The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has temporarily suspended a National Highway Authority (NHA) notification that imposed a 50 percent additional toll tax on motorists travelling without an M-Tag or with insufficient balance in their M-Tag accounts.
The interim order was issued by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir while hearing a petition challenging the legality of the NHA’s notification dated May 30, 2025. In a written two-page ruling, the court directed the authorities not to collect the additional toll tax until further orders are issued.
The petition questions the NHA’s decision to charge extra toll tax from drivers using motorways without an M-Tag or those whose M-Tag accounts do not have enough balance at the time of travel. The petitioner argued that the policy unfairly penalizes motorists and lacks proper legal backing.
Representing the petitioner, advocate Jalal Haider told the court that the notification is contrary to the law and should not be enforced. He maintained that the NHA exceeded its legal authority by introducing the additional toll tax without following the required legal framework.
After hearing the initial arguments, the Islamabad High Court issued notices to the National Highway Authority and other relevant respondents, directing them to submit their written replies. The court has fixed August 3 as the next date for further proceedings in the case.
Until the matter is decided, the court has ordered that the disputed surcharge should not be collected from motorway users. This interim relief provides temporary protection to motorists who were affected by the policy.
The case is expected to determine whether the NHA had the legal authority to impose the additional toll tax on vehicles without an M-Tag or with low account balances. The court’s final verdict could have a significant impact on future motorway toll collection policies across the country.
For now, the IHC’s order means motorists cannot be charged the extra toll tax introduced under the suspended notification. The policy will remain on hold until the court completes its hearing and announces a final decision on the legality of the NHA’s directive.
