akistan Post, one of the country’s oldest government departments, offers postal and money transfer services across Pakistan through a network of approximately 13,000 post offices. Established in 1947 as the Department of Post and Telegraph, it transitioned into a dedicated postal service in 1962.

Noor Abdullah has been part of Pakistan Post since 1994. Before joining the department, he had worked for two years at the dockyard in Karachi with the National Logistics Cell. “My older brother was a postman. I had wanted to follow in his footsteps,” he says. Starting as a packer, Noor sealed packages and cartons according to postal service standards. Despite working for daily wages initially, he enjoyed the job and, in 1996, became a regular postman.

As a postman, Noor delivers mail and parcels to homes and businesses. His day begins at 8.30am, six days a week. The first two hours are spent inside the post office. “If the sorter is absent, I sort the mail myself. If stamping is needed, I do that too,” he says. Once the preparatory work is complete, he sets out on his delivery route.

In his early days, Noor had delivered mail on foot. Later, he switched to a bicycle. Today, he uses an old motorcycle. Letters and small envelopes are secured in a bundle over the fuel tank, larger packets are tied to the backseat. Additional bags hang on both sides of the bike. His work day concludes at 5.00 pm when he heads home.

Noor recognises that the volume of traditional mail has dwindled significantly due to the rise of email and mobile text messaging, which are faster and cheaper modes of communication. The growing popularity of courier services has also impacted the postal service, although they remain a pricier option.

A father of five - two daughters and three sons - Noor ensures that all his children attend government schools. “I live in a rented house and don’t receive housing or medical benefits from my job,” he says. Earning a small salary, he admits, “I manage.” His words reflect the quiet determination of a man navigating the challenges of modern life while serving an institution steeped in history.

The writer is an author, illustrator and educator. She may be reached at husain.rumana@gmail.com