The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has raised cargo handling charges across all airports in the country for the first time in five years. The revised rates came into effect on July 1, according to an official notification issued in the wee hours of Wednesday. Under the new tariff schedule, the air cargo charges for transporting pet birds have been raised by 50%. The fee has jumped from Rs200 to Rs300 per kilogramme. Similarly, cargo charges on betel leaves, a commonly shipped item, have doubled to Rs70 per kilogramme. General cargo rates have also been increased by 25%, moving from Rs100 to Rs125 per kilogramme. In addition to pet birds, the air cargo charges revised list covers air freight fees for pets like cats and dogs, as well as for miscellaneous items categorised as general cargo.