Pakistan Post is on the verge of a major transformation, as Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, outlines an ambitious plan to overhaul the postal service with a focus on boosting efficiency, reducing operational costs, and enhancing revenue generation. The reforms aim to modernize the department and align it with contemporary needs, bringing Pakistan Post into the 21st century and improving its competitive position against private sector players.
At a high-level meeting discussing Pakistan Post’s new business strategy, Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the importance of promoting cargo services, commercial operations, and e-commerce activities at post offices across the country. This shift is in line with global trends where postal services are evolving to meet the growing demand for e-commerce and digital solutions. The minister made it clear that outdated practices must be abandoned to keep up with current industry requirements and to drive substantial improvements in operations.
In a bid to enhance performance and reduce inefficiencies, Minister Aleem Khan suggested a complete overhaul of the workforce, urging the replacement of underperforming staff with highly skilled professionals. This initiative aims to elevate the quality of service and help Pakistan Post compete with leading courier and logistics companies, which are increasingly dominating the e-commerce sector. A new business model will be implemented to increase the productivity and relevance of the postal service.
Minister Aleem Khan also set a six-month deadline for the changes to take effect, stressing that clear, measurable objectives must be defined, and efforts should be focused on achieving them. He called for a significant reduction in operational expenses and a simultaneous increase in revenue. The goal is to create a more efficient and sustainable organization that can provide better service to the public while strengthening its financial standing.
One of the significant directions given during the meeting was to assess the current workforce of Pakistan Post, which comprises 22,000 employees. The minister requested a detailed list of all staff members and emphasized that every employee must contribute to improving the organization. If not, the possibility of shutting down non-performing segments of the postal system was not ruled out. The approach of “performance or closure” is being adopted to ensure that only the best performers drive the organization’s future.
In addition to structural changes, Minister Aleem Khan called for the introduction of additional services at post offices, including the facilitation of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) services and the issuance of passports. Pakistan Post will also expand its remit by providing money order collection services in addition to its traditional delivery function. The minister also proposed the establishment of “One-Window Centres,” where customers can access a variety of government services in one location, further expanding Pakistan Post’s service offerings.
The Federal Secretary for Communications and the Director General of Pakistan Post also briefed the meeting on the progress made following previous directives. Over the past year, they reported an increase in Pakistan Post’s revenue, thanks to steps taken to modernize operations. The high-level meeting also included discussions of recommendations for a new business model aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and success.
The proposed reforms come as part of a broader initiative to streamline government institutions, ensuring they are cost-effective, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the public. Pakistan Post’s overhaul is expected to not only boost its competitiveness but also support the country’s digital infrastructure, making public services more accessible to citizens. This initiative marks an important step toward the modernization of Pakistan’s postal services, with a clear focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction.
