On PM's directive, NHA withdraws raise in toll tax on motorways, highways

On Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, the National Highway Authority has withdrawn raise in toll tax on motorways and highways, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan on Friday directed the NHA to roll back the increase. “In the present situation, more burden cannot be added on to the masses,” he added.

The minister the raise which was going to be effective from April 5 has now been suspended.

Earlier, the National Highway Authority has increased the toll tax on motorways and national highways by a big margin.

A notification regarding the new toll tax has been issued, according to which on national highways, the toll tax has been fixed at Rs100 for cars, Rs200 for wagons and Rs300 for buses. The toll tax for 2 and 3 axle trucks has been fixed at Rs350, and for large trucks at Rs700.

On Lahore to Abdul Hakam M3 Motorway, cars will be charged Rs1,000, 12-seater wagons Rs1,500, and coasters or minibuses Rs2,150.

On Islamabad to Peshawar Motorway, cars will be charged Rs700, 12-seater wagons Rs1,050.

On Islamabad to Peshawar Motorway, buses will be charged Rs2,050, 2 and 3 axle trucks Rs2,650, and large trucks Rs3,300.

According to the notification, on the M4 Motorway, cars will pay Rs1,300, 12-seater wagons Rs1,950, and minibuses Rs2,850.

On the M4, buses will pay Rs 3,950 and large trucks Rs6,400.

On the M5 Motorway, cars will pay Rs1,500, wagons Rs2,150, minibuses Rs3,150, and large trucks Rs7,150.

On the E-35 Highway, cars will pay Rs350, wagons Rs550, minibuses Rs750, and buses Rs1,100.

Reporters Tayyab Saif and Abid Chaudhry