The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry has issued a stern warning regarding the unilateral imposition of additional service charges on export cargo by ground handling agencies. This development has sparked significant concern within the national trade community, with leadership characterizing the move as a direct threat to the stability of the country’s export sector. FPCCI Regional Chairman and Vice President Zaki Aijaz highlighted that these new levies are being implemented without proper consultation, creating an immediate financial crisis for businesses already struggling with high operational costs.
According to the chamber, prominent ground handling firms, including Gerry’s Dnata and Raas Air Menzies International, have introduced extra fees ranging from PKR 25 to PKR 50 per kilogram on export shipments. This pricing shift translates into an estimated daily financial burden of PKR 40 million, which accumulates to a staggering PKR 1.2 billion per month for the national exchequer. Historically, such costs were managed through agreements with airlines rather than being billed directly to exporters. By bypassing the traditional billing mechanism, these agencies are accused of violating established industry practices and potentially overstepping regulatory boundaries set by the Pakistan Airports Authority.
The timing of these charges is particularly sensitive as key sectors such as textiles and pharmaceuticals are already grappling with volatile freight rates and rising utility expenses. Industry experts argue that the direct billing approach sidesteps the transparency of the airline system, leaving exporters vulnerable to sudden price hikes that they cannot pass on to international buyers. Zaki Aijaz emphasized that if these costs are not rescinded, the competitive edge of Pakistani products in the global market could be permanently damaged, making it nearly impossible to achieve the government’s ambitious $100 billion export target.
Resistance to the new fee structure is mounting across various logistics and trade associations. Jameel Ahmed, Chairman of the Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association, indicated that the industry is considering a nationwide halt in cargo operations if the authorities do not intervene. Similarly, representatives from the Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan and leaders within the meat export sector, including Masood Alam and Muhammad Hanan, have noted that such unexpected overheads could lead to the cancellation of international orders and a breakdown in supply chains.
In light of these escalating tensions, the FPCCI has formally requested the federal government to take immediate corrective action. The chamber is calling for the withdrawal of the controversial charges, a comprehensive review of the operating licenses granted to ground handling agencies, and a transparent investigation into the legality of these direct billing practices. Without swift intervention, trade leaders fear that the credibility of Pakistan’s trade infrastructure will suffer, further isolating the nation from its global commercial partners during a critical period of economic recovery.
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