ISLAMABAD – Motorways toll tax has been revised, at least for now. What was supposed to be second steep hike of the year suddenly came to halt when PM Shahbaz stepped in, sending a wave of relief.
Cars, buses, and trucks traveling on Motorways were spared the heavy burden of soaring tolls. Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan confirmed that the National Highway Authority had been instructed to withdraw the notification, acknowledging that citizens already grappling with high fuel prices didn’t need yet another hit to their wallets.
The premier ordered the suspension of controversial quarterly increase in toll fees, sending shockwaves across the transport and business sectors.
NHA previously announced the second toll hike of the year, effective April 5, igniting widespread concern. According to the official notification, car tolls on national highways were to be fixed at Rs 100, while the Kohat Tunnel toll would surge to Rs 250.
On the M-1 connecting Islamabad to Peshawar, car tolls were slated at Rs 700. M-3 from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem was to jump from Rs 800 to Rs 1,000, while the M-4 connecting Pindi Bhattian with Faisalabad and Multan was set to rise from Rs 1,050 to Rs 1,300. The M-5 from Multan to Sukkur faced a sharp increase from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500. The M-14, covering D.I. Khan to Hakla, would see tolls climb from Rs 650 to Rs 800. On the E-35 at Hasan Abdal, Haveliya, and Mansehra, tolls were to go up from Rs 300 to Rs 350.
Minister Abdul Aleem Khan stressed that in the current economic climate, placing additional financial pressure on citizens would have been unfair. With the NHA’s notification now retracted, drivers can breathe a temporary sigh of relief—but questions remain about when, or if, toll hikes might return.
This decision follows big surge in Petrol Prices as per litre rate jumps to Rs458.
In wake of fuel hike, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz made public transport free across the province, including the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electric Bus. Observers say Islamabad’s initiative now provides similar relief to the federal capital, offering residents a rare respite amid nationwide austerity measures.
Commuters have welcomed the announcement, calling it a timely intervention that will not only reduce household costs but also promote reliance on public transportation. Analysts note that such measures could have a long-term impact, encouraging more sustainable commuting habits while providing immediate financial relief to citizens struggling with rising expenses.
Islamabad Metro Bus, other Public Transport Now Free for a Month amid Fuel Hike
