Pakistan Post's proposed restructuring plan has sparked strong opposition from postal employees, with workers' unions warning of nationwide protests and a strike starting July 1 if the reforms are not withdrawn, as reported by The Express Tribune.
Union Opposition and Demands
The Postal Workers Federation Pakistan has expressed concern that the restructuring drive could lead to privatisation, downsizing, and closure of post offices, potentially undermining the country's universal postal service obligations. The union cautioned that the proposed changes could impact millions of people, particularly in rural and remote areas that depend heavily on postal services.
In an emergency meeting of postal unions, Federation President Pervez Akhtar said the reforms would weaken the government's constitutional responsibility under the Universal Service Obligation (USO). He stated that withdrawal of subsidies could significantly affect postal services in underserved regions.
Restructuring Details
The federal government's reform agenda aims to improve efficiency, reduce financial losses, and modernise Pakistan Post operations. According to official documents, the plan includes workforce rationalisation, closure of loss-making post offices, digitalisation of services, and commercial use of postal assets.
The restructuring strategy proposes a workforce reduction of up to 30% following a comprehensive review. It also suggests closing around 20% of loss-making post offices, while staffing at headquarters and field formations could be reduced by up to 50%.
Authorities have directed circle heads and the Additional Director General (Administration) to submit details of inactive extra-departmental branch post offices, surplus employees, vacant posts, and their financial implications.
Digitalisation and E-commerce Plans
Under the reform programme, Pakistan Post is preparing a business plan through consultancy support, with Expressions of Interest being invited from firms. Request for Proposal (RFP) and bidding processes are expected to be finalised within one month, while the appointment of a consultant is likely within three months.
The restructuring also focuses on expanding e-commerce and logistics services, with instructions issued to identify international partners and integrate WebOC and CDS systems to improve customs clearance and operational efficiency.
Digitalisation plans include automation of 2,761 post offices in three phases over six months: 500 offices in the first phase, 1,000 in the second, and 1,261 in the final phase.
The Pakistani government also plans to lease commercially viable postal properties and may appoint consultants or transaction advisers to maximise returns from state-owned assets. A review of operational expenditure, including fuel, maintenance, and use of official vehicles and motorcycles, has also been ordered.
Union Concerns and Strike Warning
The federation noted that nearly 40% of sanctioned posts remain vacant due to a prolonged recruitment ban despite population growth since 1988. It also stated that a USD 55 million digitalisation project launched in 2015 with financial assistance from the Korea Eximbank remained incomplete due to unmet conditions.
The union argued that employees should not bear the burden of administrative shortcomings under the guise of reform and warned that downsizing or privatisation could disproportionately affect female employees. It demanded continuation of the USO subsidy, immediate recruitment against vacant posts, withdrawal of privatisation plans, and restoration of previously profitable services, threatening a nationwide strike from July 1 if demands are not met.
