Fresh fruits' exports to Gulf: government urged to ensure availability of cargo aircraft at Multan Airport

Business Community of Multan and exporters of mangoes have urged the government to ensure the availability of wide bodied cargo aircraft at Multan International airport, so that they would be able to export fresh fruits and vegetables to Gulf state and European Union. President of Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Mian Iqbal Hassan on Friday called on District Manager of PIA Syed Baqar Naqvi to apprise him of their demands and requirements. Cargo Terminal Manager Shahid Moon also joined them.
Mian Iqbal Iqbal Hassan reiterated his demand of at least three cargo flights in a week from Multan. MCCI President said that Civil Aviation Authorities should negotiate with foreign air lines to introduce cargo-cum passenger flights from Multan to facilitate the exporters as well as travellers. He said that scanners machines be provided in cargo section. He also said that since Multan was a hub of mango and it produces 80 percent of total production of the country, similar facilities be provided at Multan airport as were given at Lahore and Karachi airports to exporters.
He said that PIA can increase its revenue by introducing cargo flights from Multan and it would bring prosperity in the area. District Manager Baqar Naqvi assured the delegation of MCCI headed by Mian Iqbal Hassan that he would submit their demands to the head quarter with recommendations. The delegation was comprised on Mirza Ali Ahmed Vice President, Ghulam Fareed Khan, Khawaja Muhammad Usman, Anwar Saleem Keen, Rabia Shehzad, Khawaja Farooq and Khurram Javed.