ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Communications on Monday questioned the National Highway Authority (NHA) over the contract period of toll plazas, observing that several roads have deteriorated beyond their intended lifespan, yet contractors continue to collect tolls from travelers.
The meeting of the committee, chaired by Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani, reviewed matters related to the Pakistan Post Office, the NHA, and various road infrastructure projects.
The committee discussed a calling attention notice raised by MNA Waseem Hussain regarding the Jamshoro Toll Plaza which, he pointed out, was established in violation of NHA rules requiring a minimum distance of 35-60 km between two toll plazas.
Committee member Waseem Hussain accused the NHA of exhibiting a bureaucratic attitude and not taking lawmakers’ concerns seriously. Expressing dissatisfaction with the NHA’s response, he announced his intention to raise the issue before the Privileges Committee. After several follow-up meetings, the committee decided to return the NHA’s reply to the house, along with the remarks submitted by the member.
Another committee member, Abrar Ali Shah, opposed the existing toll tax regime, arguing that the revenue collected was not being utilised for road maintenance. Responding to this, the communications secretary clarified that toll collection was the NHA’s primary source of revenue and was indeed used for road rehabilitation and upkeep. The committee also reviewed The Toll Plaza Rationalization and Equity Bill, 2025, moved by Syed Abrar Ali Shah. It directed the Law and Justice Ministry, in coordination with the NHA and the member who moved the bill, to examine the proposal and determine whether new legislation or amendments to the existing act were required.
The bill seeks to address concerns regarding toll plazas situated too close to each other, excessive toll fees, and unjustified toll increases. It proposes equitable spacing between toll plazas — at least 50 kilometers apart — to reduce the financial burden on commuters, particularly those traveling long distances.
Meanwhile, the committee reiterated its concerns to the NHA over the toll plaza contracts and poor road conditions. It also reviewed the ministry’s responses to previous recommendations.
