KARACHI: Prominent businessman and internationally recognised philatelist Muhammad Arif Balagamwala has proposed the issuance of a special series of commemorative postage stamps to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 2026.
In a statement, Mr Balgamwala, recipient of the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, shared that he has designed a set of stamps highlighting key phases of the Founder of the Nation’s life, including his political leadership, constitutional struggles, and visionary ideals for Pakistan.
He plans to formally submit the designs to the Government of Pakistan for consideration and official release. “The 150th birth anniversary is a historic milestone that deserves national-level recognition,” Mr Balgamwala said. “We must observe it meaningfully throughout the year, starting early, to inspire the younger generation about Quaid-i-Azam’s indispensable role in the creation of Pakistan.”
Muhammad Arif Balagamwala
Arif Balgamwala urged educational institutions, government departments, public-sector organisations, chambers of commerce, and trade bodies to incorporate references to the anniversary on their official letterheads, publications, and communication materials. This, he believes, would help embed awareness of Jinnah’s legacy in everyday life.
To showcase his proposed stamps and a curated philatelic collection on Quaid-i-Azam, Mr Balgamwala will feature them at stall 5C7 hall 5 during the upcoming My Karachi Exhibition, organised by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI). The event is scheduled from February 6 to 8 at the Expo Centre. He expressed hope that the display would particularly engage students and young professionals, offering them a visual journey through historical postal material related to the Quaid’s life and achievements.
He appealed to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure the anniversary receives the national importance it merits, including the issuance of the proposed commemorative stamps.
Looking beyond domestic efforts, he suggested that Pakistan consider issuing joint commemorative stamps with friendly nations such as the United Arab Emirates, China, Türkiye, Kuwait, and Oman. Such collaborations, he noted, would highlight Quaid-i-Azam’s international stature and reinforce Pakistan’s longstanding diplomatic and historical ties with these countries.
With 2026 officially declared as the “Year of Quaid-i-Azam” by the government, Mr Balgamwala’s initiative adds to growing calls for meaningful commemorations that go beyond ceremonies and focus on educating and uniting Pakistanis around the principles of unity, faith, and discipline that defined the Quaid’s vision.
