Saturday, September 12, 2026

Collector's Directory (Lahore, Pakistan)


Name:- Wahid Zia

Year Of Birth:- 1968

WhatsApp Number:- +92-321-9427812

Facebook ID:- paknetmag

Website:- www.pkphilately.com

Email:- info@pkphilately.com

Residence:- Lahore, Pakistan

Collecting Interest: Worldwide thematic stamps (Pakistani Flagon stamps, Mohenjo-Daro, RCD, Minar-e-Pakistan, Pakistan Armed Forces, and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah)

Collector Background/About:- Born in 1968, Wahid Zia formed an intense interest in stamps in a very early age. In 1975 he started his philately journey by collecting used stamps. He removed stamps from the letters received by friends and family to make a small stamp collection of his own. After some time, a friend told him about a shop named Regal Stamps Company. From than onwards that shop became his go to place when it came to buying stamps. As time went on and he got to meet many other young collectors like himself, and he kept on making his collection bigger by using all his pocket money.

In 1985, at 17 years old, he learnt about the Pakistan Youth Collector Stamps Association and their stamp exhibitions. He ended up participating in one of their exhibits in 1989, where he showcased his collection of worldwide personalities, by using hinges to stick them on A4 sized graph paper, that won him the 1st Prize. That ended up being a very big reason for encouragement for him that made him what he is today. 

Friday, September 11, 2026

13- 50 Years of Excellence Special Communications Organization. (1976-2026) (2026-13)

Size of Stamp

40.5 x 40.5 mm

Size of Print

36.5 x36.5 mm

Number of stamps in a Sheet

(4x5) 20 Stamps

Perforations

13 C

Denomination:

Rs. 30/-

Date of Issue

August 14, 2026

Colors

CMYK

Printing Technology

Lithography Offset

Paper

100 GSM Water Mark Gummed Paper

Gum

PVA

Quantity of Stamp

0.13 Million

Design

Supplied by Customer

Printer

Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi


Special Communications Organization (SCO) was established in 1976 with the mandate to develop, operate, and maintain telecommunication services in the strategically important and geographically challenging regions of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Since its inception, SCO has remained steadfast in its commitment to bridging the communication divide in remote areas, ensuring reliable connectivity for socio-economic development and national integration.

In its initial phase, SCO focused on the expansion of the Pole Line (PL) Route and the establishment of analog telephone exchanges, laying the foundation of basic communication infrastructure. With the evolution of technology, SCO undertook a major transformation in the early 2000s by digitizing its network, significantly enhancing service quality and operational efficiency.

During 2004-2006, SCO introduced data services, Wireless Local Loop (WLL), and 2G mobile services, along with the establishment of an International Gateway, connecting the region to global communication networks. A major milestone was achieved through the successful completion of the Pakistan-China Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) Project (2016-2019), providing a high-capacity and reliable international connectivity route.

In 2019, SCO entered a new era of digital transformation by launching Digital Financial Services through SPaisa, extending secure and accessible financial solutions to underserved communities and promoting financial inclusion. In parallel, SCO rolled out 4G LTE services (2019-2022) across AJK&GB, enabling high-speed mobile broadband and accelerating digital connectivity in remote regions.

Continuing its modernization journey, SCO carried out IP Core Upgradation that enhanced its capacity sixfold from 100G to 600G while broadband user capacity enhanced from 66000 to 240000. On 14 June 2024, SCO introduced SCloud, a locally anchored, secure digital backbone designed to keep data within the region and under trusted control. It was not merely an infrastructure upgrade, but a significant step toward digital sovereignty, transparency, and responsive governance.

Building on this progress, SCO is currently implementing NGMS Phase-IV (2025-2026), focusing on the expansion of 4G coverage, development of new sites, upgradation of existing network infrastructure, and the gradual introduction of 5G services in selected cities. In near future, through snowbound passes and rugged landscapes, SCO will achieve a remarkable milestone by becoming the first operator to introduce 5G services in main cities of AJK&GB marking a major leap toward advanced connectivity.

SCO's commitment to excellence has also been recognized at the national level. As per independent surveys conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in 2023, SCO has been ranked as the leading data services provider in AJK&GB, with service accessibility reaching 100% in both urban and rural areas.

