IHC stops NHA from charging 50pc additional toll on vehicles without M-Tag

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended a National Highway Authority (NHA) notification that imposed an additional 50 per cent toll on vehicles travelling on motorways without an M-Tag or with low balance in their M-Tag accounts.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued the interim order while hearing a petition filed by advocate Muhammad Jalal Haider, who challenged the legal status of the notification issued by the NHA on May 30, 2025.

The court issued notices to the federation and the NHA, directing them to submit their replies and para-wise comments within two weeks. The hearing was adjourned until August 3. Until the next hearing, the court ordered that the notification would remain suspended.

According to the petition, the NHA had introduced the extra 50 per cent toll for motorway users who either did not have an M-Tag or had insufficient balance in their accounts.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that under Section 10(vii) of the National Highway Authority Act, 1991, the NHA is only allowed to collect toll tax on highways and roads under its control. He told the court that the law does not give the authority the power to impose penalties, surcharges or any additional financial burden on road users.