Web Desk: Government has halted a planned increase in motorway toll taxes, stepping in at the last minute to ease pressure on commuters following a recent surge in fuel prices.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to suspend the proposed toll rate increase, prompting the National Highway Authority to withdraw its earlier notification, officials said.
The decision reverses a plan under which higher toll charges were set to take effect on April 5. Authorities had issued the original notification earlier this week.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said the National Highway Authority acted on his directive to suspend the notification issued on April 1.
Subsequently, the authority released a fresh notification confirming the suspension of the increase. Officials clarified that toll rates will remain unchanged for now.
The minister said the government took the step in response to the growing financial strain on the public after a sharp rise in petrol prices. As a result, the prime minister instructed officials to defer the hike until further notice.
Moreover, authorities confirmed that no increase in toll plaza charges has been implemented so far for the fiscal year 2025–26.
Officials added that the move aims to provide temporary relief to commuters already grappling with higher transportation costs driven by expensive fuel.
The development comes amid rising public concern over inflation, which has remained a persistent issue highlighted across local media in recent months.
Read more: Fuel crisis: Kerosene oil rates surge following petrol hike