Aligned with the vision of Digital Pakistan, SCO has also established 100 Software Technology Parks (STPs) and Freelancing Hubs (FLHs), fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for youth in AJK& GB, thereby creating a sustainable digital ecosystem.

Beyond technological advancements, SCO has consistently demonstrated resilience and national commitment by ensuring uninterrupted communication. during natural disasters and emergencies, playing a vital role in relief and rescue operations.

Over nearly five decades, SCO has evolved into a modern and dynamic organization, contributing significantly to national connectivity, digital inclusion, and socio-economic uplift of remote regions. Today, SCO stands as a symbol of innovation, reliability, and excellence, continuing its mission to connect communities and drive Pakistan's digital future.

On 50 Years of Excellence Special Communications Organization (1976-2026), Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.30/- each denomination on August 14, 2026.

Friday, September 4, 2026

Karachi Golf Club (2026-12)

\

Size of Stamp

50.5 x 35 mm

Size of Print

47.5 x32 mm

Number of stamps in a Sheet

(4x5) 20 Stamps

Perforations

13 C

Denomination:

Rs. 30/-

Date of Issue

August 14, 2026

Colors

CMYK

Printing Technology

Lithography Offset

Paper

100 GSM Water Mark Gummed Paper

Gum

PVA

Quantity of Stamp

0.03 Million (30,000)

Design

Mughiz Khan (PSPC)

Printer

Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi

A). Karachi Golf Club started as an affiliate of Sindh Club in 1888 and was registered as an independent Club in 1891. The first Club house resembled a wooden shack and was located where the Plaza Hotel stands today on E. I. Lines and a lane in vicinity bears the name of Golf Road. During the post partition period there were large number of refugees who were camped in the Golf Course grounds on men's links near Cantonment, Railway Station; then there was a compulsion from the Government to make a School, a wireless station and Jinnah hospital in the area so this was a caution signal for the club to plan ahead and move the Course elsewhere.

B). As a consequence, the Golf Course had to be relocated and therefore in 1953 an alternate land around a neglected RAF 9 Hole Course on Drigh Road Near Karsaz was leased from Ministry of Defence; Col. Iskandar Mirza Secretary Defence sanctioned the lease. On this land a 6322 yards, Par-71, an 18 hole sandy Course was developed and inaugurated by Patron-in-Chief of Golf Union, Field Marshal M. Ayub Khan in 1959.

C). This new location was ranked as a classic desert Course with barren and sandy fairways and chocolate Greens. The whole area was dotted with numerous cactus and keekar trees. The Course had undulations, water hazards, reeds and marshy areas with typical flora / fauna. Because of these unique features the Course was rated amongst the 100 interesting Golf Courses in the world. In 1985-86 earnest efforts were made to Green the Course; By 1988, nine holes were turfed and adorned with thousands of trees. The 9 holes were inaugurated by President of Pakistan General M. Zia-Ul-Haq.

D). In 1991 a reputed Golf Course architect Mr. Peter Harradine was invited to design 18 holes Championship Course. The 18 holes Green course was completed in 1992 and by 1993 another 9 holes were commissioned. The Club has a Golf Academy, a Driving range, an International standard Pro Shop, a Gymnasium; Gents cloak room and Ladies lounge besides Bag locker facilities. The club has air-conditioned lounges and open-air refreshment areas.

E). The first President of the Karachi Golf Club was a British civil servant Mr. H. E. M. James (1894), whereas the last British President of the Karachi Golf Club was Mr. M. J. Condon (1957-59). The Chief of the Naval Staff is the Patron-in-Chief of the Club, whereas the serving Commander Karachi is the President of the Karachi Golf Club; Vice President is elected annually. The first Golf tournament to have been played was Pritchard Cup in 1888, and marked the formal opening of the Club. The Pakistan Masters Golf Championship was hosted at Karachi Golf Club five times in years 1995, 1996 1997, 2006 and 2007. Now the CNS Open Golf Championships and Sponsor Tournaments are held regularly.

On Karachi Golf Club, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.30/-each denomination on August 14,2026.


Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Youm-e-Istehsal. (2026-11)

Size of Stamp

50.5 x 35 mm

Size of Print

46.6 x31 mm

Number of stamps in a Sheet

(6x2) 12 Stamps

Perforations

13 C

Denomination:

Rs. 30/-

Date of Issue

August 05, 2026

Colors

CMYK

Printing Technology

Lithography Offset

Paper

100 GSM Water Mark Gummed Paper

Gum

PVA

Quantity of Stamp

0.055 Million

Design

Supplied by the Customer

Printer

Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi

Youm-e-Istehsal (Day of Exploitation) is observed annually on 5 August to mark India's unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019, when it revoked the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir under Articles 370 and 35A of its Constitution. These measures ended the region's limited autonomy and sought to alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir in violation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and international law. The day serves as a reminder of the continued suffering of the Kashmiri people and reaffirms Pakistan's solidarity with their just struggle for the realization of their right to self-determination.

The Jammu and Kashmir conflict remains one of the oldest unresolved international disputes, dating back to 1947. It continues to be recognized by the United Nations as an issue requiring a peaceful settlement in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan firmly rejects all attempts to unilaterally change the status, demographic composition, or political identity of the territory and considers such actions detrimental to regional peace and stability.

Since 5 August 2019, India has accelerated efforts to consolidate its control over Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) through a series of political, legal, and administrative measures. Particular concem has been raised over attempts to engineer demographic changes in the occupied territory through the issuance of domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris, changes to land ownership laws, and electoral delimitation measures designed to alter the region's demographic and political landscape. Various reports indicate that more than 350,000 domicile certificates have been issued to non-Kashmiris since August 2019, while official figures acknowledged that 83,742 domicile certificates were granted to non-state subjects during the preceding two years alone. These measures are widely viewed as an attempt to dilute the identity of the indigenous Kashmiri population, undermine their political representation, and create irreversible changes to the disputed territory in violation of international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention.

The years following August 2019 have also witnessed a worsening human rights situation in IIOJK. Reports of arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, custodial torture, restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and systematic curbs on media freedom continue to emerge. Political leaders, journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists have faced harassment and intimidation, while military operations, prolonged detentions, and restrictions on civic space have further deepened the sense of insecurity among the local population.

Youm-e-Istehsal is therefore not only a commemoration of the events of 5 August 2019, but also a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It highlights the urgent need for the international community to take cognizance of the situation, ensure respect for international law and human rights, and support efforts aimed at achieving a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. In Pakistan, the day is observed through seminars, rallies, public events, media campaigns, and diplomatic outreach activities to raise awareness about the plight of the Kashmiri people and to express solidarity with their legitimate aspirations. The observance serves as a renewed commitment to continue extending political, diplomatic, and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir until they are able to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

On the eve of Youm e Istehsal Kashmir, Pakistan Post is issuing the Special Postage Stamp of Rs.30/- denomination on August 05, 2026.

Saturday, August 22, 2026

2015 YEAR OF PAKISTAN-CHINA FRIENDLY EXCHANGES. (2015-03)

Pakistan and China have an enduring, close and time-tested friendship that is unique and unprecedented in modern interstate relations. The Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is based on mutual trust and understanding, and bilateral relations have always been high on the foreign policy agenda of both countries.

Pakistan and China have declared 2015 as the "Year of Pakistan-China Friendly Exchanges" which will further expand exchanges between Parliamentarians, think-tanks, media, youth, academics and artists of the two countries to make Pakistan-China friendship even more deeply rooted in the hearts of our peoples.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA:- The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications, construction of which began as early as the 7th century BCE The Great Wall is recognized as one of the modern wonders of the world and attracts visitors from all over the world. Pakistan's contributions toward the Government of China's efforts to renovate one section of the Great Wall were commemorated at a ceremony held in March 1989.

KARAKORUM HIGHWAY:- The Karakorum Highway (KKH) connects Pakistan and China across the Himalayan mountain range at the Khunjerab Pass. Construction of the highway began in 1959 and was completed in 1979. The KKH is the highest paved international road in the world and is also known as the Friendship Highway. The route of the KKH traces the path of the ancient Silk Road, and serves as a potent symbol of the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China.

SHALIMAR GARDENS:- The Shalimar Gardens are a Mughal-era garden complex in the historic city of Lahore, Pakistan. Construction of the Gardens began in 1641 CE and was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. The Shalimar Gardens, a classic example of Mughal aesthetics, were included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

To mark 2015 as the Year of Friendly Exchanges between Pakistan and China, a set of five commemorative postage stamps for the denomination of Rs. 10/- is being issued by Pakistan Post on 14th August 2015,