Peshawar High Court Suspends M-Tag Fines on M-1 Motorway Until December 10

Finally, some good news for anyone who uses the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway.

The Peshawar High Court has put an immediate stop to fines for vehicles that don’t have an M-Tag or have a low balance. This applies to the entire M-1.

The order came today, and it stays in place until the next hearing on December 10.

Thousands of drivers just saved themselves from Rs 1,000–2,000 penalties.

What Exactly Happened in Court

Three separate petitions were filed by lawyers and regular citizens.

They challenged the repeated toll hikes in 2024 and the harsh penalties for not having enough balance in the M-Tag.

The court heard the cases together and issued a clear interim order:

• No more fines for missing or low-balance M-Tag until further notice

• NHA must submit its complete toll tax policy in court

• Increased toll rates stay the same for now – only the M-Tag fines are stopped

This is temporary relief, but it’s instant.

Why People Went to Court

Toll rates on M-1 went up multiple times this year. No public hearing. No visible improvement on the road.

People got fed up.

Then came the M-Tag rule: if your tag has low balance or you don’t have one, you get slapped with a heavy fine on the spot.

Many drivers said they were charged full toll from Peshawar to Islamabad even when they only travelled 20 km from Charsadda interchange.

That directly violates NHA’s own policy, which says short-distance users should pay less.

Petitioners showed proof of overcharging and repeated increases without justification.

The court agreed there was enough substance to stop the fines right away.

What This Means for You Right Now

If you’re driving on M-1 this weekend or next week:

• You can pass through without fear of M-Tag fine

• You will still pay the normal toll at the booth

• Cash payment is fine – no penalty for not using M-Tag

• Keep your toll receipt just in case

This relief is valid at least until December 10. Most likely, it will continue longer because NHA has to explain its entire policy.

Charsadda Residents Hit Hardest

People living in Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, and nearby areas use the motorway daily for work or business.

Many only travel 15–30 km but were forced to pay the full Peshawar–Islamabad rate or face fines.

One petitioner showed he was charged Rs 1,000+ for a 20 km trip. That’s robbery.

The court noted this point specifically and said it appears to violate NHA rules.

Will Toll Rates Come Down?

Not yet.

The court only stopped the M-Tag fines. The higher toll rates from 2024 remain in place.

But the petitions are asking for complete rollback of unjustified increases.

If NHA cannot justify the hikes in the next hearing, rates could be reduced or previous rates restored.

That part will be decided later.

Simple Message to NHA

People are not against paying fair toll.

They are against paying more for the same potholes and broken barriers.

They are against fines that feel like punishment for not having an electronic tag.

The court has sent a clear signal: follow your own rules, justify your increases, and don’t penalise people unfairly.

What Drivers Should Do Now

Keep using the motorway normally.

Pay at the toll plaza as usual.

Save your receipts.

If anyone still tries to fine you for M-Tag, show them the news or court order – the stay is effective immediately.

And mark December 10 on your calendar. That’s when the real battle over toll rates will continue.

For once, the court moved fast and gave direct relief to ordinary people.

This is how it should work.

For more updates, visit DrivePK.com