Pakistan Post could reduce its workforce as the government explores ways to control the department’s mounting losses, which may reach Rs. 19 billion annually after pension expenses. Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan told the Senate on Tuesday that a cost-cutting policy is being prepared, with staff reductions and privatization among the options under consideration.

The minister made the remarks while responding to a question from Senator Shahadat Awan. He said the government would present a comprehensive restructuring plan to the Senate at a later stage.

Pakistan Post has a nationwide network of 9,707 units, comprising 2,887 departmental post offices, 6,735 extra-departmental offices and 85 formations.

Aleem Khan put the department’s workforce at approximately 22,000 employees. However, figures shared with the Senate showed a provincial staff strength of 15,051. The minister identified employee-related spending as a significant factor in the department’s operating costs.

The government is examining whether reducing staff numbers could help bring down expenditure. Privatizing the postal service is also being considered, but the minister did not announce any final decision on either proposal.

He added that recruitment and staffing arrangements are governed by provincial quotas, under which positions are allocated according to established criteria.

Pakistan Post currently incurs annual losses of around Rs. 12 billion. The minister said the figure could increase to Rs. 18 billion to Rs. 19 billion when pension expenses are included.

The planned restructuring is aimed at reducing the department’s financial burden. The final policy will outline the government’s approach to staffing, operating expenses and the future of Pakistan Post’s nationwide service network.