World Post Day is being celebrated across the globe today (Friday) to bring awareness to the post's role in the everyday lives of people and businesses, as well as its contribution to global social and economic development.

The day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) which was started in 1874 in Switzerland.

Due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, the UPU decided to celebrate the day virtually for the first time.

In Pakistan, to show solidarity to the mission and goals of the UPU, the flag was hoisted at the Directorate General Pakistan Post.

As per the press release, all precautionary measures; social distancing and wearing of masks to avoid spread of coronavirus were observed during the event.

The message of DG of the Universal Postal Union was read out on this occasion. Due to COVID-19, the celebrations of World Post Day were a bit different this year. For the first time in the history of UPU, the ceremony was held virtually at UPU Headquarters.

Postal sector throughout the world has played a positive role during COVID-19. Pakistan Post disbursed pension at the doorstep of elderly pensioners to save them from the threat of virus. The theme of 2020 World Post Day is ‘More than Mail.’

This highlights the role of postal sector is beyond its core function of delivery of mail.

The ceremony was closed after prayers for development of the post and Pakistan. Similar, UPU flag hoisting ceremonies were also held in offices of Postmasters General, Unit Offices & GPOs all over the country.