While hearing a series of identical contempt petitions, Justice Miangul Hassan of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) expressed dismay over NHA’s non-implementation of highway laws in Pakistan. The Court went so far as to summon the Attorney General in person in the matter. The Court also directed the AGP to provide a hearing to the lead petitioner Senator Abbas Afridi and to jointly formulate steps for better implementation of axle-load laws.
Back in 2020, the Court had given a detailed judgment titled JZ Enterprises (Pvt.) Limited v. Federation (PLD 2020 Isl. 306) with respect to the axle-load law in Pakistan and had also given guidelines to NHA and Ministry of Communication for strict implementation of the same. However, since no steps have since been taken by NHA to implement the Court’s directions. Therefore, a number of contempt petitions have been filed.

In his contempt petition, which he is arguing in person, former Senator Abbas Afridi has mentioned that every year Pakistan loses Rs. 53.5 billion on account of the damage cause by non-implementation of axle-load related laws. The petitioner has alleged that the NHA and other state authorities are in cahoots with a mafia which benefits immensely from over-loading. This includes industrialist as well certain unscrupulous transporters. However, the tax payers of the country are suffering. Also, over-loaded trucks are more accident prone and cause hundreds of deaths annually. The petitioner has claimed:
“if the laws regarding overloading, along with the Judgment of this Hon’ble Court, are strictly complied with, numerous benefits will be reaped by the people. Firstly, billions of dollars spent on repairs and reconstruction of roads will be saved. Secondly, the number of trucks on the roads will increase as a result of which associated jobs will be created such as jobs for as drivers, conductors, mechanics etc. Finally, it may be noted that over-loaded trucks a major cause of road traffic accidents. Many people die in these accidents. If axle-load laws were implemented, many passengers’ lives will be saved.”
In his written order, Justice Miangul appreciated the effort of “Mr. Abbas Khan Afridi, a former parliamentarian, petitioner-in-person, who has conducted research in the matter”. The Court has directed the principal law officer of the country, AGP Mansur Usman Awan, to provide a personal hearing to Senator Afridi for “taking steps for the adequate implementation of the axle-load regime.” The case will now be taken up in October.