Explained: The rules for global post, and how Pak stopped mail to and from India

Before Pakistan’s move, mailbags were being exchanged almost daily. With no regular, direct flight connectivity between the two countries, mail was being routed through the Saudi Arabia air route.

India Post, too, has now stopped taking new bookings for Pakistan-bound mails

In a unilateral decision, Pakistan has stopped exchange of postal mails with India since August 27 (The Indian Express, September 28). Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said Pakistan’s decision was taken “without any prior notice” and “in direct contravention of international norms but Pakistan is Pakistan”. A look at the rules governing postal exchange, and how Pakistan took the step: