ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to digitalize the collection of Cargo Throughput Charges (CTC) on air import consignments, replacing the manual, paper-based system with an end-to-end electronic process on the PSW platform.
Under the previous system, importers and clearing agents were required to physically submit and verify transport documents at PAA Air Freight Unit booths, then pay CTC in cash at authorized bank branches. The process involved long queues, manual record-keeping, and reconciliation carried out largely by hand.
Under the new arrangement, CTC can be paid electronically through PSW alongside other consignment-related duties and fees, removing the need for bank visits, cash handling, and airport queues.
Document verification has also been automated on the platform, while PAA has been given a dedicated interface for real-time visibility of CTC collections against individual consignments, improving financial transparency and monitoring.
PSW Chief Executive Officer Syed Aftab Haider said digitalizing CTC collection was an essential step in modernizing Pakistan’s air cargo ecosystem, adding that replacing manual processes with integrated digital payments would reduce the time and cost of doing business while improving transparency and convenience for traders.
The digital CTC collection system will go live at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, on August 27, 2026, before being extended to other Air Freight Units across the country in subsequent phases. The MoU forms part of continued efforts by PSW and PAA to simplify cross-border trade procedures and strengthen Pakistan’s digital trade infrastructure.
