NA panel concerned over third toll hike by NHA in short span

ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Communications expressed serious concern over the increase in toll rate for the third time within a short period by the National Highway Authority (NHA), apparently in contravention of its policy of revising toll rates every three years.

The Standing Committee held its meeting with its Chairman Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani in the chair here at the Parliament House on Thursday. It reviewed the ministry’s responses to earlier recommendations, focusing particularly on major infrastructure projects designed to enhance national connectivity and improve road safety. The NHA told the committee that work on M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad project is scheduled to begin in April 2026, financed by the Islamic Development Bank.

The committee expressed displeasure over the absence of Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and warned that future instances of non-attendance would be brought before the House and the Privilege Committee for an appropriate action. Concerns were also raised about the NHA’s third toll rate increase within a short period. The committee deemed this repeated increase against public interest and directed the NHA to submit a detailed justification at the next meeting.

A Calling Attention Notice was moved by the MNA regarding the presence of two toll plazas within a 5-kilometer stretch on the M-9 Motorway, which contradicts the policy that mandates a minimum distance of 35 kilometres between toll plazas. The NHA responded that a major bridge is located at that point, and under current policy, toll plazas are permitted at each major bridge regardless of the distance. The committee directed the NHA to submit a comprehensive list of all bridges that have toll plazas installed. Additionally, concerns were raised over the poor condition of the bridge in question, despite the collection of tolls and revenue. The committee instructed the NHA to conduct an inquiry into the state of the bridge and present a detailed report at the next meeting. The member also asked the NHA to extend the same toll exemption to residents of Hyderabad district for daily vehicle use as is currently provided to the residents of Jamshoro.

Regarding M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad project, it was reported that work is scheduled to begin in April 2026, financed by the Islamic Development Bank. The NHA informed the committee that it has requested advance procurement approval from the bank, with land acquisition expected to commence within a month. Consequently, the NHA will formally write to the Sindh government to initiate land acquisition procedures. The committee was also informed that Karachi Northern Bypass will be part of the M-10 project, which will resolve the congestion of Karachi city once and for all.

The Inspector General of the Motorway Police briefed the committee on the legal framework under which FIRs are registered for motorists exceeding the speed limit of 150 km/h on motorways, as per Section 279 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) relating to fast and negligent driving. It was noted that since the enforcement of this law, motorway casualties have significantly decreased over the past five months. The committee decided to re-examine these provisions and, in consultation with all political parties, consider amendments aimed at replacing corporal punishment, FIRs, and imprisonment with stricter financial penalties and possible licence suspensions.

The committee decided to write to the Senate Standing Committee on Communications, requesting the findings of its Sub-Committee as to how the contractor previously disqualified and terminated by the NHA secured a major contract valued at Rs166 billion under the CAREC Tranche-III project. The NHA was also directed to provide an update on the matter at the next meeting.