Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the immediate suspension of a planned 25% toll tax hike on national highways and motorways. The decision was announced on Friday, April 3, 2026, to provide relief to citizens already struggling with record-high fuel prices.
The National Highway Authority (NHA) had issued a notification for the quarterly increase, which was due to take effect from April 5, 2026. Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan withdrew the notification on the Prime Minister’s special instructions. He stated that in the current economic situation, the government does not want to place any extra burden on the people.
This relief comes just days after the government sharply raised petrol prices to Rs458.40 per litre and diesel to Rs520.35 per litre. In response, public transport and goods transporters increased fares by up to 65%, making travel and transport of goods much more expensive.
The suspension of the toll hike will help reduce travel costs for private vehicles, buses, trucks, and daily commuters using major highways. It is seen as a timely step to ease pressure on low-income families, small businesses, and the transport sector.
The government continues to monitor the situation closely. Officials say they are balancing the need to maintain road infrastructure with the immediate financial difficulties faced by ordinary Pakistanis.
Other relief measures, such as free public transport in Islamabad for one month and targeted fuel subsidies in Sindh, have also been announced recently.
Experts believe such short-term relief is important during the ongoing fuel crisis, but long-term solutions are needed to control inflation and stabilise the economy.
Citizens have welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision as a sign of concern for public hardship.
