PSW and PAA sign mou to Digitalize Cargo Throughput Charge Collection for Air Imports

KARACHI: In another step toward modernizing cross-border trade, the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) to facilitate the digitalization of Cargo Throughput Charges (CTC) collection on import consignments arriving in Pakistan by air. Under this collaboration, the manual, paper-based CTC collection process is being replaced with end-to-end electronic workflows integrated into the PSW platform, improving efficiency, transparency and convenience for the trade community.

Previously, CTC collection involved multiple manual steps, including physical submission and verification of transport documents at PAA Air Freight Unit booths, followed by payment at authorized bank branches. Importers and clearing agents had to manage physical documents, cash payments and queues, while collection monitoring and financial reconciliation relied heavily on manual record keeping.

Under the new digital framework, CTC can now be paid electronically through the PSW platform alongside other consignment-related duties and fees, eliminating physical bank visits, cash handling and unnecessary airport queues. Document verification has also been automated within PSW, while PAA has been provided with a dedicated interface offering real-time visibility of CTC collections against individual consignments, strengthening financial transparency and monitoring.

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"Digitalizing Cargo Throughput Charges is an essential step in modernizing Pakistan's air cargo ecosystem," said Syed Aftab Haider, CEO of PSW. "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."

The digital CTC collection process is being launched at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi on 27th August 2026, and it will be expanded to other Air Freight Units across the country in the next phase of implementation.

The initiative reflects the continued collaboration between PSW and PAA to simplify cross-border trade, rationalize procedures and strengthen Pakistan's digital trade environment.