Air cargo agents send SOS to federal ministers

Pakistan Air Cargo Agents Association (ACAAP) has written a letter to federal ministers seeking help over shortage of dollars, asking them to take steps for making payments in dollars to the foreign cargo airlines, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

ACAAP wrote letter to Federal Minister of Commerce, Federal Minister of Aviation, Governor State Bank, urging them to take solid steps for making payments to foreign cargo airlines since foreign airlines have forewarned to halt cargo flights operations due to non-payment of dollars by banks.

According to the text of the letter, food and other products, including seafood, fruits, vegetables, valuable textiles, leather products and surgical products, are exported from Pakistan through air cargo.

Moreover, 85% of Pakistan's air exports are done through foreign airlines because many countries have imposed sanctions on the country’s national airline PIA.  

The letter also highlighted that banks are not making payments to foreign airlines due to non-availability of dollars and this will further worsen the situation.

The text also stated that air cargo agents earn millions of dollars and contribute in Country’s exchequer through air cargo exports. 

Foreign air cargo companies have threatened to stop cargo flight operations due to non-payment of dollars by banks.

ACAAP urged the federal minters to address the issue at priority basis in order to avoid cargo disruption. 

Reporter: Ashraf Khan