Residents of Ghazikot, local traders, and community members have launched a hunger strike against toll collection on the Karakoram Highway. The Protesters are demanding the closure of the toll point at Khatain Da Galla, near the Mansehra-Abbottabad boundary.
The demonstration began on Wednesday as residents expressed concerns over the continued collection of toll tax. They said authorities had failed to fulfil earlier commitments regarding road infrastructure development.
The Protesters stated that the district administration had allowed the toll collection point after promises of improvements to the Karakoram Highway. These commitments included widening the highway and constructing underpasses and overhead bridges in Mansehra city and nearby areas.
However, Malik Waheed said the promised development work had not been completed. He questioned the continued collection of toll tax despite the commitments made by the authorities.
NHA Faces Questions Over Toll Revenue
Waheed said the National Highway Authority (NHA) had submitted a surety bond to the Peshawar High Court’s Abbottabad circuit bench. According to him, the authority had pledged to use toll revenue for widening the Karakoram Highway.
The commitment also covered the construction of underpasses and overhead bridges in Mansehra and its surrounding areas. However, Waheed maintained that the promised projects remained incomplete.
He also alleged that the NHA collects toll tax at approximately six locations within a five-kilometer radius. These collection points are situated along the Karakoram Highway and Hazara Expressway.
The issue has raised concerns among residents who regularly travel between Mansehra and Abbottabad. Many commuters use these routes for education, employment, and other daily activities.
Daily Commuters Face Additional Expenses
The Protesters said repeated toll payments place an additional financial burden on regular commuters. Waheed claimed that students, government employees, and other travellers pay Rs. 200 per trip.
For people who travel between the two cities daily, these expenses can add up quickly. The protesters believe the toll collection arrangement should be reviewed, particularly while the promised infrastructure projects remain unfinished.
The demonstration reflects growing local dissatisfaction over toll charges and delays in road development. The protesters are seeking action from the relevant authorities and want the toll point closed.
Dispute Emerges Over Toll Collection Contract
Waheed also claimed that three groups had asserted their rights over the toll collection contract. He alleged that one group stormed the facility and opened fire while attempting to take control of the site.
The allegation highlights a separate dispute surrounding the operation of the toll collection point. However, further details about the incident and any official response were not provided in the available information.
The protesters continue to demand the closure of the toll point at Khatain Da Galla. They are also seeking progress on the road expansion and construction projects previously promised by the authorities.
In other related news also read Baloch Protesters Announce Nationwide Shutterdown
The situation places renewed attention on toll collection practices along the Karakoram Highway and the use of revenue for infrastructure development. Further action by the district administration and the NHA may determine how the dispute proceeds.
