Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has extended its interim order restraining the National Highway Authority (NHA) from charging an additional 50 per cent toll tax and penalty on vehicles without M-Tag or with insufficient balance after being informed that the authority had started implementing the court’s earlier directions.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition challenging the additional toll charges and penalties imposed on motorists using motorways.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner Jalal Haider and NHA counsel Raheema Khan appeared before the court. The NHA submitted its para-wise comments in compliance with the court’s directions.
The court asked the petitioner’s counsel whether he had received a copy of the comments. Counsel replied that he had received them but had not yet had the opportunity to examine them.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir also inquired whether the NHA had implemented the court’s earlier order. The NHA’s counsel informed the court that compliance had begun and that the authority was no longer charging the additional toll tax or penalty.
The NHA further requested that the case be clubbed with another similar petition pending before the court. However, Justice Tahir observed that although the court was aware of the other matter, the two petitions were separate cases.
The court extended its interim order restraining the NHA from imposing the additional charges, sought arguments from the parties and adjourned further proceedings.