The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has temporarily stopped the National Highway Authority (NHA) from collecting additional motorway toll charges from motorists over non-M-Tag use and insufficient M-Tag balance. The interim relief came during a hearing on a petition challenging the NHA’s recent notification introducing a 50 percent surcharge for vehicles without an active M-Tag or with inadequate balance in their M-Tag accounts.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued the interim order after hearing arguments presented by the petitioner. The court suspended the implementation of the NHA notification, preventing authorities from collecting the additional toll charges until the next hearing. The decision provides temporary relief to motorists who had raised concerns over the new surcharge policy.
The petition argued that the notification imposing a 50 percent extra toll on vehicles without an M-Tag, or those with insufficient balance, should be reviewed. The petitioner challenged the legality of the additional charges and requested the court to halt their implementation until the matter is fully examined. Advocate Muhammad Jalal Haider represented the petitioner during the proceedings.
Following the hearing, the Islamabad High Court issued notices to the National Highway Authority and other respondents, directing them to submit their replies before the next date of hearing. The court will consider the responses before deciding whether the notification should remain suspended or be reinstated. The case is scheduled to be heard again on August 3.
The NHA had introduced the additional toll charges as part of efforts to encourage motorists to adopt the M-Tag electronic toll collection system and maintain sufficient account balances. The authority argued that wider use of M-Tags would help improve traffic flow at toll plazas, reduce congestion, and make toll collection more efficient across the motorway network.
Until the next hearing, however, motorists will not be required to pay the additional 50 percent surcharge for travelling without an M-Tag or with an insufficient M-Tag balance. The Islamabad High Court’s interim order will remain in effect until August 3, when the court is expected to hear arguments from all parties before making any further decision on the matter.
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