SCBAP terms toll hike by NHA 'extortion', vows legal challenge

Express Tribune

05-06-2025

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The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) has issued a strong statement condemning the National Highway Authority's (NHA) recent decision to increase motorway and highway toll taxes by 50%, calling it an act of 'extortion' and vowing to challenge the decision through legal means.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, SCBAP President Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta termed the tax hike 'entirely unjustifiable' and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
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'The imposition of an additional 50% tax is a move that deserves unequivocal condemnation,' he said, adding that if the decision is not reversed, SCBAP will challenge it through legal forums in a competent court of law.
The bar association also criticised the leadership of the Ministry of Communications, under which the NHA operates. It questioned why a non-political figure primarily known for his involvement in the property business was given charge of a ministry responsible for public infrastructure.
'This is a classic example of how a person with private business interests is handling public matters that require genuine political leadership concerned with the welfare of the people,' the statement read.
SCBAP said the ministry should focus on addressing inefficiencies within the NHA rather than placing an additional burden on the public through increased toll charges. The decision, it said, is 'utterly unacceptable.'
The association intends to challenge the decision through legal means if it is not withdrawn immediately.
The statement further raised alarm about the upcoming federal budget, expected next week, criticising the allocation of large sums to non-developmental schemes. SCBAP warned that such allocations pose a significant corruption risk and must be discouraged.
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'It is concerning to note that the federal government has taken significantly higher loans compared to the previous year,' it added. 'This move could have dire consequences for the economy.'
SCBAP announced it will soon convene a meeting of its Executive Committee to discuss these public concerns and determine a further course of action.
NHA enforces 50% toll hike for non-M-Tag vehicles starting June 15
Earlier, the NHA announced a 50% increase in toll taxes for vehicles without M-Tag or with low balance, effective 15 June 2025, as part of a move to implement a 100% M-Tag system across the country's motorways.
The decision, notified under Section 10(2)(vii) of the NHA Act 1991 as amended in 2024, applies to key motorways including M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, M-9, M-14, and E-35. The notification details revised toll rates incorporating a 50% penalty for non-compliant vehicles.
According to the NHA, the new toll for cars on the Islamabad–Lahore (M-2) motorway has been fixed at Rs 1,800, while tolls for Lahore–Abdul Hakeem (M-3) and Pindi Bhattian–Multan (M-4) have been set at Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,600 respectively.
Multan–Sukkur (M-5) tolls for cars now stand at Rs 1,800, and the rate for DI Khan–Hakla (M-14) has been raised to Rs 1,000. Meanwhile, cars travelling on the Hassanabdal–Mansehra Expressway (E-35) will pay Rs 450.
Heavy vehicles will also face steep charges. Two- and three-axle trucks on the Lahore–Islamabad route will be charged Rs 7,900, while articulated trucks will be charged Rs 10,200.
Motorists have been urged to ensure timely M-Tag registration and sufficient account balance to avoid the fine. M-Tag facilities are available at motorway toll plazas and authorised service centres nationwide.