather than arranging vehicle transportation.
Punjab Police’s official emergency information lists 1122 for Rescue Service.
When requesting medical assistance, tell the operator:
- How many people are injured
- Whether anyone is unconscious
- Whether there is heavy bleeding
- The location of the incident
- The direction of travel
- The nearest identifiable landmark
If possible, keep someone with the injured person while another person makes the emergency call.
6. Fire Emergencies
A vehicle fire requires a different response from an ordinary mechanical breakdown.
Punjab Police lists 16 for the Fire Brigade.
If a vehicle catches fire, move away from the vehicle and traffic when it is safe to do so. Do not put yourself at risk trying to retrieve luggage or personal belongings.
If there are other vehicles nearby, warn people to maintain a safe distance.
A vehicle carrying fuel or other flammable materials can present additional danger, so provide that information to emergency responders if known.
7. When You Need Vehicle Recovery
Not every motorway problem requires an emergency service.
Sometimes the main issue is simply that the vehicle cannot continue its journey.
For example:
- The engine has stopped working
- The vehicle has suffered major mechanical damage
- The wheels or suspension are damaged
- The car has been involved in an accident
- A vehicle needs to be transported to a workshop
- A vehicle needs to be moved to another city
In these situations, a dedicated vehicle recovery company can arrange the appropriate equipment.
The recovery method depends on the vehicle and its condition. A standard tow may be suitable for one vehicle, while another may require a flatbed, wheel-lift system, or hydraulic lifting equipment.
8. Madadgar Motorway Recovery Service
Madadgar provides 24/7 motorway recovery services and says its service covers major motorway routes including M1, M2, M3, M4, M9 and M11.
The service is designed for situations where a vehicle needs to be recovered or transported rather than simply receiving police assistance.
Madadgar’s motorway recovery service includes:
- Vehicle towing
- Accident recovery
- Vehicle lifting
- Safe transportation
- Recovery of vehicles that cannot be driven
- Support for different vehicle types
The company states that recovery units are positioned around major motorway routes and that customers can provide a GPS location, interchange, landmark, or kilometre marker to help the team locate them.
Madadgar Service Area Contact Numbers
| Islamabad | 0334-5556667 |
| Rawalpindi | 0345-5556667 |
| Lahore | 0331-4443444 |
| Peshawar | 0303-3337264 |
| Karachi | 0331-6663666 |
Madadgar’s website currently lists these city contacts and major motorway coverage.
9. Major Motorways in Pakistan
Pakistan’s motorway network connects major cities and provides important routes for both private and commercial traffic.
Madadgar currently identifies the following major motorway routes within its recovery coverage:
M1
The M1 connects the Islamabad and Peshawar regions and is an important route for travel between northern Punjab, Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
M2
The M2 connects Lahore and Islamabad and is one of the country’s busiest intercity motorway routes.
M3
The M3 provides a connection from Lahore towards Abdul Hakeem and links into the wider motorway network.
M4
The M4 runs between Pindi Bhattian and Multan and provides an important north-south connection through Punjab.
M9
The M9 connects Karachi with Hyderabad and is a major route for passenger and commercial traffic in Sindh.
M11
The M11 provides a motorway connection between Lahore and Sialkot.
Knowing the motorway you are traveling on is particularly useful when requesting assistance because it immediately narrows down your location.
10. How to Give Your Location to Emergency Services
One of the biggest challenges during a motorway emergency is explaining exactly where you are.
Motorways can stretch for hundreds of kilometres, so saying only “I am on the M2” may not be enough.
Look for:
Kilometer Markers
Check the roadside for a kilometre marker and provide the number.
Interchanges
Tell the operator the last interchange you passed or the next one ahead.
Direction
Always explain whether you are travelling toward Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, or another destination.
Road Signs
Large motorway signs can provide useful location information.
GPS Location
If mobile data and GPS are working, send your location pin to the recovery team.
Madadgar specifically recommends using a GPS pin, interchange, kilometre marker, or landmark when communicating your location.
11. Information to Keep Ready During an Emergency
The operator may need more than your location.
Prepare these details if possible:
Vehicle type: Car, SUV, van, truck, etc.
