Heritage of Pakistan Blue Pottery. June 10th, 2026 (2026-07)

SALIENT FEATURES

Size of Stamp	56 x 56 mm
Size of Stamp Print	56 x 56 mm
Number of stamps in a Sheet	(3x3) 09 Stamps (Set of 3 Stamps)
Size of Souvenir Sheet	152 x101 mm
Perforations	13 C (Elliptical Perforation)
Denomination of S.Sheet	Rs. 30/-
Denomination:	Rs. 30/- each stamp
Colors	CMYK
Printing Technology	Lithography Offset
Paper	100 GSM Water Mark Gummed Paper
Gum	PVA
Quantity of Stamp	0.03 Million (30,000)
Quantity of Souvenir Sheet	0.01 Million (10,000)
Design	Abu Obaidah Ayyaz
Printer	Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi

Among the many artistic treasures that enrich Pakistan's cultural landscape, Blue Pottery stands as a remarkable symbol of craftsmanship, beauty, and continuity. Distinguished by its luminous shades of cobalt blue, delicate floral motifs, and intricate geometric patterns, this centuries-old art form reflects the harmonious blend of cultural influences that have shaped the region's artistic heritage.

In Pakistan, the art of Blue Pottery finds its most celebrated expressions in Hala in Sindh and Multan in Punjab, two historic centers of ceramic craftsmanship that have preserved and enriched this tradition for generations. The distinctive blue-glazed ceramics of Hala, renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, reflect centuries of artistic excellence, while Multan's celebrated blue-and-white pottery showcases the enduring influence of Persian and Central Asian decorative traditions. The craft has also found renewed vitality in Lahore, Islamabad, and other cities where skilled artisans continue to create exquisite pieces that blend traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Together, these centers ensure that Blue Pottery remains a vibrant and evolving expression of Pakistan's rich cultural heritage.

The process of creating Blue Pottery is both intricate and labor-intensive. Skilled artisans carefully shape each piece before adorning its surface with hand-painted floral arabesques, foliage, and geometric designs. The characteristic blue hues, often complemented by touches of turquoise, green, and white, are applied with precision and artistry. The pieces are then glazed and fired, resulting in the brilliant finish that has become synonymous with this treasured craft.

Beyond its aesthetic beauty, Blue Pottery embodies a rich cultural narrative. The recurring motifs draw inspiration from nature, architecture, and the decorative traditions of the Islamic world.

Each vessel, plate, bowl, or ornamental object serves as a canvas that preserves centuries of artistic knowledge while reflecting the creativity of contemporary craftsmen.

This commemorative stamp issue celebrates the enduring legacy of Blue Pottery as an integral part of Pakistan's cultural heritage. The stamps feature a selection of beautifully crafted ceramic forms and decorative patterns that showcase the refinement, balance, and visual harmony characteristic of this art. Together, they pay tribute to the artisans whose dedication has ensured the survival of a craft that continues to inspire admiration across generations.

By highlighting Blue Pottery through philately, Pakistan Post honors not only an artistic tradition but also the spirit of preservation that safeguards the nation's intangible cultural heritage. These stamps serve as miniature ambassadors of Pakistan's rich artistic legacy, carrying the story of this exquisite craft to collectors, enthusiasts, and admirers around the world. Blue Pottery remains a vibrant testament to the skill of Pakistani artisans an enduring expression of beauty, tradition, and cultural identity rendered in timeless shades of blue.

To Commemorate the Heritage of Pakistan Blue Pottery, Pakistan Post is issuing a set of three Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs. 30/- denomination each and a Souvenir Sheet Valued at Rs.30/-.

75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between China & Pakistan (1951-2026) May 21st, 2026 (2026-06)

SALIENT FEATURES

Size of Stamp	50.5 x 35 mm
Size of Print	50.5 x 35 mm
Number of stamps in a Sheet	(3x3) 09 Stamps
Perforations	13 C
Denomination:	Rs. 100/-
Colors	CMYK
Printing Technology	Lithography Offset
Paper	100 GSM Water Mark Gummed Paper
Gum	PVA
Quantity of Stamp	0.2 Million (02 Lac)
Design	Abu Obaidah Ayyaz
Printer	Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi

1. Pakistan recognized China in January 1950 and the diplomatic relations between the two neighbors were established on 21 May 1951. Pakistan was among the first Muslim majority and non-communist countries that recognized and established relations with China. Pakistan-China relationship has few parallels in contemporary international relations. The unique and long-standing friendship between the two countries has withstood seven decades of political transitions and global realignments. Every successive government in the two countries has tried to deepen and diversify bilateral cooperation. Such consistency in bilateral relations is quite rare to witness anywhere else in the world.

2. Both countries have always respected each other's core interests and supported each other on international forums. Pakistan always supports China in matters of its core interests, including Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, and "One China" Principle. Similarly, China supports Pakistan's territorial integrity including steadfast support on Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

3. The strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China covers all spheres of cooperation including trade and investment, science and technology, defense and security, people-to-people contacts, among others.

4. The inception of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2013, under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), gave a new impetus to bilateral relations and further brought the two countries closer. Following visit of President Xi Jinping to Pakistan in 2015, bilateral relations were elevated to all-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, which is the official denomination to describe the relationship..

5. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a transformative undertaking aimed at enhancing connectivity, boosting energy production, modernizing infrastructure, and uplifting industrial development in Pakistan. From energy generation projects to infrastructure development including Gwadar port, the CPEC has stimulated pace of development in Pakistan. Cooperation has also deepened in agriculture, information technology, and industrial development through joint ventures and investment in Special Economic Zones. CPEC is now entering in its second phase of high-quality development via its five new strategic corridors i.e. Growth, Innovation, Green, Livelihood, and Openness.

6. Defence collaboration remains a strong pillar of Pak-China strategic cooperation. China's defence partnership and intelligence cooperation with Pakistan has strengthened its capacity and ensured peace and stability in South Asia. Cooperation in defense between the two countries is quite prominent due to co-production of "JF-17 thunder jet", which has established its prominence among the top notch fighter jets.

7. People to people contacts are strength of our relations. There is a mutual goodwill among peoples of the two countries which is rooted in years of mutual trust and respect. Tens of thousands of Pakistani students are enrolled in different universities in China, which is highest from any South Asian country. B2B contacts and tourism has steadily increased over the years. The Chinese language is taught in Pakistan through various institutes, universities, and school systems including Confucius institutes. There are multiple Pakistan Study Centers in China, established by Pakistani and Chinese institutions which forms basis to strengthen academic, cultural, and research ties between the two countries.

8. Pakistan and China have built a strong record of humanitarian cooperation rooted in solidarity and mutual support during difficult times. China has consistently been among the first responders during Pakistan's major natural disasters be it earthquake, floods or pandemic. During COVID-19 Pandemic, China supplied vaccines and medical equipment to Pakistan. Pakistan also reciprocates during natural disasters in China.

9. During visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China in September 2025, the two countries signed "Action Plan to Foster an Even Closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future (2025-2029)". The five-year roadmap aims to expand cooperation across politics, economy, security technology and people-to-people links. The plan is a practical manifestation of the deepening bilateral partnership for the shared future.

10. Pak-China partnership is an exceptional example of interstate partnership. This relationship has proved how two countries with different cultures, civilizations and sizes can establish broad based and enduring partnerships.

11. The 75th anniversary is not just a symbolic milestone but it's a commemoration of an extraordinary partnership between two neighbors that is built on the principles of mutual trust and respect. This diamond jubilee marks a landmark occasion to cherish seven decades of extraordinary friendship and to aim for an even higher and deeper partnership for shared future-a future of development, peace, stability, and prosperity.

This commemorative postage stamp celebrates 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic friendship, featuring Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah before the Pakistani flag and Chairman Mao Zedong before the Chinese flag in a soft watercolor painting. The design symbolizes unity and mutual respect between the two nations, highlighted by the official logo of the 75th anniversary and the inscription "75 YEARS OF IRON BROTHERHOOD" in both English and Chinese, marking the enduring partnership from 1951 to 2026.

On the eve of 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between China and Pakistan (1951-2026), Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.30/- each denomination on May 21st, 2026.

His Highness the Aga Khan IV (1936-2025) Visionary Humanitarian, May 20th, 2026 (2026-05)

SALIENT FEATURES

Size of Stamp	50.5 x 35 mm
Size of Print	50.5 x 35 mm
Number of stamps in a Sheet	(5x2) 10 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	0.2 Million (02 Lac)
Design	Supplied by the Customer
Printer	Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi

His Late Highness Aga Khan IV was born on 13 December 1936, in Geneva, son of the late Prince Aly Khan and his first wife, the late Princess Tajuddawlah, née Joan Yarde-Buller. He spent his early childhood in Nairobi, Kenya. His Highness the Aga Khan IV graduated from Harvard University in 1959 with a BA Honors Degree in Islamic history.

On 11 July 1957, at the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III as the 49th Imam. spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community. He led the Ismaili community for 67 years, a period of enormous change. The title "His Highness" was granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 following the practice of earlier British monarchs who had accorded the same title to Aga Khans I, II and III.

Driven by the ethics of faith and the Imam's hereditary responsibility to improve quality of life, His Highness has been at the forefront of innovation and development during his Imamat. He established the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the most comprehensive development networks today, working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in some of the poorest, most vulnerable parts of the developing world, irrespective of their faith, race, ethnicity or gender. The AKDN, with over 96,000 employees, operates in 30 countries, principally in Central and South Asia, Eastern and Western Africa and the Middle East.

Inspired by the Islamic ethic of compassion and responsibility to care for the needy, the AKDN works for the Muslim Ummah and the societies within which they live, addressing key challenges. related to human development regardless of gender, origin, or religion. The AKDN institutions have mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, microfinance, disaster reduction, rural development, revitalisation of historic cities as well as the promotion of private-sector enterprise, all of which are catalysts for socio-economic development. Together, they contribute towards building a vibrant civil society that caters to the needs of vulnerable segments. The AKDN works in close partnership with public and private institutions, including governments, international organisations, NGOs, and universities.

The AKDN operates more than 700 health care facilities, 2 universities and over 200 schools in some of the most remote and disadvantaged parts of the developing world. Each year, among numerous interventions, the AKDN provides quality health care to 5,000,000 people, educates 2,000,000 students from preschool to university level, generates electricity for 10,000,000 people, and helps 8,000,000 achieve greater food security and raise household incomes.

During the 67 years of Imamat, the AKDN institutions in Pakistan have made significant contributions in the social, economic and cultural development of the country.

The AKDN provides vital medical and educational facilities to a large segment of the country's vulnerable population. The Aga Khan University Hospital and related medical facilities have proven to be a game changer in raising the quality of health care in Pakistan. It continues to be the beacon for medical breakthrough with medical facilities of international standards and a highly reputed medical school.

The AKDN also established the first Aga Khan School in Gwadar in 1905. Since then, education facilities under the AKDN have expanded to more than 160 schools operating in some of the most remote areas of Pakistan. The AKDN in Pakistan is amongst the first to recognise the critical, long term impact of Early Childhood Development, and has thus implemented innovative and interactive programmes in its schools.

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, established in 1982 by the Aga Khan Foundation, has greatly improved the socio-economic conditions in the rural areas of Pakistan, through rural development projects such as training to improve skills and creating access to finance, and the provision of facilities resulting in access to clean water and electricity.

AKDN projects to restore historical forts and monuments such as the Walled City of Lahore have not only helped preserve culture but also encouraged tourism and economic development in rural and urban areas of Pakistan

The Ismaili Imamat's collaboration with national governments, international public agencies and non-governmental organisations stems from a common purpose and shared values and objectives to improve the quality of life of those most in need. The Ismaili Imamat has diplomatic relations with various countries and partnerships with many international and national organisations. At the invitation of the Government of Portugal, His Highness the Aga Khan IV established the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat (global headquarters) in Lisbon in 2018.

In recognition of his exceptional efforts and contributions to human development and improving the social condition of societies globally, His Highness the Aga Khan IV has received numerous decorations, honorary degrees, and awards from institutions and nations across the world. In Pakistan, His Highness has been awarded the following honours:

Ø  Nishan-e-Imtiaz (1970)

Ø  Nishan-e-Pakistan (1983)

Ø  LL.D. (honoris causa) University of Peshawar (1967)

Ø  LL.D. (honoris causa) University of Sindh (1970)

Ø  Honorary Membership, Pakistan Medical Association (1981)

Ø  Honorary Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), (1985)

To honour the legacy of His Highness Aga Khan IV (1936-2025) Visionary Humanitarian, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.30/- each denomination on May 20th, 2026.

Murree GPO December 29, 2015. (2015-09)

Murree General Post Office (GPO) is one of the most prominent historical landmarks of Pakistan's popular hilly summer town. It is deeply woven into the socio-cultural milieu of the town and is considered to be the most frequented spot for tourists and visitors of all ages. Sitting majestically at a vantage point, it overlooks the famed bustling mall road of Murree.

The Murree Post Office was established in 1867. However the Post Office was built at the current location in 1904 on the land measuring 0.55 acres that was purchased from the Rajah of Kashmir state. In the British Raj the Post Office was the pivot of communications between the Murree and the garrison town of Rawalpindi, as a horse coach would exchange the mail on daily basis well into the twentieth century. The horse coach drivers were a class of men apart, who through storm & rain, torrents & hill slides, hail & snow fearlessly carried His Majisty's mails often at the risk of their lives. The Gazetter of District Rawalpindi (1893-94) noted that the Murree Post Office was a combined Post and Telegraph Office and offered telegraphic, money order and savings bank services. It was later upgraded to Head Post Office, which expanded its accounting jurisdiction to Abbottabad and Muzaffarabad. It also served as mail transit office for sub Post Offices of Hazara & Azad Kashmir. Murree Post Office also established the first ever Philatelic and tourist information in 1975. In 1983 it was upgraded to class one General Post Office under the charge of a Gazetted Postmaster.

The iconic historic GPO building has undergone numerous structural changes since the British originally built it. In 1970 the facade of the GPO was drastically altered while undergoing reconstruction and renovation. The construction of high-rise buildings in its vicinity further deteriorated the environment due to the thoughtless visual intrusions.

Restoration of Murree GPO is the part of an initiative of Government of Pakistan to preserve Murree as a heritage hill station. Under this initiative, the Prime Minister of Pakistan approved a special grant for the reconstruction of Murree GPO to its original form. Urban management unit, planning and development department, Government of punjab provided the technical assistance for the project. The restored GPO will house a national Postal museum, a cafe shop and the Post Office.

Murree GPO December 29, 2015 a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 10/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 29, 2015.

First Anniversary of the Gruesome of the Aamy Public School, Peshawar, December 16, 2015. (2015-08)

Bookmark Shape:- The Bookmark shape symbolizes the new beginning or a watershed in the nation's history after APS incident of 16 December 2014.

Black Outer Border:- Usually postage stamp's outer colour is white. The black border with this postage is designed to remind of the tragedy as a sign of mourning.

Background Colour:- Green Colour. Green color is mostly associated with nature, youth, spring, hope and envy. It is often used to symbolize rebirth, renewal and immortality. APS children uniform and notebooks colour is also green. On the fateful day of 16 December 2014, children were wearing green jerseys. It also symbolises with Pakistan Flag. Many flags of the Islamic world are green, as the color is considered sacred in Islam. All other elements in the postage with Green colour look bright and prominent.

Victory Symbol:- This is the actual bruised and blood stained hand of a victim child who dared to make "V" sign in the face of death and trauma. Word "Pakistan" is placed right above "V" to signify that the country's existence hinges on the sacrifices of these children.

Words "Sacrifice, Resilience and Hope" and "Shall Rise and Shine" Sacrifices of these children jolted nation's collective conscious and triggered it into Resilience which eventually led to the Hope. Once read in continuation, Sacrifice, Resilience and Hope leads to Pakistan which Shall Rise and Shine (APS Moto).

Sunshine behind the Hand:- It embodies hope and early morning rays of a rising sun after the dark night.

Iqbal's Verse:- Symbolically, the verse is child's prayer for a life full of light to fight forces of darkness. White writing symbolises 'peace' black ink used to transmit all the knowledge in the world since ages.

State Wreath:- Placed at the bottom of the Postage Stamp signifies all the above elements together rest at the state and that the state provides foundation for all the elements to grow. By placing APC logo inside the wreath signifies that the State as a mother has embodied within its fold the children who made ultimate sacrifice.

On the First Anniversary of the Gruesome Incident of the Army Public School, Peshawar, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 16/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 16, 2015.

Bookmark Shape:- The Bookmark shape symbolizes the new beginning or a watershed in the nation's history after APS incident of 16 December 2014.

Black Outer Border:- Usually postage stamp's outer colour is white. The black border with this postage is designed to remind of the tragedy as a sign of mourning.

Background Colour:- Green Colour. Green color is mostly associated with nature, youth, spring, hope and envy. It is often used to symbolize rebirth, renewal and immortality. APS children uniform and notebooks colour is also green. On the fateful day of 16 December 2014, children were wearing green jerseys. It also symbolises with Pakistan Flag. Many flags of the Islamic world are green, as the color is considered sacred in Islam. All other elements in the postage with Green colour look bright and prominent.

Victory Symbol:- This is the actual bruised and blood stained hand of a victim child who dared to make "V" sign in the face of death and trauma. Word "Pakistan" is placed right above "V" to signify that the country's existence hinges on the sacrifices of these children.

Words "Sacrifice, Resilience and Hope" and "Shall Rise and Shine" Sacrifices of these children jolted nation's collective conscious and triggered it into Resilience which eventually led to the Hope. Once read in continuation, Sacrifice, Resilience and Hope leads to Pakistan which Shall Rise and Shine (APS Moto).

Sunshine behind the Hand:- It embodies hope and early morning rays of a rising sun after the dark night.

Iqbal's Verse:- Symbolically, the verse is child's prayer for a life full of light to fight forces of darkness. White writing symbolises 'peace' black ink used to transmit all the knowledge in the world since ages.

State Wreath:- Placed at the bottom of the Postage Stamp signifies all the above elements together rest at the state and that the state provides foundation for all the elements to grow. By placing APC logo inside the wreath signifies that the State as a mother has embodied within its fold the children who made ultimate sacrifice.

Bookmark Shape:- The Bookmark shape symbolizes the new beginning or a watershed in the nation's history after APS incident of 16 December 2014.

Black Outer Border:- Usually postage stamp's outer colour is white. The black border with this postage is designed to remind of the tragedy as a sign of mourning.

Background Colour:- Green Colour. Green color is mostly associated with nature, youth, spring, hope and envy. It is often used to symbolize rebirth, renewal and immortality. APS children uniform and notebooks colour is also green. On the fateful day of 16 December 2014, children were wearing green jerseys. It also symbolises with Pakistan Flag. Many flags of the Islamic world are green, as the color is considered sacred in Islam. All other elements in the postage with Green colour look bright and prominent.

Victory Symbol:- This is the actual bruised and blood stained hand of a victim child who dared to make "V" sign in the face of death and trauma. Word "Pakistan" is placed right above "V" to signify that the country's existence hinges on the sacrifices of these children.

Words "Sacrifice, Resilience and Hope" and "Shall Rise and Shine" Sacrifices of these children jolted nation's collective conscious and triggered it into Resilience which eventually led to the Hope. Once read in continuation, Sacrifice, Resilience and Hope leads to Pakistan which Shall Rise and Shine (APS Moto).

Sunshine behind the Hand:- It embodies hope and early morning rays of a rising sun after the dark night.

Iqbal's Verse:- Symbolically, the verse is child's prayer for a life full of light to fight forces of darkness. White writing symbolises 'peace' black ink used to transmit all the knowledge in the world since ages.

State Wreath:- Placed at the bottom of the Postage Stamp signifies all the above elements together rest at the state and that the state provides foundation for all the elements to grow. By placing APC logo inside the wreath signifies that the State as a mother has embodied within its fold the children who made ultimate sacrifice.

On the First Anniversary of the Gruesome Incident of the Army Public School, Peshawar, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 16/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 16, 2015.