The toll tax revenue of the National Highway Authority (NHA) has more than doubled in five years, rising from Rs35,063 million in 2021-22 to Rs85,714 million in 2025-26.
Collections fell to Rs33,399 million in 2022-23 and declined further to Rs32,068 million in 2023-24, before doubling to Rs64,423 million in 2024-25. Highways generated more toll revenue than motorways this year, with over Rs48,864 million collected from highways and Rs36,849 million from motorways.
The increase in toll rates is now under judicial review. Last week, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) consolidated all petitions concerning higher toll tax on motorways and major highways, a 50 percent rise in fines and the M-Tag system, and adjourned the hearing until next week.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar heard the petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel. He noted that toll tax had risen sharply, with some rates now exceeding Rs1,100, and asked how the NHA could raise rates on its own.
The NHA counsel told the court that a similar case is pending before another bench. He said toll tax had not been increased for four years and assured the court of his assistance. The court directed him to submit a written reply so it could be uploaded online.
The counsel also stated that a stay order on the M-Tag requirement has been issued in the other case, which is being heard by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, and that motorists are no longer installing M-Tags.
Chief Justice Dogar ordered that the other case, along with all related petitions, be summoned and heard together. The court then adjourned the consolidated proceedings until next week.