RAWALPINDI:
The federal government’s proposed restructuring of the Pakistan Post Office has drawn strong opposition from postal workers, with the Pakistan Postal Workers’ Federation announcing a nationwide protest and strike starting July 1 if the reforms, which it says could pave the way for privatization, downsizing and closure of post offices, are not withdrawn.
The union warned that the proposed measures would jeopardize the constitutional obligation to provide universal postal services and could harm almost 120 million people, particularly those living in rural and remote areas.
The reforms, aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing financial losses and modernizing postal services, include significant rationalization of the workforce, closure of loss-making post offices, digitalization of services and commercial use of postal assets. The Pakistan Post headquarters has already requested detailed information from all Circle offices to facilitate the implementation of the plan.
According to official documents, the restructuring strategy proposes to reduce the workforce by up to 30% after a thorough review. In addition, proposals have been sought to close 20% of loss-making post offices, while head office and field training staff could be reduced by up to 50% to reduce administrative and financial costs.
The ministry has asked circle heads and additional director general (administration) to submit details of inactive extra-departmental post offices, surplus employees, vacant posts and their financial implications.
As part of the transformation program, Pakistan Post plans to prepare a comprehensive business plan by inviting expressions of interest from consulting firms. The Request for Proposal (RFP) and tender documents are expected to be finalized within one month, while a consultant is expected to be appointed within three months.
The reform package also focuses on the development of e-commerce and logistics services. The authorities have been tasked with identifying international partners, organizing meetings with potential collaborators within two weeks and completing the integration of WebOC and CDS systems to improve customs clearance and operational efficiency.
Under the digitalization program, 2,761 post offices will be automated in three phases over six months, with 500 post offices covered in the first phase, followed by 1,000 in the second and 1,261 in the third.
To generate additional revenue, Pakistan Post intends to lease commercially viable and uncontested postal properties. Consultants or transaction advisors may also be appointed to maximize returns from government-owned assets.
The department further ordered a detailed review of operational expenses, including fuel, maintenance and use of official vehicles and postmen’s motorcycles.
Addressing an emergency meeting of postal unions, Pakistan Postal Workers’ Federation President Pervez Akhtar asserted that the proposed reforms would effectively undermine the government’s constitutional responsibility under the Universal Service Obligation (USO).
He said withdrawing subsidies would have serious consequences for postal services for millions of people living in underserved areas.
The federation claimed that nearly 40 percent of sanctioned positions remain vacant due to a prolonged recruitment ban, despite a substantial increase in population since 1988. It also alleged that a $55 million digitalization project launched in 2015 with financial assistance from Korea Eximbank remained unfinished after certain conditions were not met.
The union argued that employees should not have to bear the consequences of administrative failures under the guise of reforms and warned that any downsizing or privatization would disproportionately affect female employees. He demanded the continuation of the USO subsidy, immediate recruitment for vacant positions, withdrawal of any privatization plans and restoration of previously profitable postal services, warning that failure to meet these demands would result in a national strike starting July 1.
