NA Committee Urges Reduction of Toll Plazas on Karachi–Hyderabad Motorway

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications has urged the government to reduce the number of toll plazas on the Karachi–Hyderabad M-9 Motorway, proposing that booths be installed every 80–100 kilometers instead of every 35 km. The move comes amid public frustration over frequent toll deductions on one of Pakistan’s busiest highways.

Motorists traveling between Karachi and Hyderabad have long complained about paying multiple tolls within short distances. The issue gained attention in Parliament as lawmakers deemed the existing toll structure “unjust and burdensome” for daily commuters and transporters.

During a meeting chaired by Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani, members of the committee criticized the National Highway Authority (NHA) policy, calling it excessive. Officials from NHA explained that the number and location of toll plazas were determined by traffic flow and population density, but lawmakers rejected this justification.

“Placing two toll plazas within a few kilometers is excessive and unfair to motorists,” one committee member remarked.

MNA Waseem Hussain voiced strong criticism, terming the system “an injustice to the people of Karachi and Hyderabad.” He added that public anger over repeated toll deductions is increasing and urged immediate revision.

Toll Plaza Distribution Overview

The committee also noted that toll plazas are not placed based on district boundaries, creating inconsistency across regions.

Chairman Ijaz Jakhrani directed that each clause of the toll plaza bill be reviewed for possible amendments. The Communications Secretary and NHA Chairman defended some placements but agreed to revisit the policy. The committee will now compile its recommendations and forward them to the Speaker of the National Assembly for further action.

“We need fairer spacing and a uniform toll policy that respects motorists and reflects economic realities,” Jakhrani emphasized.