The Association of Lawyers of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCBAP) has issued a solid statement that condemn the recent decision of the National Highway Authority (NHA) to increase taxes to highways and roads by 50%, qualifying it as “extortion” and promising to challenge the decision through legal means.
In a press release published on Wednesday, the president of SCBAP, Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, described the “completely unjustifiable” tax increase and demanded his immediate retirement.
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“The imposition of an additional 50% tax is a measure that deserves an unequivocal conviction,” he said, adding that if the decision is not reversed, Scbap will challenge him through legal forums in a competent court of justice.
The Bar Association also criticized the leadership of the Ministry of Communications, under which the NHA operates. He questioned why a figure not mainly known for his participation in the property business was responsible for a ministry responsible for public infrastructure.
“This is a classic example of how a person with private commercial interests is managing public issues that require genuine political leadership concerned with the welfare of people,” reads the statement.
SCBAP said the ministry should focus on addressing inefficiencies within the NHA instead of placing an additional load for the public through higher toll positions. The decision, he said, is “completely unacceptable.”
The association intends to challenge the decision through legal means if it is not immediately withdrawn.
The statement increased even more about the next federal budget, which is expected next week, criticizing the allocation of large sums to unvoted schemes. SCBAP warned that such assignments represent a risk of significant corruption and must be discouraged.
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“It is worrying to observe that the federal government has received significantly higher loans compared to the previous year,” he added. “This movement could have serious consequences for the economy.”
SCBAP announced that it will soon call a meeting of its Executive Committee to discuss these public concerns and determine an additional course of action.
NHA applies 50% toll increase for vehicles that are not M-Tag as of June 15
Previously, the NHA announced a 50% increase in toll taxes for vehicles without Tag M or under balance, effective on June 15, 2025, as part of a measure to implement a 100% m-tag system on the highways of the country.
The decision, notified under section 10 (2) (VII) of the Law of the 1991 NHA amended in 2024, applies to the key highways that include M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, M-9, M-14 and E-35. The notification details reviewed the toll rates that incorporate a 50% fine for non -compliant vehicles.
According to the NHA, the new toll for cars on the Islamabad-Lahore (M-2) highway has set at RS 1,800, while the tolls for Lahore-Abdul Hakeem (M-3) and Pindi Bhattian-Multan (M-4) have been established in RS 1,200 and RS 1,600 respectively.
Fine-Sukkur (M-5) tolls for cars are now in RS 1,800, and the Di Khan-Hakla (M-14) rate has risen to RS 1,000. Meanwhile, cars traveling on the Hassanabdal-Kansehra Highway (E-35) will pay RS 450.
Heavy vehicles will also face pronounced charges. Two and three axes trucks on the Lahore-Islamabad route will be charged RS 7,900, while articulated trucks will be charged RS 10,200.
Motorists have urged to guarantee the timely registration of M-Tag and the balance of sufficient account to avoid the fine. M-TAG facilities are available in the toll seats of the highway and the authorized service centers throughout the country.
