The Supreme Court Bar Association in Pakistan (SCBAP) has issued a strong statement that condemns the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) recent decision to increase highway and highway fees by 50%, calling it an act of “extortion” and promised to challenge the legal resources decision.
In a press release released on Wednesday, SCBAP called Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta Tax Increase “totally unjustified” and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
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“The introduction of an additional 50% tax is a step that deserves unequivocal condemnation,” he said, adding that if the decision is not reversed, SCBAP will contest it through legal forums in a competent court.
The bar association also criticized the management of the Ministry of Communications, which NHA operates. It questioned why a non-political figure is primarily known for his commitment to the real estate industry was given responsibility for a ministry responsible for public infrastructure.
“This is a classic example of how a person with private business interests is to deal with public affairs that require real political leadership that relates to people’s welfare,” the statement says.
SCBAP said the ministry should focus on tackling inefficiency within NHA rather than putting an extra burden on the public through increased tolls. The decision, said it is “completely unacceptable.”
The association intends to challenge the decision on legal means if it is not withdrawn immediately.
The statement also raised an alarm about the upcoming federal budget, expected next week, which criticized the allocation of large sums for non-development schemes. SCBAP warned that such allocations pose a significant risk of corruption and must be deterred.
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“It concerns noting that the federal government has taken out significantly higher loans compared to the previous year,” it added. “This step could have serious consequences for the economy.”
SCBAP announced that it will soon convene a meeting of its executive committee to discuss these public concerns and determine a further course of action.
NHA enforces 50% Road Tax for Non-M-Tag Vehicles starting June 15
Previously, NHA announced an increase of 50% in road tax for vehicles without M-tag or with low balance, with effect 15 June 2025, as part of a step to implement a 100% m-tag system over the entire country’s highways.
The decision, which has been notified in accordance with section 10 (2). (2) of the NHA Act 1991 as amended in 2024, applies to key images including M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, M-9, M-14 and E-35. The Message Details revised toll rates containing a 50% penalty for non-compatible vehicles.
According to NHA, the new road tax for cars on the Islamabad-Lahore motorway (M-2) has been set to RS 1,800, while the Road Tax for Lahore-Abdul Hakeem (M-3) and Pindi Bhattian-Multan (M-4) has been set to RS 1,200 and RS 1,600.
Multan-Sukkur (M-5) Road tax for cars is now at RS 1,800, and the speed of DI Khan-Hakla (M-14) has been raised to Rs 1,000. Meanwhile, cars traveling on Hassanabdal-Mansehra Expressway (E-35) pay 450.
Heavy vehicles also face steep charges. Two- and three-axle trucks on the Lahore Islamabad route will be charged RS 7,900, while articulated trucks will be charged RS 10,200.
Motorists have been invited to ensure timely M-tag registration and adequate account balance to avoid the fine. M-tag facilities are available on highway plazas and authorized service centers nationwide.
