Thursday, February 12, 2026

Kashmir Solidarity Day. February 5th, 2026. (2026-02)

 

SALIENT FEATURES

Size of Stamp

35 x 50.5 mm

Size of Print

35 x 50.5 mm

Number of stamps in a Sheet

(6x3) 18 Stamps

Perforations

13 C

Denomination:

Rs. 30/-

Colors

CMYK

Printing Technology

Lithography Offset

Paper

100 GSM Water Mark Gummed Paper

Gum

PVA

Quantity of Stamp

0.5 Million (50,000)

Design

Supplied by the Customer

Printer

Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi

Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed annually on 5 February, reflects Pakistan's enduring commitment to stand with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for dignity, justice, and the right to self-determination. The origins of this observance are rooted in a period when the scale of repression in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir had drawn national and international concern. The formal initiative to mark this day was first proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmed, a political leader and former head of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan. In 1990, the call gained decisive national momentum when Mian Nawaz Sharif, then the Chief Minister of Punjab, appealed for a nationwide strike and public mobilisation to protest against the ongoing Indian occupation and to express solidarity with the Kashmiri freedom struggle. The day was subsequently endorsed by major political parties and civil society organisations and was later declared a public holiday, cementing its place as a collective national expression of moral and political support.

The observance serves as a solemn reflection on the grave human rights violations faced by the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation. The region remains among the most militarised zones in the world, where civilians continue to endure excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, custodial violence, enforced disappearances, and severe restrictions on movement and communication. Independent reports over the years have documented intimidation, demographic engineering efforts, and repeated assaults on fundamental freedoms. These conditions underscore Pakistan's longstanding position that peace, stability, and legitimacy in the region cannot emerge through coercion or the systematic erosion of human dignity.

Across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the day is marked with extensive public engagement aimed at amplifying Kashmiri voices and reinforcing a unified national stance. Public processions, human chains on routes leading into AJK, special prayers, and community gatherings express solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Government institutions, political parties, religious leaders, and civil society networks organise conferences, seminars, and media programmes that highlight the historical context of the dispute, present documented accounts of ongoing violations, and reaffirm Pakistan's advocacy for a peaceful resolution based on the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Educational institutions host debates and dialogue forums to engage youth in informed reflection on the human rights dimensions of the conflict and the responsibilities of the global community.

Each year, the observance of 5 February renews Pakistan's resolve to continue supporting the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle. It reinforces a principled national commitment that no durable peace in South Asia can be achieved without acknowledging the rights, sacrifices, and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Through this day, Pakistan stands firm in upholding the ideals of justice, humanity, and the right of oppressed communities to determine their own future.

On the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.30/- each denomination on February 5th, 2026.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

25th Anniversary of PARCO Mid-Country Refinery, January 28, 2026 (2026-01)

 

SALIENT FEATURES

Size of Stamp

81 x 40.5 mm

Size of Print

81 x 40.5 mm

Number of stamps in a Sheet

5 Stamps

Perforations

13 C

Denomination:

Rs. 30/-

Colors

CMYK

Printing Technology

Lithography Offset

Paper

100 GSM Water Mark Gummed Paper

Gum

PVA

Quantity of Stamp

0.5 Million (50 thousand)

Design

Abu Obaidah Ayyaz & Hasnain Mahmud

Printer

Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi

The year 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the commissioning of Pak-Arab Refinery Limited's (PARCO) Mid-Country Refinery (MCR) - a milestone in Pakistan's journey towards energy self-reliance and industrial modernization.

The Foundation of Mid-Country Refinery:- In the early 1990s, Pakistan faced growing energy demand, a widening gap between domestic refining capacity and consumption, and heavy dependence on imported refined petroleum products. Recognizing the strategic necessity of expanding local refining Infrastructure, PARCO a joint venture between the Government of Pakistan and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi undertook the visionary project of establishing a state-of-the-art refinery at Mahmoodkot, District Muzaffargarh.

Commissioned in 2000, the Mid-Country Refinery (MCR) was designed with an initial capacity of 100,000 barrels per day (bpd), making it the largest and most modern refinery in the country at the time. Its location was strategically selected at the crossroads of Pakistan's north-south energy corridors, connecting PARCO's White Oil Pipeline System (WOP) and ensuring efficient supply of refined petroleum products to major consumption centers.

Technological Milestones and Upgradation:- Over its 25-year journey, MCR has evolved from being a national refining asset to a benchmark of operational excellence in South Asia. The refinery's commitment to modernization was reaffirmed in 2020, when its refining capacity was enhanced to 120,000 bpd, alongside the upgrade of fuel specifications to meet international environmental standards.

