47. Pakistan Economic Survey 2011-12 - Consultancy Services in ...

Transport and Communicationsfiscal year (July-March) total 8,621,193 BISPMoney Orders along with required funds forRs.17,242.4 million were received from BISPauthorities, out of which 97 percent Money Ordersamounting to Rs.16,642.0 million have been paidwithin prescribed period of time.Western Union Money Remittances BusinessDuring the first nine months of current fiscal year(July-March), Pakistan Post has received theforeign remittances amounting of Rs. 9,247.9million.Establishment of “Small & Smart” ExpressCentersTo provide quality services to the customers, 55Small and Smart Express Centers have been set upin the urban areas. These Express Centers are fullycomputerized and automated and cater therequirements of the public. These canters facilitatethe customers, particularly in trade, commerce andbusiness. The services offer in these centersinclude: Urgent Mail Service, urgent Money OrderService, Expedited Mail Service, Fax Mail, FaxMoney orders, Payment of incoming foreignremittances through Western Union, Acceptance ofUtility Bills, Traditional Services, Booking ofInland and Foreign Parcels.Achievements of Saving BankPakistan Post has been doing Saving Bank work asan agency function on behalf of the Ministry ofFinance under the government Savings Bank Act-1873 on commission basis. During the period July-March 2011-12 an amount of Rs. 160,266.9million has been collected through NationalSavings Schemes and earned commissionamounting to Rs. 801.3 million during this period.Postal Life InsuranceTotal Policies are 382,019, for a sum assured Rs.49,507.9 million and a Premium Income is Rs.1,993.8 million.ComputerizationCounter Automations SystemOver one hundred General Post Offices includingrenovated post offices through out Pakistan havebeen provided with counter computerizationfacilities for the better service quality to thecustomers through a LAN based system.Computerized Pension Payment SystemOver 1.4 million Civil and Military pensioners arebeing served by Pakistan Post about 1.3 millionpensioners has been disbursing pension fromPakistan Post. The pensioners are receiving thepension in a hassle free environment. Pakistan Postis also disbursing pension to over 40,000 PTCLpensioners. Pakistan Post has also developed aseparate system for PTCL pension disbursement.ConclusionWith the continuing expansion of thetransportation and communication sectorthroughout the country, Pakistan is preparing forthe future in various areas from creating vasttransport networks to building up a sustainableinformation technology infrastructure with theobjective of setting the foundations for continuedgrowth and success. Despite such challenges inareas of natural disaster recovery and difficultterrain to develop upon, transportationdevelopments have continued, and expect toexpand. Communications infrastructure haswidened despite challenges with security, poweroutages and rough terrain in which to build upon.The cellular mobile sector has been a majorcontributor to the expanding market fortelecommunication and the various technologiesthat come with it, bringing the country to highstandards of telecommunication structures on parwith the rest of the world. This area is expected togrow at an accelerated pace due to demand,however it is important that capital andinvestments come with it. Overall, thetransportation and communication arena remainsstrong, is changing, expanding and seeking to meetwith the needs of Pakistan’s citizen.191