What it does: A logistics, construction and transportation company run by the Pakistan Army.
Best known for: Managing the massive congestion incident in Karachi Port in 1978, a logistical gridlock that caused a supply crisis in Pakistan.
Staff stats: Up to 10,000 employees made up of civilians and military personnel.
The good bits: The company offers various fringe benefits like free lunches, allowances on fuel, and paid leave.
The not so good bits: Due to the heavy workload, most employees are forced to work long hours, with some only getting one day-off a week. Healthcare plans are not available for most employees. There are also contractual issues surrounding the company, some employees only get short-term contracts, while others don't get awarded any contracts at all.
In 1978, the Karachi Port got hit with a massive congestion incident that brought Pakistan's logistical operations to a halt. There was a shortage of basic supplies in the country like wheat, sugar, and other raw materials. To manage the nationwide crisis, the National Logistics Cell (NLC) was established.
Since then the NLC has been responding to Pakistan's logistical crises. The company, run by the Pakistan Army, has been operating as one of Pakistan's most reliable logistics and transportation companies.
In 2005, the Pakistani government tasked the NLC to set up border terminals. In 2016, Pak NLC Motors was established and brought manufacturing jobs in Pakistan. In 2017, NLC launched its truck and bus services to the public.
Today, the NLC offers uninterrupted services to all of Pakistan.
Applicants who wish to work for the NLC can submit their application online or in-person in one of NLC's offices nationwide. The recruitment process can take 3-4 weeks. Selected applicants will be called in for an interview where their professional and academic background will be discussed. Applicants with relevant experience (in supply cain, for example) will be evaluated in their previous efforts in implementing projects. After all evaluations, applicants will be notified about the result of their application via email.
A job in the NLC is a chance to gain experience in multiple disciplines within the industry. New hires can learn from highly-trained colleagues and managers, The can take what they've learned to climb through the ranks in the NLC, or get a more consistent job progression in the private sector.
The salary in a government-owned company like the NLC is not as competitive as its counterparts in the private sector. Entry-level employees enjoy a salary that is just at par with industry standards ranging from PKR 20,000 to 25,000. Employees in senior positions can earn up to PKR 45,000, engineers and managers can earn up to PKR 81,000, and professionals on the top positions can earn as much as PKR 159,000.
Dealing with massive construction projects and logistical concerns on a national scale is just a day in the life of an employee in the NLC. The job requires most employees to work long hours around a tightly structured work environment.
Since its establishment, the NLC has been responding to Pakistan's biggest crises, halting its routine operations to provide logistical help in delivering relief goods to affected citizens. The NLC was one of the key logistical respondents of the Kashmir Earthquake in 2005, the Super Floods of Sindh in 2010, the Awaran Earthquake in 2013, and the 2014 Drought to name a few.
In 2013, the NLC built the Army Public School and College on Fort Road Rawalpindi. The school can accommodate up to 4000 students.
The NLC is run by the Pakistan Army. The vibe inside its offices is friendly yet strict. Employees are expected to follow the rules implemented by the organisation, and every decision follows a standard procedure.