AT this time of crisis, Pakistan Post has taken a very impor tant initiative in the national interest to curb the spread of Corona Virus amongst the aged people. It has decided to provide pensions to its own pensioners as well as those of military at their doorsteps. Every month, poor pensioners are seen making long queues outside post offices or the banks to get their pensions. Especially at this critical juncture, this situation was not desirable at all as it would have exposed the aged population to the risk of attracting Corona Virus. Everybody knows now that the aged people are more vulnerable and recovery rate amongst them is also low. Hence, Minister for Communications Murad Saeed really deserves appreciation for taking this very timely step. We expect that Pakistan Post will continue to extend this service even after the Corona Virus threat is over for the convenience of the pensioners as many of them have to travel long distances to get their pensions. Since this is the age of information technology, Pakistan Post may also come up with many other services and innovative ideas which will help it substantially enhance its revenues and restore its old glory. Under Murad Saeed, the Post has taken some steps towards that end such as introducing ecommerce facility. But in our view more needs to be done such as the organization should come up with an online system so that the people could pay their utility bills from their homes without visiting banks or Pakistan Post. Value addition in its products will help the organization better compete with the private couriers. Given its vast network, especially its reach in the rural areas gives Pakistan Post an extra edge over the private competitors. It is only a matter of providing better services with the introduction of latest technology that Pakistan Post can turn into a profitable entity. We are confident that Murad Saeed will continue his march towards that end to completely transform Pakistan Post, making it a pride for Pakistan. But whilst doing so, he must not forget his responsibilities to further build and improve the road infrastructure of Pakistan.
