All airlines operating to/from Pakistan and ground handling agencies have refused to pay new charges of Rs 5,000/- fee for airport entry passes chargeable from each individual from January 1, 2012. Airports Security Force (ASF) had been issuing these passes to the airlines and handling agencies staff working at the airports in Pakistan free of charge.
However, suddenly without assigning any valid reason, the government announced new charges, which enraged the holders of these passes. While the handling agencies had informed the authorities concerned that they would not pay any charges, immediately after the government announcement, the airlines have also now joined them and informed the quarters concerned accordingly. Unless the government withdraws this new levy, no airline will be handled at any airport in Pakistan, which may result in chaos and confusion at the airports.