If you’ve sent a parcel through a General Post Office (GPO) or are waiting for a delivery from Pakistan Post, this guide explains how GPO tracking works, how to check your parcel status, and what common tracking updates mean.
Use the tracking tool above to check the latest status of your shipment.
Note: This website is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with or operated by Pakistan Post.
What Is GPO Tracking?
GPO stands for General Post Office, the main postal processing office in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, and Faisalabad.
Most registered mail, parcels, and international shipments pass through a GPO before reaching the destination delivery office. Every tracked shipment receives a unique tracking number that allows users to monitor its progress.
GPO tracking is commonly used for:
- Registered domestic mail
- Domestic parcels
- International parcels
- Government and legal documents
- E-commerce shipments handled through Pakistan Post
Once a parcel is scanned at different processing points, its tracking history is updated in the Pakistan Post tracking system.
How to Track a GPO Parcel
Tracking your shipment only takes a few steps:
- Locate the tracking number on your booking receipt.
- Enter the tracking number in the tracking tool above.
- Click Track.
- View the latest shipment status and movement history.
If you do not have the receipt, ask the sender to provide the tracking number.
For general parcel tracking, you can also visit our Pakistan Post Tracking page.
GPO Tracking Number Format
Most Pakistan Post tracking numbers contain 13 characters.
| Service | Example | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Mail | RP123456789PK | 13 |
| International Registered Mail | RR123456789PK | 13 |
| Speed Post | EE123456789PK | 13 |
| EMS | EA123456789PK | 13 |
The first two letters identify the service type, while PK represents Pakistan.
If your tracking number looks different, check your receipt carefully before searching.
GPO Tracking Status Meanings
Understanding tracking updates can help you know where your parcel is during delivery.
| Status | Meaning |
| Item Booked / Accepted | Shipment has been accepted at the post office. |
| Dispatched from Origin | Parcel has left the originating post office. |
| In Transit | Shipment is moving between processing centres. |
| Arrived at Destination Office | Parcel has reached the destination city. |
| Out for Delivery | Shipment has been assigned for final delivery. |
| Delivered | Parcel has been delivered successfully. |
| Delivery Attempted | Delivery was attempted but could not be completed. |
| Held at Post Office | Shipment is waiting for collection at the local post office. |
| Returned to Sender | Parcel is being returned because delivery was unsuccessful. |
It is normal for some shipments to remain in In Transit status for several days while moving between sorting centres.
Estimated GPO Delivery Time
Delivery times depend on the selected postal service, destination, weather conditions, and public holidays.
Domestic Registered Mail
| Route | Estimated Delivery |
| Same city | 1–3 working days |
| Between major cities | 3–5 working days |
| Remote or rural areas | 7–14 working days |
International Mail
| Destination | Estimated Delivery |
| Nearby countries | 10–21 working days |
| Other destinations | 20–35 working days |
International deliveries may also require customs clearance, which can extend delivery times.
Major General Post Offices in Pakistan
| City | Main GPO |
| Karachi | I. I. Chundrigar Road, Saddar |
| Lahore | Mall Road |
| Islamabad | Blue Area |
| Rawalpindi | Murree Road Area |
| Peshawar | Saddar Road |
| Quetta | Jinnah Road |
| Multan | Abdali Road |
| Faisalabad | Main GPO Faisalabad |
If you need to submit a complaint or trace request, it is generally recommended to contact the branch where the parcel was booked.
Common GPO Tracking Problems
Tracking Number Not Found
Possible reasons include:
- Incorrect tracking number.
- The parcel was booked recently.
- The first tracking scan has not yet been uploaded.
Wait 24–48 hours after booking before checking again.
Tracking Status Hasn’t Changed
It is common for parcels to remain without updates while travelling between processing centres.
If there has been no update for several days, wait a little longer before contacting Pakistan Post.
Delivery Attempted
If your tracking status shows Delivery Attempted, visit your local post office with your tracking number to arrange collection or confirm delivery details.
Returned to Sender
This usually happens because:
- The address was incomplete.
- The recipient could not be contacted.
- The parcel remained unclaimed for the allowed holding period.
The sender may need to resend the parcel using the correct address.
Tips for Faster and Safer Delivery
To reduce delivery issues:
- Write the complete recipient address.
- Include the correct postal code.
- Keep your tracking receipt until delivery is completed.
- Use Registered Mail for important documents.
- Check tracking every few days rather than expecting instant updates.
Need Help with Other Pakistan Post Services?
Depending on your shipment, these guides may also be useful:
- Pakistan Post Tracking for all tracked shipments.
- UMS Tracking for Urgent Mail Service parcels.
- Pakistan Post Services to compare available postal services.
- Pakistan Post Rate Calculator to estimate shipping charges before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GPO stand for?
GPO stands for General Post Office, which serves as the main postal processing centre in major cities across Pakistan.
How do I track a parcel sent from a GPO?
Enter your 13-character tracking number into the tracking tool above and click Track to view the latest shipment status.
Is GPO tracking free?
Yes. Checking the status of a tracked shipment online is free. You only need your tracking number.
Why is my GPO tracking number not working?
The shipment may not have been scanned yet, or the tracking number may contain an error. Wait up to 48 hours after booking and try again.
How long does Registered Mail usually take?
Delivery within major cities generally takes 3–5 working days, while remote areas may require additional time.
Can I track international parcels sent through a GPO?
Yes. International parcels booked through Pakistan Post can usually be tracked using the same 13-character tracking number.
What should I do if my parcel has been held at the post office?
Visit your local post office with your tracking number and identification to collect the parcel or request additional information.