RAWALPINDI: The Ministry of Communications has approved a comprehensive restructuring and reform plan for Pakistan Post aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing the institution’s financial burden.

However, the Pakistan Postal Workers Federation has strongly opposed any move toward privatisation and warned of a nationwide strike beginning July 1 if the government proceeds with the plan.

A senior Pakistan Post official told Dawn that Pakistan Post Headquarters has sought detailed information from all Circle Offices to facilitate the implementation of the reform agenda.

He said the plan includes the rationalisation of human resources, with proposals to reduce the workforce by approximately 30 per cent following a comprehensive review of staffing requirements. The additional director general (administration) and all postmasters general (PMGs) have been directed to submit detailed reports in this regard.

As part of efforts to formulate a long-term business strategy, Pakistan Post plans to invite Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for the preparation of a comprehensive business plan.

“Request for Proposal (RFP) and bidding documents are expected to be finalised within one month, while a consultant is likely to be engaged within three months,” he said.

To strengthen e-commerce and logistics operations, he said, the department intends to identify international partners and hold meetings with potential collaborators within the next two weeks.

Authorities have also decided to complete the integration of the Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC) and Customs Digital System (CDS) platforms to facilitate postal logistics and trade-related services. Under a phased digitalisation programme, Pakistan Post plans to automate 2,761 post offices over the next six months.

The first phase will cover 500 post offices, followed by 1,000 in the second phase and 1,261 in the third phase.

To increase revenue, he said, the department is considering leasing suitable postal properties on commercial terms and renting out non-disputed postal buildings. Consultants or transaction advisers may be hired to assist in the monetisation process.

The Pakistan Postal Workers Federation has strongly opposed any move toward privatisation and warned of a nationwide strike beginning July 1 if the government proceeds with the plan.

Addressing an emergency meeting of postal unions, Federation President Pervez Akhtar said the government was attempting to curtail its constitutional and social responsibility to provide universal postal services under the Universal Service Obligation (USO) framework.

He claimed that the withdrawal of USO subsidies would adversely affect nearly 120 million people living in rural and remote areas who rely on postal services.

He further stated that despite significant population growth since 1988, the number of post offices has declined considerably, while a long-standing recruitment ban has left nearly 40 per cent of sanctioned posts vacant or abolished.

Mr Akhtar also alleged that a $55 million modernisation project launched in 2015 with financial support from the Korean Exim Bank, which included the revival of Postal Life Insurance and the Post Office Savings Bank, remained incomplete due to unmet implementation requirements.

Union leaders argued that employees should not be made to bear the consequences of administrative failures under the guise of reforms. They expressed concern that privatisation and downsizing could disproportionately affect female employees and result in large-scale job losses.

The federation demanded the continuation of USO subsidies, immediate recruitment against vacant posts, withdrawal of any privatisation plans and restoration of previously profitable postal services.

Union representatives warned that if their demands are not met, a nationwide protest movement will be launched from July 1.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2026