NDMA warns of rising river levels, flood risk

  The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has extended its earlier interim order preventing the collection of an additional 50 percent toll tax from vehicles that do not have an M-Tag installed. The relief will remain in effect until the next hearing of the case, providing temporary protection to motorists while the legal proceedings continue. During the hearing, the National Highway Authority (NHA) submitted its written response before the court, outlining its position regarding the policy of imposing an additional toll charge on vehicles that are not registered under the M-Tag system. The response is expected to form the basis of further arguments in the case. The petitioner’s counsel requested additional time to carefully review the written reply submitted by the NHA before presenting a detailed response. Accepting the request, the court adjourned the proceedings to a later date, allowing both parties sufficient time to prepare their arguments. While postponing the hearing, the Islamabad High Court announced that its previous order would continue to remain in force until the next hearing. As a result, authorities have been restrained from collecting the additional 50 percent toll tax from vehicles that either do not have an M-Tag installed or have insufficient balance in their M-Tag accounts. The interim relief means that motorists falling into these categories cannot be charged the extra amount until the court issues further directions. However, the regular toll charges applicable under existing rules may still be collected. The dispute centers on the National Highway Authority’s policy requiring motorists to register their vehicles with the M-Tag electronic toll collection system. Under the authority’s regulations, vehicles that are not registered with M-Tag are subject to a 50 percent higher toll fee when using motorways and designated highways. Similarly, vehicles with an M-Tag account that does not have sufficient balance may also be charged the additional amount under the same policy. The NHA introduced the M-Tag system to modernize toll collection, reduce congestion at toll plazas, promote cashless payments, and improve the efficiency of traffic management on Pakistan’s motorway network. The electronic system enables vehicles to pass through toll plazas more quickly, minimizing delays and reducing manual cash transactions. Despite these objectives, the policy of imposing an additional 50 percent toll charge has faced criticism from some motorists and legal experts. Opponents argue that the surcharge is excessive and places an unnecessary financial burden on drivers, particularly those who have not yet registered for the M-Tag system or encounter technical issues with their accounts. They also contend that such a financial penalty should have a clear legal basis and should not be enforced without proper safeguards. The NHA’s decision has therefore been challenged before the Islamabad High Court, where the petitioner seeks to have the additional toll charge declared unlawful. The court will examine the legal validity of the policy after considering the arguments of both parties, including the authority’s written response and the petitioner’s objections. Until the next hearing, the High Court’s interim order will continue to provide temporary relief to affected motorists by preventing the collection of the disputed 50 percent additional toll tax. The outcome of the case is expected to determine whether the National Highway Authority can lawfully enforce the surcharge in the future or whether changes to the policy will be required.

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has warned Pakistan’s rulers and decision-makers to “open their eyes” before September 27, saying the situation could become increasingly difficult to control if justice, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law are not restored. Speaking to reporters while attending a protest outside the Supreme Court, Afridi also expressed concern over reports about the health of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. The chief minister said serious concerns were emerging about Khan’s health and called for the matter to be treated with urgency. He said neither he nor Khan had attempted to use the former prime minister’s health for political relief. Afridi demanded that Khan’s family be allowed to be present and that his treatment be conducted under the supervision of his personal doctors. The KP chief minister referred to the treatment of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during Imran Khan’s government. He said Khan had allowed Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment on humanitarian grounds, despite questions that had been raised at the time regarding medical certificates. According to Afridi, Khan was now being deprived of basic human rights and justice, which he described as a matter of serious concern. Afridi also criticized what he described as politically motivated cases against Khan. He alleged that his political opponents had themselves faced corruption allegations and accused them of misusing national resources. These claims represent Afridi’s political position and were not independently established in his remarks. The KP chief minister also spoke about the judiciary, saying Pakistan’s justice system was facing a major test. He urged judges to stand up for justice and said that one judge taking a principled position could encourage others to do the same. Afridi argued that the public was looking toward the judiciary for relief and justice. He questioned where citizens would turn if judges failed to perform their constitutional responsibilities. The chief minister further warned about growing anger among young people, saying he could see what he described as a “revolution” in the eyes of the country’s youth. He cautioned that continued injustice and rising hatred could eventually create a situation in which even Imran Khan might struggle to persuade people to respond with affection or restraint. Afridi urged the rulers and decision-makers to understand the seriousness of the situation before September 27 and move the country toward justice, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law. He warned that failure to address these concerns could make the situation increasingly difficult to manage, adding another strong political message to the ongoing tensions surrounding Imran Khan and his supporters.