Latest news with #M-Tag
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Non-developmental schemes: SCBAP concerned over allocation of enormous funds in budget
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) expressed concern over allocation of enormous funds for non-developmental schemes in the upcoming budget. SCBAP President Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, in a statement, issued by his office on Thursday, said these schemes must be strictly controlled and actively discouraged, as they create a clear pathway for corruption. 'It is also concerning to note that federal government has taken significantly higher loans compared to the previous year — a move that could have dire consequences on the economy,' he added. The SCBAP chief stated that in order to discuss these issues, the association will call a meeting of its Executive Committee soon, and announce further course of action. The SCBAP demanded that the increase of toll rates be withdrawn immediately; saying if this does not happen then the association will challenge this decision on appropriate forums in competent Court of law. He stated, 'The SCBAP firmly believes that the NHA's move to drastically increase toll taxes for motorways and highways is tantamount to extortion from an already burdened public grappling with prevalent inflation.' 'This imposition of an additional 50 percent tax is entirely unjustifiable and deserves unequivocal condemnation.' The NHA, a day ago, announced a 50 percent 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 per cent M-Tag system across the country's motorways. Further, this move is a classic example of how a non-political figure, primarily concerned with property business, is given the responsibility to govern serious matters instead of genuine political leaders who should prioritize the welfare of the populace. Rauf stated that a critical examination of this decision shows that same is the case here where a Ministry of Communications is being run by a person, who is known for his property business and NHA falls under the purview of the same ministry. Rather than addressing its own flaws and inefficiencies, the NHA has chosen to further exploit the public by raising toll charges, which is utterly unacceptable. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
SCBAP terms toll hike by NHA 'extortion', vows legal challenge
Listen to article 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. READ MORE: SCBAP rejects Indus canal plan, calls for fair water sharing '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. READ MORE: IHC seeks NHA fund details for Bhong Interchange '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.
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
FIRs to be registered against vehicles exceeding 150 km/h on motorways
Listen to article The National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP), under the directives of IGP Riffat Mukhtar Raja, has launched a crackdown on over-speeding, with violators facing hefty fines and FIR registration. Motorway Police spokesperson stated that vehicles exceeding 150 km/h on the motorway will be stopped immediately, with fines imposed and FIRs registered against violators. The speed limit on three-lane motorways is 120 km/h for cars, while public service vehicles are restricted to 110 km/h. Authorities have also highlighted the need for more effective speed monitoring on national highways to prevent accidents, with a focus on ensuring the safety barriers are in place to enhance road safety. In 2023, the Motorway Police raised fines for several traffic violations, including overspeeding, which increased from Rs750 to Rs2500. The fine for illegal overtaking is now Rs1500, up from Rs300, while driving without a license now incurs a fine of Rs5000, compared to the previous Rs750. Failure to give way to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, is now fined at Rs1000, and negligent driving has seen a penalty increase from Rs300 to Rs1500. Additionally, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has imposed an extra toll tax on vehicles not using the M-Tag or having insufficient balance in their M-Tag accounts, effective from February 1. A notification issued by the NHA on January 31 stated that vehicles without M-Tag or with low balance would face a 25% extra toll tax.
Express Tribune
08-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Increase in motorway toll challenged in Peshawar High Court
A petition has been filed in the Peshawar High Court challenging the recent increase in motorway toll taxes, arguing that the move is unlawful and places an unfair burden on commuters. The petition, submitted by lawyer Asif Ali Shah and others from Charsadda, names the federal government, the National Highway Authority (NHA), and the Ministry of Communications as respondents. The petitioners argue that the government's decision to impose a 100% toll increase on vehicles without an M-Tag is illegal. The toll hike, notified on January 31, follows two previous increases in 2024, which raised the Charsadda-Peshawar toll from Rs30 to Rs40, and then to Rs60. The petition contends that the government should focus on facilitating citizens rather than imposing additional financial strain. The court has been urged to suspend the toll hike until a final decision is made. Toll tax for tourists in G-B proposed Earlier, Federal Minister for Privatization, Board of investment, and Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, held separate meetings with CM of G-B, Gulbar Khan and Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov. Both meetings focused on economic development, investment opportunities, and infrastructure enhancement in Pakistan, said a press release. During his meeting with Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, Aleem Khan discussed the expansion of the NHA in G-B and its crucial role in regional development. To further improve infrastructure, Aleem Khan proposed the introduction of a toll tax for tourists, with collected funds dedicated to enhancing NHA's road infrastructure in the region. However, he assured that local residents would be exempted from this tax.
