Karachi: Pakistan achieved a historic milestone in the world of philately as renowned businessman and stamp collector Muhammad Arif Balgamwala has once again been honoured with a gold medal at the prestigious Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition.
Arif Balgamwala’s award-winning exhibit showcased a rare and meticulously researched collection of Pakistan Postal Stationery from 1947 to 1949, offering a compelling narrative of the country’s early postal history. His collection stood out among entries from leading philatelists representing countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and France, earning high praise from international jurors and enthusiasts alike.
The achievement marks a significant moment for Pakistan on the global philatelic stage, reinforcing the country’s rich historical and cultural legacy through stamps and postal artefacts.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mr. Balgamwala said the honour belonged not to him alone but to the entire nation. “This success is the result of years of dedication, research and passion to preserve Pakistan’s rare postal heritage and present it to the world as a complete historical story,” he said.
Philatelic experts and collectors have lauded Mr. Balgamwala’s contributions, terming the win a landmark in Pakistan’s philatelic history. Several have urged the government to recognise his services with a high national award and to consider establishing a modern stamp museum in Pakistan. They also recommended involving him in the design and issuance of future commemorative stamps to help preserve national heritage and inspire interest among younger generations.
Arif Balgamwala is no stranger to international success. In 2022, he earned the rare distinction of winning three consecutive gold medals at major global stamp exhibitions, including Dubai Expo 2022, London 2022, and Helvetia 2022 in Lugano, Switzerland. He also made history by becoming the first Pakistani to present a collection at Monaco Phil 2022, further elevating Pakistan’s profile in the international philatelic community.
