M-Tag case: IHC extends stay on NHA's additional toll-tax charges

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday extended its interim order restraining the National Highway Authority (NHA) from collecting an additional 50 percent toll tax from vehicles without an M-Tag or with insufficient balance while hearing a petition challenging the authority's notification.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition on Monday, which was filed by advocate Jalal Haider against the NHA's decision to impose the additional toll charges.

During the proceedings, the National Highway Authority submitted its written reply, and a copy was provided to the petitioner's counsel in court.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir asked the petitioner's lawyer whether he had received the reply. The lawyer confirmed that he had only just been provided with the document and had not yet had an opportunity to review its contents.

Counsel for the NHA requested the court to hear the petition together with another similar case currently pending before the High Court. 

However, Justice Tahir observed that the court was aware of the other matter and stated that the two petitions were separate cases.

After hearing the parties, the court extended its interim order restraining the NHA from recovering the additional toll charges and adjourned further proceedings to a later date.

Reporter: Ehtisham Kiani