A disputed surcharge imposed on export cargo has been fully withdrawn after intervention by the Pakistan Airports Authority (Pakistan Airports Authority), which also secured a commitment from the concerned ground handling agency to refund all amounts already collected. The matter involved an ad-hoc levy of PKR 50 per kilogram (about $180 per ton) imposed on export cargo by a ground handling agency. Although multiple operators were reportedly considering similar charges, only one implemented the surcharge, triggering immediate resistance from exporters and freight forwarders.
Industry backlash escalated quickly as trade organisations flagged the financial impact of the move. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry estimated the levy was costing the economy roughly PKR 40 million per day, intensifying pressure on regulators to act. Major business bodies including the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association, and the Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan raised objections, terming the charge unjustified and harmful to export competitiveness.
The issue was subsequently taken up by the PAA, which opened formal discussions with the operator. Upon review, the authority concluded that the surcharge had no contractual basis and was inconsistent with the agreement governing ground handling operations at airports. Following negotiations, the operator agreed to roll back the levy in full.
The PAA confirmed that the GHA has also accepted responsibility to refund all previously collected charges, with the refund process already underway. The development follows what authorities described as coordinated regulatory action and sustained industry pressure aimed at preventing additional cost burdens on Pakistan’s export logistics chain.