RAWALPINDI:
World Post Day was celebrated across the world on Thursday, including Pakistan.
This year has been described as one of the most difficult for Pakistan Post.
According to the latest report of the Universal Postal Union, Pakistan ranks 55th out of 166 member countries in terms of overall performance. In the financial year 2024-25, Pakistan Post’s revenue stood at Rs10 billion against expenditure of Rs21 billion, short of its target of Rs11.5 billion.
One of the main reasons why the target was not achieved was the withdrawal of several projects from the ministry.
The Punjab Nigehban Ramzan project, which was expected to generate Rs1 billion, was cancelled, while revenue from renewal of driving and firearms licenses and provincial taxes were also cut.
Today, most of the organization’s revenue comes from postal services and utility bill collections.
Despite the difficulties, profits were 1 billion rupees higher than the previous year.
Sources said the main cause of financial disparity was lack of digitalization, leading to the closure of profitable services such as pension payments and postal savings accounts, which earlier generated between Rs 10 billion and Rs 12 billion in annual commissions.
The digitization process remains slow due to lack of funds. However, new projects are being launched with organizations such as BISP and utility companies to increase revenue.
Officials said the department could only regain public trust and profitability through timely mail delivery, effective complaint handling and professional marketing teams.
In a press release, Pakistan Post said that World Post Day celebrates the sector’s role in connecting people, communities and economies around the world.
This year’s theme, “Post for Citizens – Local Service, Global Reach,” reflects the industry’s commitment to innovation, inclusion and reliability.
A central ceremony was held at the Pakistan Post Headquarters, Islamabad, during which Director General Samiullah Khan hoisted the UPU flag and Additional DG (Operations) read out the UPU message.
Pakistan Post also issued a commemorative dyslexia stamp, becoming the first postal administration in the world to do so, with the aim of raising awareness and promoting the inclusion of people with learning disabilities.
