October 19, 2006	Thursday	Ramazan 25, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 18: Minister for Communications Shamim Siddiqui on Wednesday said a comprehensive plan had been prepared to restructure Pakistan Post in order to improve postal services.

He said this while talking to reporters after inaugurating ‘Pakistan Post Eid Stall’ at Jinnah Super Market.

The minister said for the last 20-25 years the postal department had been totally ignored which had badly affected its performance and public complaints about mailing services and other post office-related works grew by the day. Different initiatives have been taken to bridge the gap, remove loopholes and improve performance, he said.

“Our purpose is to facilitate people and provide them better services. We are not here to generate income. Our target is to reach all people, especially those from the far-flung and backward areas. We are exploring all ways and means as how to best serve the people,” Shamim Siddiqui said.

He said work had been initiated on different projects and activities increased in order to activate the dormant parts of the department.

Night shifts would also be started in post offices, and people will be able to deposit utility bills in post offices, he added.

Earlier the federal minister inaugurated the newly- introduced ‘Post Office Eid Stall’.

Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Postal Services Management Board Chairman Arshad Khan said the main purpose of the stall was to facilitate people in sending Eid cards to their near and dear ones.

Every person wants to mail Eid cards to their dear ones which is why there is a big rush at post offices. The post office conceived the idea of opening stalls at prominent public places where they will have the facility to purchase Eid cards and mail them from the same spot, Mr Khan said.

This will save them from going to a bazaar to buy Eid cards and then rush to a post office to mail them.

After its successful launch at Jinnah Super Market, such stalls will also be introduced in other main bazaars in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the chairman said.

These stalls, manned by the post office staff, will remain open late in the night to facilitate maximum number of people, he added. He said such services would also be introduced in Karachi, Lahore and other major cities.

These stalls have been set up in posh localities to facilitate public and special mailing arrangements made to ensure delivery of such consignments at the desired destinations within 48 hours.

Postal stamps, commemorative stamps and stamps albums have been placed at the stall. Arrangements have also been made for opening of savings bank accounts for children to inculcate saving habits. Postage stamps are also available at these postal stalls.