Vehicle condition: Running, damaged, overturned, immobilized, or partially operational.
Problem: Accident, mechanical failure, tyre damage, overheating, electrical issue, or another problem.
Number of passengers: Particularly important if children, elderly passengers, or injured people are present.
Destination: If the vehicle requires transportation, tell the recovery company where you want it taken.
Having this information ready can make communication quicker and reduce unnecessary back-and-forth.
12. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting Until the Phone Battery Is Almost Dead
A long motorway journey can drain your phone, especially if navigation and mobile data are running continuously.
Keep a charger or power bank in the vehicle.
Giving an Unclear Location
A vague location can delay assistance. Always look for a marker, interchange, sign, or GPS position.
Calling the Wrong Service
A police service, medical responder, fire service, and recovery company have different responsibilities. Choose the service according to the actual problem.
Sharing Incomplete Information
If the operator asks about the vehicle or incident, provide accurate details.
Ignoring the Direction of Travel
The same motorway can run for hundreds of kilometres. Your direction helps responders identify the correct side and section of the road.
13. How to Prepare Before a Long Motorway Trip
Emergency preparation should begin before you leave home.
Save Important Contacts
Add the emergency services and a trusted recovery company to your phone.
Keep Your Phone Charged
A working phone is one of the most useful emergency tools you have.
Check Your Vehicle
Before a long journey, inspect basic items such as:
- Tyres
- Battery
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Lights
- Brakes
- Fuel level
Keep Basic Emergency Equipment
Consider carrying:
- First-aid supplies
- Flashlight
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest
- Phone charger
- Drinking water
- Basic tools
Know Your Route
Before starting, check your motorway route and major interchanges. This can make it easier to describe your location if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the official Motorway Police helpline in Pakistan?
The National Highways & Motorway Police officially lists 130 as its helpline.
2. Are motorway police and vehicle recovery services the same?
No. Motorway Police provides government road safety and law-enforcement assistance, while a private recovery company can physically tow, lift, or transport a vehicle.
3. Which service should I contact if someone is injured?
For a medical or rescue emergency, contact the appropriate emergency medical service. In Punjab, Rescue Service is listed at 1122.
4. Can I arrange vehicle recovery after an accident?
Yes. Once the immediate safety and medical requirements have been addressed, a professional recovery service can arrange suitable equipment to move the damaged vehicle.
5. Does Madadgar operate on major motorways?
Madadgar states that it provides motorway recovery across M1, M2, M3, M4, M9 and M11.
6. What is the best way to explain my motorway location?
Use several details together: motorway number, direction, nearest interchange, kilometre marker, visible road sign, and GPS location if available.
7. Is Madadgar’s motorway recovery service available at night?
Madadgar states that its motorway recovery service operates 24/7, including nights, weekends and holidays.
8. Can a recovery company transport my vehicle to another city?
Yes. Vehicle recovery services can arrange transportation to a workshop, home, or another destination depending on the vehicle’s condition and the equipment required.
Conclusion
Knowing the right emergency contact before starting a motorway journey is a simple step that can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.
The important thing is to understand which service handles which type of problem. Motorway Police deal with motorway safety and enforcement, emergency responders handle situations involving injuries or fire, and professional recovery operators can take care of vehicles that need towing or transportation.
Save the relevant contacts before your next long-distance trip, keep your phone charged, and make a habit of checking your vehicle before leaving.
A few minutes of preparation can save a lot of trouble when you are travelling far from home.
Need Motorway Recovery Assistance?
If your vehicle needs professional towing or recovery on a major motorway, Madadgar provides 24/7 motorway recovery services across Pakistan. Its listed motorway coverage includes M1, M2, M3, M4, M9 and M11.
Whether your vehicle needs towing after a breakdown, lifting after an accident, or transportation to a workshop, Madadgar provides recovery assistance with trained operators and dedicated recovery equipment.
Islamabad: 0334-5556667
Rawalpindi: 0345-5556667
Lahore: 0331-4443444
Peshawar: 0303-3337264
Karachi: 0331-6663666
Keep a reliable recovery contact saved before your next motorway journey. When an unexpected vehicle problem occurs, you will already know where to turn.
