Toll tax hike withdrawn to offer relief to public

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has announced a halt to planned toll tax increases on national highways.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the National Highway Authority Pakistan (NHA), chaired by Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan.

Acting on the special directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Minister used the session to officially rescind the 25 percent quarterly increase in toll taxes, freezing all adjustments for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Federal Minister for Communications of Pakistan, Abdul Aleem Khan, has described the Karachi Port–Hyderabad M-10 Motorway as a vital lifeline for Pakistan’s economy.

Chairing a high-level meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA), Abdul Aleem Khan said the project is essential for strengthening connectivity through the port and will play a crucial role in reducing the congestion caused by heavy vehicles and containers entering the main city.

The Minister detailed that the M-10 will be an expansive 8-lane project, and he directed the NHA to engage international consultants to ensure the highest standards of construction and design.

Describing the project as the future of the nation, he stressed that all available resources must be utilized most efficiently and transparently as possible to achieve the best results for the public.

To ensure the project is built on a solid technical foundation, He also ordered NHA engineers to begin feasibility studies and preparatory work immediately.

Additionally, he envisioned a modern travel experience by instructing that rest areas and shopping facilities be developed every 10 kilometers along the motorway to serve commuters and stimulate local trade.

During the session, the Minister expressed confidence that if resources are allocated on time and managed properly, this significant project could be completed within a two-year timeframe.

He further clarified that the NHA is committed to pursuing projects that are financially viable and sustainable, dismissing the perception that the authority is a defaulter as a misleading narrative that does not reflect its true financial status.

The meeting also highlighted international support for Pakistan’s infrastructure, as the Minister was informed that on March 25, 2026, the OPEC Fund for International Development approved a 230 million dollar three-tranche loan.

This funding is dedicated to the development of Section 3 of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway, further advancing the country’s goal of a fully integrated motorway network.