Shakrial Post Office: A Struggle for Service in Rawalpindi

Zia Ur Rahman

Islamabad: For decades, Pakistan Post has stood as a pillar of public service, connecting even the most remote corners of the country.

With nearly 13,000 post offices scattered across the nation, it serves a vital role, reaching approximately 20 million households and businesses.

While its traditional postal services remain indispensable, Pakistan Post has expanded its offerings to become a government service hub, providing essential services such as Savings Bank, Postal Life Insurance, tax collection, and utility bill payments.

Despite its widespread presence and crucial role, the organization faces ongoing challenges that test its ability to serve effectively.

A poignant example of these challenges is the Shakrial Post Office in Rawalpindi, which has been operating under difficult circumstances.

Serving both Rawalpindi and Islamabad communities, the office struggles with inadequate infrastructure, limited space, and a lack of basic facilities. Operating from just two small shops with a team of eight staff members, it remains a vital service center for thousands of residents in the area.

The Shakrial office is located near the bustling Islamabad Highway, serving areas such as Iqbal Town, Murshid Town, Muzamal Town, and Professor Colony.

Faisal, a dedicated postman working at the office, shared the struggles faced by the team. “We receive no petrol allowance. I commute from Golra and distribute all postal items at my own expense,” Faisal said, highlighting the personal sacrifices made by the staff in order to fulfill their duties.

The challenges extend beyond the staff’s commuting expenses. Aftab, the office’s in-charge, revealed that the office has been without electricity for three months due to unpaid bills.

The staff has resorted to borrowing electricity from neighboring buildings to continue operations. “We don’t even have a UPS or a generator. The rent for our two shops has been overdue for more than a year,” Aftab explained.

The office’s cramped conditions are not just a concern for staff but also for customers. Despite the shortage of seating, with only six chairs available for eight employees, the team continues to provide services with unwavering commitment.

Salim, another staff member, commented, “The lack of infrastructure affects both our work and the customers’ experience.”

Customers like Zainab, a local resident, expressed concerns about the lack of proper seating and facilities. “It’s hard to walk through the dark market for service, especially when sending money to my family,” she said.

Bilal, another customer, pointed out the office’s lack of visibility due to the absence of a signboard, making it hard to locate.

The local community has offered suggestions for improving the situation, such as relocating the office to a larger space and introducing specialized service counters. Senior citizen Qaim Shah expressed, “A spacious office with proper facilities would make this service even better.”

Despite these ongoing struggles, the Shakrial Post Office remains an indispensable part of the community.

For students like Mudassar, it ensures the timely delivery of academic materials, allowing him to continue his education while managing work commitments.

On a broader scale, Pakistan Post has made notable strides.

According to the Universal Postal Union’s 2022 Postal Ranking Index, Pakistan Post holds the 55th position out of 162 countries. This ranking reflects the organization’s reliability, reach, and resilience, even amidst its ongoing challenges.

Globally, postal services have evolved far beyond traditional mail delivery. International players like Deutsche Post DHL in Germany have embraced automation and e-commerce solutions to facilitate seamless international deliveries.

Similarly, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has expanded into digital mail and e-commerce partnerships, while Japan Post has diversified into financial services and efficient logistics for both domestic and international markets.

These global postal systems are key drivers of national economies, contributing to trade, e-commerce, job creation, and essential services in both urban and rural areas.

For Pakistan Post to remain competitive and relevant in the digital age, it must adapt by integrating modern technologies, expanding its services, and meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

By embracing reforms and innovation, Pakistan Post can rebuild public trust, generate new revenue streams, and support the country’s economic growth, ensuring its continued relevance in the years to come.

The feature report was released by APP on December 26, 2024. All the information and statistics provided are the sole responsibility of the reporter and APP