Pakistan Post issues SOPs in wake of judges receiving suspicious letters

Latest - تازہ ترین , / Friday, April 5th, 2024

ISLAMABAD:
The office of the director general (DG) of Pakistan Post issued a notification on Friday conveying specific instructions regarding mail addressed to judges, diplomats, and other high-profile individuals, days after over a dozen senior judges of the apex and high courts received powder-laced letters. Urging immediate action, the DG asked for the mail to be carefully examined and delivered to the R&I section of the relevant office. Furthermore, the director general also emphasized the safety of the postal staff handling the mail. “Ensuring the safety and security of the postal operational staff is our prime responsibility and priority,” stated the DG in his letter. Postmaster generals were directed to provide masks and gloves to staff members to mitigate potential risks associated with handling hazardous materials. The notice explicitly instructed all postal staff to exercise extreme caution when handling letters and packages brought into the post office. “Any unattended and suspected material should be immediately reported to the supervisor on duty, local administration, and the head of the unit and circle concerned,” the notification stated. “Postal staff posted at counters, DMOs, and Delivery Post Offices should also be directed to remain vigilant while booking, sorting, transmitting, and delivering mail,” the notice added. Staff members were asked to comply with Rule-171 of the P.O Manual Volume VI, which outlines the proper treatment of articles presented for registration, as well as Rule-122 of Volume-V, which prohibits certain articles from being transmitted by inland post. Additionally, the notification emphasized adherence to Section 23 of the Post Office Act, 1898, which delineates the authority to address postal articles posted in contravention of the act.