A defining feature of MCR's operations has been its focus on cleaner fuels and sustainable refining. It was the first refinery in Pakistan to install a Diesel Hydro Desulphurization (DHDS) Plant a facility with a maximum capacity of 26,000 bpd, enabling production of Euro III compliant, low-sulphur diesel. This milestone not only aligned Pakistan's fuel standards with global environmental benchmarks but also contributed to cleaner air and reduced vehicular emissions across the country.

In addition to producing high-quality Diesel, Petrol, Jet Fuel, LPG, Kerosene, Furnace Oil, Sulphur, and Asphalt, the refinery houses an Asphalt Air Blowing Unit (AABU) that manufactures road and industrial grade Asphalt meeting international specifications. The AABU's output has supported national infrastructure development, from highways to Industrial zones, embodying MCR's role in "fueling progress" both literally and figuratively.

Economic and Strategic Significance:- MCR's contribution to Pakistan's economy and energy security has been profound. As a backbone of the country's refining infrastructure, it plays a vital role in reducing dependence on imported refined fuels by processing mainly light and medium crude oils sourced through both domestic and international channels. The refinery's output caters to a substantial share. of the national fuel demand, supplying energy to power industries, transportation networks, and households across the nation.

Moreover, MCR's integration with PARCO's pipeline and storage network has brought unprecedented efficiency and safety to the national oil supply chain. Its operations have reduced road transport of petroleum products, lowering logistics costs and mitigating environmental and safety risks associated with conventional fuel transportation.

The refinery has also been a catalyst for regional development in southern Punjab, dts establishment brought modern infrastructure. Employment opportunities & community development programs to Mahmoodkot and adjoining areas-transforming the region into a hub of industrial activity and contributing to Pakistan's socioeconomic progress.

Conclusion:- As Pakistan stands at the threshold of new energy challenges and opportunities, the 25th anniversary of the Mid-Country Refinery is a moment of pride and reflection. From its commissioning in 2000 to its ongoing modernization, MCR has embodied the nation's quest for self-reliance, innovation, and excellence in the energy sector.

On the eve of 25 Years of PARCO Mid-Country Refinery, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.30/- each denomination on January 28th, 2026.


Tuesday, January 6, 2026

75th Anniversary of Pakistan – Sri Lanka Diplomatic Relations, December 25, 2025 (2025-27)

SALIENT FEATURES

Size of Stamp

56 x 35 mm

Size of Print

56 x 33 mm

Number of stamps in a Sheet

(2X5) (10 Stamps)

Perforations

13 C (Elliptical)

Denomination:

Rs. 75/- each

Colors

CMYK

Printing Technology

Lithography Offset

Paper

100 GSM Water Mark Gummed Paper

Gum

PVA

Quantity of Stamp

0.1 Million (100,000)

Design

Mughir Khan

Artwork of FDC by

Abu Obaidah Ayyaz

Printer

Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi

At the time of Sri Lankan's independence in 1948, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, noted that "Pakistan has the warmest goodwill towards Ceylon, and I am sanguine that the good feelings which exist between our people will be further strengthened as the years roll by and our common interests, and mutual and reciprocal handling of them, will bring us into still closer friendship.

Since establishing official diplomatic ties in 1948, both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have shared cordial diplomatic relations.

Despite geographical and religious barriers, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always been trusted-partners of each other with historical linkages dating back to the period of Gandhara civilization, from the first to seventh-century AD. In the year 2021, a "Gandhara" documentary was produced by the High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sri Lanka with the support of and in coordination with the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. It takes the viewers on a visual journey along the Gandhara Buddhist heritage sites of Pakistan.

Pakistan-Sri Lanka relationships are rooted in shared cultural ties and diplomatic cooperation. Since Pakistan hosts ancient relics and architecture central to Buddhist heritage, Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka has held regular exhibitions of the "Gandhara Heritage of Pakistan," in the past borrowing the sacred Buddhist relics on the anniversaries of Lord Buddha.

Commemorating 75 years of Pakistan-Sri Lanka diplomatic ties also depicts important Buddhist places of Pakistan-Sri Lanka.

Pakistan side of the stamp:- From Pakistan, the stamp design shows Buddhist ruins of Takht Bhai Heritage Monastery which is a monastic complex, founded in the early 1" century AD, magnificently located on various hilltops ranging in height from 36.6 meters to 152.4 meters, typical of Buddhist sites. The Buddhist Monastery was used continuously until the 7th century AD. Consisting of a collection of buildings, it is the most complete Buddhist monastery in Pakistan. The Tantric monastic complex were used for certain forms of Tantric meditation. Additional structures on the site are believed to have served as residences or meeting halls, or filled secular purposes.

