ACAAP warns nationwide strike over illegal air cargo chargesLCCI holds emergency press conference against air cargo charges

By Dr Ansab Ali, Lahore Pakistan
LAHORE: An emergency press conference was held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry against the sudden increase in air cargo ground handling charges. Exporters, air cargo agents, and members of the business community termed the additional charges illegal, unethical, and harmful to exports, demanding their immediate withdrawal.
LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol said that Pakistan is already struggling to remain competitive in the region due to the high cost of doing business, which has slowed export growth. He said the sudden imposition of new charges is a serious setback for the export sector.
He revealed that two companies providing ground handling services at international airports imposed an additional charge of Rs. 50 per kilogram without consulting stakeholders or taking the government into confidence, calling the move unacceptable and against regulatory procedures and international norms.
The LCCI President said that the Pakistan Airports Authority had directed the immediate suspension of the additional charges and sought clarification from the companies. However, he expressed concern that the directives were being ignored and called for strict action against violators.
He announced that LCCI fully supports the Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan and will raise the issue at every forum to ensure the withdrawal of the charges. He also urged the Ministry of Commerce and relevant authorities to take immediate notice.
Chairman of ACAAP Rana Tariq Mahmood said that the additional charges were imposed without legal approval, despite ground handling companies being appointed by airlines and paid directly by them. He added that the fixed cargo handling system has been in place for decades, with no operational changes justifying the increase.
He noted that around 700 tons of cargo are handled daily at airports, and the Rs. 50 per kilogram hike has placed an additional financial burden of millions of rupees per day on exporters, ultimately affecting the competitiveness of Pakistani products in global markets.
Rana Tariq Mahmood warned that if the additional charges are not withdrawn by midnight, cargo handling operations across the country will be suspended. No new bookings will be made and no air waybills will be issued. He added that customs clearing agents have joined the protest, while other sectors are also considering participation.
Chairman of the Pakistan International Freight Forwarding Association, Jameel Ahmed, said that the increase would further damage the already fragile export sector and create operational challenges for freight forwarders.
Participants informed that meat exporters have already halted operations in protest, warning that other sectors may follow if the issue is not resolved. They cautioned that allowing such unilateral decisions could lead to further illegal charges, harming Pakistan’s exports and economy.
The Lahore Chamber called on the government to intervene immediately and provide relief to the export sector.