Fact Check: Has govt increased toll tax on Motorways, Highways?

LAHORE: A viral social media post claiming that toll tax rates on Pakistan’s motorways and highways increased from July 1 sparked confusion among commuters. But the claims are not true.

The viral posts claiming that toll tax rates on Pakistan’s motorways and highways have been increased from July 1 triggered widespread confusion among commuters. But authorities have dismissed the claim, saying no such increase has been announced.

The picture, which has been circulating widely on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, purports to show revised toll charges for different categories of vehicles, presenting the information as an official notification. Despite widespread circulation, no credible government notification has surfaced to substantiate the alleged rate revision.

Responding to the viral claim, the Communications and Works Ministry cleared the air on circulating ‘false and misleading’ information, urging the public not to depend on social media for updates, as it can cause undue panic.

Ministry urged citizens to get updates only via the relevant department’s official website and verified social media accounts, warning that false information shared can cause unnecessary panic.

It even appealed to the public not to forward the viral notice and spread fake news.

The misleading post has left many motorists confused about whether new toll charges have come into place, but the document being shared misses out key elements usually found on any official govt notice, such as reference no, notification details, issuing authority, etc.