RAWALPINDI:
The federal government’s proposed restructuring of Pakistan Post has sparked strong opposition from postal workers, with the Postal Workers Federation Pakistan announcing a nationwide protest movement and strike from July 1 if the reforms, which it says could pave the way for privatisation, cutbacks and post office closures, are not withdrawn.
The union has warned that the proposed measures would jeopardize the constitutional obligation to provide universal postal services and could adversely affect nearly 120 million people, particularly those living in rural and remote areas.
The reforms, which aim to improve operational efficiency, reduce economic losses and modernize postal services, include significant rationalization of the workforce, closure of loss-making post offices, digitization of services and commercial exploitation of postal assets. Pakistan Post Headquarters has already sought 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% following a comprehensive review. In addition, proposals have been sought to close 20% of loss-making post offices, while staffing at headquarters and field formations can be reduced by up to 50% to lower administrative and financial costs.
The department has directed circle managers and the additional director general (administration) to submit information about inactive extra divisional post offices, excess employees, vacancies and their financial implications.
As part of the transformation programme, Pakistan Post plans to prepare a comprehensive business plan by inviting expressions of interest from consultancy firms. The Request for Proposal (RFP) and tender documents are expected to be finalized within a month, while a consultant is likely to be appointed within three months.
The reform package also focuses on expanding e-commerce and logistics services. The authorities have been instructed to identify international partners, hold meetings with potential collaborators within two weeks and complete the integration of WebOC and CDS systems to improve customs processing and operational efficiency.
Under the digitization programme, 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 undisputed postal properties. Consultants or transaction advisors may also be appointed to maximize returns from state-owned assets.
The department has also commissioned a detailed review of operating expenses, including fuel, maintenance and utilization of service vehicles and postman motorcycles.
Addressing an emergency meeting of postal unions, the president of the Pakistan Postal Workers Union, Pervez Akhtar, argued that the proposed reforms would effectively undermine the government’s constitutional responsibility under the Universal Service Obligation (USO).
He said the withdrawal of subsidies would have a serious impact on postal services for millions of people in underserved areas.
The federation maintained that nearly 40% of sanctioned positions remain vacant due to a prolonged recruitment ban, despite a significant increase in population since 1988. It also claimed that a $55 million digitization project launched in 2015 with financial assistance from Korea Eximbank remained incomplete after certain conditions were not met.
The union argued that workers should not be made to bear the consequences of administrative failings under the guise of reform and warned that any cuts or privatization would disproportionately affect female workers. It demanded the continuation of the USO subsidy, immediate recruitment against vacancies, the withdrawal of any privatization plan and the restoration of previously profitable postal services, and warned that failure to accept these demands would result in a nationwide strike beginning on 1 July.
