PSW, PAA digitize cargo charges to streamline air trade

August 26, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to digitalize the collection of Cargo Throughput Charges (CTC) on import consignments arriving in the country by air.

Under the collaboration, the existing paper-based and manual collection mechanism will be replaced with an end-to-end digital process integrated with the PSW platform, aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and ease of doing business for the trade community.

Previously, the collection of CTC involved several manual procedures, including the physical submission and verification of transport documents at PAA Air Freight Unit booths, followed by payments through designated bank branches, according to APP.

Importers and clearing agents were required to handle physical documentation and cash payments, often facing queues and delays, while collection monitoring and financial reconciliation largely depended on manual record-keeping.

With the introduction of the new digital framework, CTC payments can now be made electronically through the PSW platform alongside other duties and fees related to a consignment. The system will eliminate the need for physical bank visits, cash handling and unnecessary queues at airports.

The new mechanism also automates document verification through the PSW platform. Meanwhile, PAA will have access to a dedicated interface providing real-time visibility of CTC collections against individual consignments, enhancing monitoring and financial transparency.

“Digitalizing CTC is an essential step in modernizing Pakistan's air cargo ecosystem,” PSW Chief Executive Officer Syed Aftab Haider said.

“By replacing physical bank visits and manual paper verification with integrated digital payments, we are reducing the time and cost of doing business while bringing greater transparency, speed, and convenience to the trade community,” he added.

The digital CTC collection system will be launched at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, on August 27, 2026, before being expanded to other Air Freight Units across the country in the next phase.

The initiative marks another step in the ongoing collaboration between PSW and PAA to streamline cross-border trade procedures, simplify cargo-related processes and strengthen the country's digital trade ecosystem.

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