The Association of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCBAP) has published a strong statement condemning the recent decision of the National Highway Authority (NHA) to increase taxes on highways and 50%roads, calling it “extortion” and promising to challenge the decision by legal means.
In a press release published on Wednesday, the president of the SCBAP, Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, described the increase in “fully unjustifiable” taxes and asked for his immediate withdrawal.
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“The imposition of an additional 50% tax is a decision that deserves an unequivocal conviction,” he said, adding that if the decision is not reversed, Scbap will dispute it through legal forums before a competent court.
The association of the Bar also criticized the Directorate of the Ministry of Communications, under which the NHA operates. He asked why a non -political character known mainly for his involvement in the real estate sector was accused of a ministry responsible for public infrastructure.
“This is a classic example of how a person with private commercial interests manages public issues that require real political leadership concerning the well-being of the people,” the statement said.
The SCBAP said that the ministry should focus on the fight against ineffectiveness within the NHA rather than on the establishment of an additional burden to the public thanks to an increase in toll costs. The decision, she said, is “completely unacceptable”.
The association intends to challenge the decision by legal means if it is not immediately withdrawn.
The press release also made an alarm about the next federal budget, expected next week, criticizing the allocation of large sums to non -developmental regimes. SCBAP has warned that such allowances pose a significant risk of corruption and must be discouraged.
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“It is a concern to note that the federal government has contracted significantly higher loans compared to the previous year,” he added. “This decision could have disastrous consequences for the economy.”
SCBAP announced that he would soon be condemning a meeting of his executive committee to discuss these public concerns and determine an additional action plan.
NHA applies a 50% toll increase for non-M-Tag vehicles from June 15
Earlier, the NHA announced a 50% increase in toll taxes for vehicles without M-TAG or with a low balance, in force on June 15, 2025, as part of a decision to implement a 100% M-TAG system through the country’s highways.
The decision, notified under article 10 (2) (VII) of the 1991 law of the NHA, as modified in 2024, applies to key motorways, in particular M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, M-9, M-14 and E-35. Details of the notification of revised toll rates incorporating a 50% penalty for non -compliant vehicles.
According to the NHA, the new toll for cars on the Islamabad – Lahore (M -2) motorway was set at Rs 1,800, while the tolls for Lahore – Abdul Hakeem (M -3) and Pindi Bhattian – Multan (M -4) were fixed respectively at RS 1,200 and RS 1,600.
The tolls of Multan – Sukkur (M -5) for cars are now at Rs 1,800, and the rate of DI Khan – Hakla (M -14) was increased to Rs 1,000. Meanwhile, cars traveling on the Hassanabdal – Mansehra (E -35) highway will pay RS 450.
Heavy vehicles will also face steep charges. Trucks with two and three axles on the Lahore – Islamabad route will be billed Rs 7,900, while articulated trucks will be charged 10,200 of rupees.
Motorists have been invited to guarantee a timely recording and a sufficient account balance to avoid fine. M-TAG installations are available in highway toll squares and authorized service centers nationwide.
