Senate panel questions 'outdated' Pakistan Post operations

ISLAMABAD:

Members of the Senate Standing Committee on Communications on Friday criticized Pakistan Post for failing to keep pace with technological advancements.

During a meeting, chaired by Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Pakistan Post director general briefed the committee on the department's operations and automation project.

Senator Kamil Ali Agha said the Pakistan Post's operations were not aligned with modern times and technology, while the lack of digitalisation was creating serious operational problems.

"Pakistan Post has no credibility left with anyone," Senator Agha remarked, expressing concern over the department's failure to move forward. Officials of the Ministry of Communications acknowledged that the absence of digitalisation was creating difficulties in Pakistan Post's operations.

Senator Talha Mahmood observed that the world had entered the age of artificial intelligence while Pakistan Post was still operating through outdated methods. He also suggested that the department should be privatised.

The director general told the committee that the Pakistan Post was facing a shortage of funds, which was creating hurdles in introducing new technology. He said the department owed Rs6.4 billion to vendors, and non-payment of these liabilities was creating challenges in keeping its operations running.

The DG said the war in the Middle East had affected international mail services. However, he stressed that the Pakistan Post had not allowed its international mail system to shut down during the conflict.

The committee was informed that the process of digitalising Pakistan Post had already begun, while officials also briefed members on an automation project.

Officials said a loan for the automation project had been approved by the Exim Bank, and an advertisement for the appointment of a consultant would be issued soon.

The government had also been requested to release Rs1.3 billion, while the overall cost of the project would be financed by the Exim Bank.

The Pakistan Post will soon purchase 1,691 smartphones as part of the modernisation initiative.

Officials further informed the committee that the Pakistan Post had signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Bank of Pakistan for promoting a cashless economy. The pilot project is being launched in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Senator Agha questioned why the project was not being implemented at the department's largest setup in Lahore. Officials responded that the project would be implemented at multiple post offices.