KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday suspended a notification issued by the National Highway Authority (NHA) banning load of articles beyond axle load limits till November 16.

The single-judge bench, headed by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, also issued notices to the ministry of maritime affairs, NHA and other defendants for next hearing. A lawsuit was filed by Pakistan Flour Mills Associations and 12 others, impugning the notification of NHA issued on October 12.

The lawyer for plaintiffs submitted that through the impugned notification, the plaintiffs were directed that they would not be allowed loading of articles beyond axle load limits as approved by the NHA.

The counsel contended that the plaintiffs were transporting di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and other items within Karachi city and the notification did not come in their way.

“Under these circumstances, issue notice to defendants. Meanwhile, operation of the impugned notification dated 12.10.2023 is suspended”, the court in its order said.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2023