The place is a masterpiece of architecture that is equipped with all kinds of facilities. This huge complex has multiple sections which includes several rooms, conference halls, university areas, meditation cells, residential areas, open courtyards, meeting halls, statues, and buildings adorned with sculptors. The beautiful construction and quiet location makes it stand out from the rest. The mountains and greenery on all sides provide fabulous views. Buddhist monks from all over the world love to visit these places so that they can see the life style education and economics, etc. of the people who lived there thousands of years ago.

Sri Lankan side of the stamp:- Alahana Pirivena Monastery is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. In the 12" century AD and it served as a center for Buddhist education and spiritual practice till date: It features a large image house known as the Vijayothpaya. Inside the monastery, several important Buddhist artifacts have been discovered, including ancient statues, stone inscriptions, and relics. These discoveries have shed light on the rich history and the religious practices of the region during that time. The monastery also houses a sacred Bodhi tree, considered a holy symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism. Visiting Alahana Pirivena Monastery offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of ancient Buddhist architecture, immerse in religious traditions, and learn about the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. The peaceful atmosphere and the serene surroundings make it an ideal place for meditation and contemplation. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alahana Pirivena Monastery stands as a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka and remains a significant place of worship and spirituality. Its cultural and historical value attracts tourists and scholars alike, providing insights into the ancient civilisation of Polonnaruwa.

On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Pakistan-Sri Lanka Diplomatic Relations, a set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs. 75/-denomination each are being issued by Pakistan Post on 25, December 2025.

Friday, December 26, 2025

University of Peshawar Celebrating 75 Years of Academic Excellence, December 10, 2025 (2025-26)

SALIENT FEATURES

Size of Stamp

56 x 35 mm

Size of Print

54 x 33 mm

Number of stamps in a Sheet

(3X5) (15 Stamps)

Perforations

13 C (elliptical)

Denomination:

Rs. 30/-

Colors

CMYK

Printing Technology

Lithography Offset

Paper

100 GSM Water Mark Gummed Paper

Gum

PVA

Quantity of Stamp

0.03 Million (30,000)

Design

Customer

Printer

Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi

   

Positioned at the threshold of the Khyber Pass, where civilizations have converged and cultures have collided for centuries, the University of Peshawar (UOP) stands as a distinguished emblem of scholarship, resistance, and renewal.

The genesis of the University of Peshawar is inseparable from the vision of Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Khan, who in 1913 founded Islamia College, an institution that would ultimately become the intellectual cornerstone of the university's foundation.

In 1948, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Islamia College and proclaimed, "Nothing is dearer to my heart than to have a university in the North-West Frontier Province from where rays of learning and culture will spread throughout Central Asia." These words were not mere rhetoric; they constituted a solemn pledge. That pledge was fulfilled on October 30, 1950, when Shaheed-e-Millat Liaqat Ali Khan (the first Prime Minister of Pakistan) laid the foundation stone of the University of Peshawar. Accordingly, University of Peshawar holds the distinction of being the first university established in Pakistan following independence in 1947, preceded only by the University of Punjab and the University of Decca, both founded prior to partition but integrated into Pakistan thereafter.

Over the decades, University of Peshawar has evolved into a comprehensive academic ecosystem, initially including the Khyber Medical and Dental Colleges, the University of Engineering and Technology; and now comprising various academic departments and research centres, Jinnah College for Women, the College of Home Economics, the Khyber Law College, and the Quaid-e-Azam College of Commerce which was established through the financial patronage of Quaid-e-Azam and inaugurated by Maadar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah.

Throughout its history, the University of Peshawar has functioned more than a centre of higher education; it has served as a crucible of intellectual resistance. From student-led movements to faculty-driven critiques, the university has consistently provided a platform for progressive thought and democratic engagement.

As the oldest public sector university in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, University of Peshawar has played a seminal role in shaping the intellectual contours of the region. Its alumni have gone on to serve as vice-chancellors, educators, policymakers, politicians, scientists, artists, and public intellectuals, both within Pakistan and across the globe.

As the University of Peshawar commemorates its 75th anniversary, it does so not with nostalgia alone but with a renewed commitment to its founding ideals. The celebrations are a tribute to the generations of students and scholars who have passed through its corridors and pathways, each contributing to its legacy of excellence and equity.

This milestone also calls for critical introspection: the university's future hinges on its capacity to harmonize tradition with transformation. As it renews its commitment to progress and purpose, University of Peshawar must continue to cultivate critical inquiry, foster interdisciplinary dialogue, and deepen its engagement with local and global communities and commitments. Whether through expanding its research initiatives, digitizing its archival resources, or advancing inclusive pedagogies, the University of Peshawar possesses the potential to remain a beacon of learning in an increasingly complex world.

In celebrating 75 years of the University of Peshawar, we honour not merely an institution, but a living legacy; a space where history converges with hope, and where every classroom reverberates with the promise of possibility.

On the eve of celebrating 75 years of the University of Peshawar, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of denomination Rs. 30/-on December 10th, 2025.

World Children's Day, November 20, 2025 (2025-24)


World Children's Day: Commemorating Children's Rights and National Commitments: - World Children's Day, observed annually on 20 November, is a global observance dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children across the world. First established in 1954 by the United Nations, the day was created to foster international solidarity, increase awareness among children and adults alike, and encourage nations to take action toward improving children's welfare. This date is also historically significant because it marks the adoption of two key instruments:

The UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959), and The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) (1989), the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.

These instruments affirm the inalienable rights of every child to survival, development, protection, and participation-regardless of race, gender, nationality, or social background.

World Children's Day is not only a celebration of children but a call to action. It urges governments, organizations, civil society, and individuals to renew their efforts to ensure that every child is given the chance to grow up in an environment that nurtures their potential, protects their dignity, and empowers their voice.

Pakistan's Commitment to Children's Rights:- As a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Pakistan has long recognized the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of its youngest citizens. With children accounting for nearly 40% of Pakistan's population, their development is vital to the country's future

Over the years, Pakistan has taken several key steps at the federal and provincial levels to fulfill its commitments to child rights, with notable progress in legislation, education, health, and child protection.

1. Legislative Measures:- Pakistan has enacted several laws to institutionalize child rights and protection frameworks. Notable among these is the National Commission on the Rights of the Child Act, which led to the establishment of the NCRC-a statutory body responsible for monitoring child rights and advising on policy improvements. Provinces such as Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also enacted child protection laws and set up child protection bureaus to provide shelter, legal support, and rehabilitation for vulnerable children.

2. Education Initiatives:- Education remains a central focus of Pakistan's child development strategy. Programs like the Ehsaas Education Stipend and Waseela-e-Taleem aim to reduce dropout rates and encourage school enrollment, especially for girls in underserved communities. The government is also working on curriculum reforms, teacher training, and inclusive education practices to ensure quality learning for all.

3. Health and Nutrition Programs:- To address child mortality and malnutrition, Pakistan has implemented nationwide immunization drives under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). Nutrition-focused initiatives target stunting and wasting in early childhood, with a special emphasis on maternal and child health. These programs are supported by development partners like UNICEF, WHO, and GAVI.

4. Child Protection Mechanisms:- Pakistan has made efforts to build institutional mechanisms to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Child protection units, helplines, legal aid centers, and safe shelters have been established in various districts. The government also works in collaboration with civil society organizations and International partners such as Save the Children and UNICEF to train law enforcement personnel and build community awareness.

Pakistan Post's Role in Public Awareness:- In 2025, Pakistan Post contributed to these national efforts by issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of World Children's Day. The stamp is more than a collectible-it is a symbolic and educational tool that carries an important message across the country and beyond.

The issuance of this stamp not only commemorates the day but also serves to raise awareness, spark national conversation, and promote empathy toward the realities children face in Pakistan and across the world.

Pakistan Post has a longstanding tradition of using philately as a platform for social messaging, and this stamp continues that legacy by highlighting children's rights and the importance of collective responsibility. It's Important to highlight that Pakistan Post is issuing a souvenir sheet which showcases the traditional games of Pitthu Garam and Gulli Danda. Aim is to preserve and promote Pakistan's cultural heritage and signify the country's vibrant traditions to the world.

World Children's Day is a global reminder that every child matters, It's a day to reaffirm the belief that children are not just passive recipients of care-they are individuals with voices, rights, and dreams that deserve protection and realization.

Pakistan's ongoing efforts in legislation, education, health, and awareness-demonstrate a growing national commitment to building a better future for all children. The release of the commemorative stamp by Pakistan Post is creative and meaningful way to extend this commitment beyond policy and into the public imagination. By celebrating World Children's Day with purpose and action, Pakistan sends a clear message:

We hear our children. We stand with them. And we are working for a future where every child can thrive."

My Day, My Rights:- From the moment the sun rises, children wake up to a world shaped by choices they didn't make. But every child, everywhere, also wakes with rights. Including the right to be protected, to learn, and to have their voice heard.

It's time to listen to children. To understand what their lives are like and how their rights are present, missing, or pursued every day.

Let's amplify children's voices and stand up for the rights of every child. Due to the same reason, Pakistan Post decided to issue the Souvenir Sheet that figures the World Children's Day 2025 theme: My Day, My Rights.

On World Children's Day, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp, denomination Rs. 30/-and Souvenir Sheet of denomination Rs. 120/- on November 20th, 2025