IHC Petition Challenges NHA’s 50% M-Tag Toll Penalty

News Desk

Islamabad: A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) decision to impose a 50 percent additional toll surcharge on vehicles without an M-Tag or with insufficient M-Tag balances.

The petition, filed by lawyer Muhammad Jalal Haider, names the Ministry of Communications, the National Highway Authority and other officials as respondents.

The petitioner requested the court to declare the NHA’s May 30, 2025 notification unlawful and order the authority to refund all amounts collected under the disputed surcharge.

According to the petition, the notification introduced a 50 percent additional toll charge for vehicles using the motorway network without an M-Tag or with inadequate M-Tag balances.

The petitioner argued that Section 10 of the National Highway Authority Act authorizes the NHA to collect tolls but does not empower it to impose penalties on motorists in either category. The petition contends that the surcharge lacks legal basis and exceeds the authority’s powers under the law.

It further states that the measure violates Articles 4, 18, 24 and 25 of the Constitution, relating to the protection of law, freedom of trade, property rights and equality before the law.

Besides seeking to have the notification struck down, the petitioner asked the court to direct the NHA to disclose the complete mechanism governing the M-Tag balance system and its implementation. The petition also seeks refunds for all additional charges collected under the May 30 notification.

The Islamabad High Court is expected to take up the petition for hearing in due course.