PM’s directive, NHA withdraw quarterly increase in toll tax

ISLAMABAD, Apr 03 (APP): The government has suspended the proposed quarterly increase in toll plaza fees on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a move aimed at providing relief to the public amid prevailing economic challenges.

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to withdraw its notification issued on April 1 and halt the increase that was scheduled to take effect from April 5, said a press release issued on Friday.

Following the minister’s instructions, a fresh notification has been issued formally cancelling the earlier decision.

Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan stated that given the current economic situation and the rising prices of petrol and diesel, masses are already facing difficulties; therefore, it would not be appropriate to place any additional financial burden on them. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing relief to the public in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directives will be ensured. It is noteworthy that the NHA had not implemented any increase in toll tax during the fiscal year 2025–26, as well.

Furthermore, while chairing a high-level meeting of the National Highway Authority, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan described the Karachi Port–Hyderabad M-10 Motorway as the “Economic Lifeline” of Pakistan. He emphasized that the M-10 will be an 8-lane project, essential for strengthening connectivity between ports and inland areas as well as for reducing traffic congestion in urban centers. He directed the NHA to immediately engage international consultants and top-tier engineers for the feasibility study and initial work on the M-10 Project. To modernize travel facilities and promote local trade, the project will also include state-of-the-art rest areas and shopping facilities at every 10 kilometers along the Motorway, Abdul Aleem Khan added.

During the meeting, Federal Minister termed the assumptions regarding NHA’s financial instability as a misleading narrative, stating that the National Highway Authority is fully focused on sustainable and high-quality projects. The meeting was informed that the OPEC Fund for International Development has recently approved a loan of $230 Million for Section 3 of the Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway.

Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan further stated that all resources will be utilized in a transparent manner and, if timely funding is ensured, the M-10 Project will be completed within the stipulated period of two years, bringing significant benefits to citizens, the business community, and the institution.