The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has stopped the National Highway Authority (NHA) from collecting extra toll charges linked to M-Tags until the next hearing. The order brings temporary relief to thousands of motorway users across Pakistan.
The case was heard by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir. He issued an interim order while reviewing a petition against the NHA’s recent notification.
Under the notification, motorists without M-Tags were being charged 50 percent extra toll. The same additional fee also applied to drivers whose M-Tags had low or insufficient balance.
The petitioner challenged the decision in court. He argued that the extra charges created unnecessary pressure on the public. The petition questioned the legality of the NHA’s move regarding M-Tags and toll collection.
During the hearing, the Islamabad High Court suspended the notification. This means the NHA cannot collect the extra toll amount from drivers for now. The suspension will remain in place until the next hearing.
The court has fixed August 3 as the next hearing date. Until then, motorists can continue using the motorway without facing the additional charges tied to M-Tags.
The IHC also sent notices to the National Highway Authority and other respondents. They have been directed to submit their replies before the next hearing.
Advocate Muhammad Jalal Haider appeared in court on behalf of the petitioner. He presented arguments against the toll increase and highlighted concerns over its impact on the public.
The NHA had introduced the extra toll policy to encourage wider use of M-Tags on motorways. M-Tags are electronic systems used for faster toll payments and smoother traffic flow.
The court’s decision has now paused that policy for the time being. Many regular motorway users are expected to welcome the move.
In other news read more about Islamabad Issues Clarification on New M-Tags for Vehicles Entering the City
The upcoming hearing will decide whether the NHA can continue enforcing extra charges on M-Tags in the future.
