The Ministry of Commerce has asked aviation authorities to step in after complaints from meat exporters about additional logistics charges, warning that the issue could affect Pakistan’s meat exports.
In a letter dated March 17, 2026, the ministry requested the Director General of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) in Karachi to investigate what it described as “unauthorised additional charges” allegedly imposed by cargo handling company Gerry’s Dnata on export shipments.
The request follows a complaint by the All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association (APMEPA), which said the extra charges are increasing costs and making Pakistani exports less competitive in international markets.
Exporters claimed that Gerry’s Dnata recently introduced an additional charge of Rs. 50 per kilogram on meat exports and warned that shipments would not be processed without payment. Industry representatives said this adds around $180 per tonne, significantly raising expenses for exporters.
Officials at the Ministry of Commerce noted that during a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Export of Surplus Food Items to GCC countries on March 15, it was stated that the charges had been withdrawn. However, exporters say the charges are still being applied in practice.
The ministry has asked the aviation regulator to review the situation, consult with all stakeholders, and report back with findings and recommendations.
Exporters warned that continued uncertainty in cargo handling costs could disrupt shipments of perishable meat products, which depend on efficient cold-chain logistics and timely air transport.
Pakistan’s meat export industry has grown steadily over the years, supplying halal meat to markets in the Gulf, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Industry representatives stressed that stable and transparent logistics costs are essential to maintain this growth, especially as Pakistan competes with major exporters like Brazil and Australia.
