PAKISTAN Post, despite its long and glorious history and vast infrastructure in the country, is suffering from a relentless and largely unchecked financial decline. This deterioration is intensifying with each passing day, with few visible signs of reversal. Such a decline cannot be attributed solely to lower-level employees; rather, it is the cumulative result of failures at both ends of the institutional spectrum.
On the one hand, an inexperienced, lethargic, technologically illiterate, backdoor-inducted, ego-centric and ethically indifferent workforce at the operational level bears part of the res-
ponsibility. On the other hand, those entrusted with leadership, policymaking, strategic planning and accountability are equally responsible for the present state of affairs.
As such, the newly introduced policy of measuring parcels at post offices to determine delivery charges is irrational and impractical, and it is in urgent need of an overhaul. Negative consequences of this knee-jerk decision have now begun to surface quite clearly. The primary motivation behind this policy was the practice in certain districts in northern Pakistan, where people frequently used Pakistan Post to receive and send quilts, blankets, pillows and other items that are light in weight but bulky in volume.
Due to the disproportionately high handling and transportation costs involved in delivering such consignments at subsidised rates, Pakistan Post opted to introduce and implement volumetric measurement.
However, a critical and burning question remains unanswered: should the same policy have been imposed uniformly across all other regions of the country? No convincing justification can be offered, as the decision appears to have been taken without adequate research, brainstorming, pilot testing, or careful consideration of its wider consequences. The results are immediate and severe. Parcel bookings at post offices across Pakistan reportedly declined massively within days. Customers are increasingly shifting to cheaper private courier companies that offer free packing materials and comparatively lower charges, and which do not intimidate customers by theatrically pulling out a measuring tape at the counter.
In effect, the simple measurement of a parcel has become a measurement of the customer’s pocket and paying capacity. As a result, only parcels destined for remote rural areas are now being booked through Pakistan Post, while urban deliveries are rapidly being monopolised by private courier services. Simply put, public capital is being diverted into private hands.
Pakistan Post is, indeed, a state-owned institution, established to provide afford-able, subsidised and hassle-free services to the people. State institutions, by their very nature, are meant to promote public welfare and convenience. They are not supposed to impose unnecessary burdens and high charges.
A separate and well-thought-out policy for oversized and high-volume parcels can certainly be formulated. However, such a policy must strike a balance, providing relief to the public while simultaneously expanding the business and revenue base of Pakistan Post. It should be our collective obligation and national responsibility to transform Pakistan Post into a financially viable and profitable institution without compromising its role as a public welfare service. Policies and decisions must be grounded in the principle of sustainable development, emphasising long-term gains rather than short-sighted measures aimed at immediate but fleeting benefits.
Qamar Abbas Warraich
Faisalabad
Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2026