ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is mulling to hike Toll tax of containers carryingammunition and other military hardware for U.S. and North Atlantic TreatyOrganization (NATO) troops to Afghanistan by massive 100pc.
At present, each container is charged $1700. Analysts believe Toll tax hikeis retaliatory measure to Trump’s tirade and suspension of military aid.Federal government is likely to take final decision in this regard in theongoing week. A meeting for same between officials of finance ministry andofficials of ministry of communication will be held in coming days.
Islamabad is also mulling to charge aeronautical fee to NATO for usage ofits airspace. NATO is using Pakistan’s air space for the last 16 years freeof cost. 360 NATO flights per month used Pakistan air space when Afghan warwas at its peak.
It is pertinent here to mention that all supply of military hardware toNATO and U.S. troops occurs through Karachi port. The supply remainedsuspended for at least eight months after NATO helicopter intentionallyattacked and martyred 27 soldiers at Salala check-post.
Despite new low in already troubled Pak-US relation, Pakistan has statedthat it would not halt NATO supply to Afghanistan.