ISLAMABAD: World Post Day is being observed today (Thursday) in Pakistan and around the world to highlight the vital role of postal services in everyday life and their contribution to global social and economic development.
Celebrated annually on October 9, the day marks the founding of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland. It was officially declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress in Tokyo in 1969, and since then, over 150 countries participate in the celebrations each year.
This year’s theme, “Post For People: Local Service. Global Reach,” emphasizes the Post as a community-rooted public service that connects people from rural villages to urban centers, acting as a gateway to the digital economy—especially in remote areas where post offices are often the only public access point.
Postal services worldwide use the occasion to launch new products, reward employees, and engage the public through exhibitions, stamp releases, open days, and cultural events. In some countries, the day is observed as a working holiday.
The celebration also aligns with the global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the postal sector playing a key role in infrastructure development, digital inclusion, and equitable access to services.
In Pakistan, various activities are being held to mark the day, including philatelic exhibitions, awareness campaigns, and special commemorative releases. The event also honors winners of the UPU International Letter-Writing Competition.
World Post Day serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of postal services in connecting communities, supporting commerce, and driving inclusive development.
