YEAR OF PAKISTAN-CHINA FRIENDLY EXCHANGES. August 14, 2015 (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,

FIRST 100 MW SOLAR PLANT. May 04, 2015 (2015-02)

 

Pakistan has been suffering from an energy shortage for the last two decades. With a steadily growing population and increased economic activity, the demand for energy has been rising and the generated supply has not been able to keep up with the rapid rising demand. Despite policy efforts and development plans, the gap between supply and demand remains in the range of 4000 MW on average, leading to 6-8 hours of load shedding on a daily basis, leaving businesses and homes in the dark. Business, small and large alike have been forced to suspend operations or incur higher costs by employing expensive diesel run generators as back up during load shedding hours.

Pakistan is blessed with an abundance of solar energy and is one of the few regions having on the average 300+ days per annum of sunshine and is considered best solar zone of the world. This gift of God in the shape of solar irradiance has been here since eternity but God has given us the opportunity to harness the same.

In the year 2013, The Government of Punjab, under the vision of Chief Minister Mian M. Shahbaz Sharif, dedicated 10,000 acres of land in Cholistan, near Bahawalpur City, Pakistan, for the purpose of establishing a 1000 MW Solar Park for generation of electricity. This Solar Park is an initiative of Government of the Punjab (GoPb), Pakistan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in generation of electricity and to overcome the ever expanding gap between energy production and demand. 500 acres of land was allocated to set up the first pilot project.

The Government of the Punjab launched Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power (Pvt.) Ltd to install the first 100 MW PV Plant and act as a role model for the investors in the field of renewable energy and provide an impetus to the aspiring national and international IPPs to follow in the footsteps of QA Solar.

The site allocated is complete with interconnection facilities, access roads, water connection and a clean title to deeds. The EPC contract was awarded to TBEA Xinjiang SunOasis Co. Ltd, a renowned company from China. The Groundbreaking Ceremony of the first ever 100 MW solar PV plant in Cholistan desert near Bahawalpur was held on May 9th, 2014. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, accompanied by Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab, unveiled the plaque to establish the foundation of the plant. His Excellency, Mr. Sun Weidong, the ambassador of China to Pakistan, was also present at the venue.

Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power (Pvt.) Ltd has been able to achieve the landmark of launching Solar PV Plant from scratch with the assistance of top notch international consultants and EPC Contractor. Faced by a highly aggressive and challenging timeline, especially the mobilization and deployment of hundreds of foreign consultants/ contractors in a remote area, QA Solarwas fully confident to meet all challenges and achieve the targets on schedule.

In a record span of time, Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power has installed the first ever utility scale, photovoltaic, ground mounted and fixed tilted power plant in Pakistan. Compared to other power generation plants, this power plant will be a source of clean and renewable energy and on the basis of reduction in greenhouse gases emissions; this project has the capability of qualifying for clean development mechanism. In addition to lowering GHG emissions, solar power plant will also lead to reduction in other various atmospheric pollutants, that are discharged in coal powered plants, such as mercury, Sulphur dioxide etc.

The solar park initiative, it is hoped, will bring not only economic activity, but will also provide jobs and a unique set of skills to the inhabitants of the area. This project aims to mark the beginning of the Province's journey towards generation of renewable energy and a cleaner and greener future and pave way for others to join in the mission of fulfilling the country's energy needs for a better world.

On First 100 MW Solar Plant., a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on May 4, 2015.

Centenary Celebrations The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (1925-2025). March 4th, 2026. (2026-03)

SALIENT FEATURES

Size of Stamp	44.6 x32.3 mm
Size of Print	44.6 x32.3 mm
Number of stamps in a Sheet	(2x3) 06 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	0.3 Million (30,000)
Design	Supplied by the Customer
Printer	Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi

The year 2025 marks a historic milestone in the journey of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) as it proudly celebrates its centenary. From its humble beginnings as Jamia Abbasia in 1925 to its present status as a comprehensive public-sector university, IUB has embodied the spirit of resilience, transformation, and service to society.

Origins: Jamia Abbasia (1925) The roots of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur can be traced to Jamia Abbasia, founded in 1925 in the princely state of Bahawalpur. Jamia Abbasia was established as a religious seminary on the pattern of Al-Azhar University, Cairo. Its primary mission was to impart Islamic education, preserve religious scholarship, and provide spiritual guidance to the people of the region. For decades, Jamia Abbasia attracted scholars, theologians, and students from across South Asia, becoming a center of intellectual discourse and religious learning.

Transition to The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (1975) With the merger of Bahawalpur State into Pakistan and the growing demands of a modernizing society, the academic landscape required a broader vision. Recognizing this need, the Government of Punjab upgraded Jamia Abbasia into a full-fledged university in 1975, renaming it The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. This transition was more than a change of name; it was a redefinition of mission. The IUB retained its foundation of moral and spiritual values while embracing modern disciplines such as natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, agriculture, business, and medicine. This transformation signaled the University's role in bridging tradition with modernity. It began to prepare students not only for religious and cultural leadership but also for professional and scientific contributions to Pakistan's development.

Growth and Expansion:- Over the past fifty years as a university, IUB has grown into one of the largest and most dynamic higher education institutions in Pakistan. It has established multiple campuses in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Liaquatpur, and Rahim Yar Khan, thereby serving the educational needs of a wide geographical area in South Punjab. Today, the University offers more than 300 degree programs, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels, across diverse disciplines.

With a faculty strength of around 1,200, the IUB boasts modern laboratories, digital libraries, and research centers that match international standards. This remarkable growth demonstrates the University's unwavering commitment to making higher education accessible to all segments of society, particularly in underserved regions.

Academic Excellence and Research Contributions:- As an institution, IUB has prioritized both quality education and cutting-edge research. The University hosts faculties and institutes in disciplines such as:

Agriculture and Environment addressing the region's agrarian economy and sustainability challenges.

Engineering, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence equipping graduates with skills for the digital economy.

Health and Medical Sciences contributing to the healthcare sector through teaching and medical research.

Islamic Studies, Languages, and Social Sciences carrying forward the legacy of Jamia Abbasia in harmony with modern inquiry.

Through national and international collaborations, the University has participated in research projects of global relevance, addressing climate change, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. Publications from IUB faculty regularly appear in leading indexed journals, reflecting a growing global academic footprint.

Cultural and Regional Impact:- Located in the heart of South Punjab, The IUB has always been more than just a university; it is a cultural anchor for the region. The University has preserved the rich heritage of Bahawalpur, once a princely state known for its palaces, mosques, and traditions of learning. By organizing cultural festivals, conferences, and exhibitions, IUB ensures that the identity of South Punjab is celebrated and shared with the wider world.

Moreover, the University has played a central role in promoting Urdu, Saraiki, and Arabic languages, as well as Islamic scholarship, thereby ensuring that local identity coexists with global relevance. Its alumni have gone on to become leaders in academia, politics, civil services, agriculture, business, and religious affairs, carrying forward the values of service and scholarship.

National Role and Achievements:- The Islamia University of Bahawalpur stands today among the leading universities in Pakistan, recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for its contributions. It has earned multiple accreditations in professional disciplines, ranked consistently among the country's top public universities, and hosted numerous national and international conferences.

Its research journals, centers of excellence, and academic linkages continue to contribute toward achieving Pakistan's national development goals, particularly in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the University's emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation has nurtured a generation of graduates who are job creators rather than job seekers.

The Centenary Spirit (1925-2025) Celebrating 100 years of knowledge and service is both a moment of pride and a call to future responsibility. The centenary celebrations highlight the University's journey from a small religious seminary to a modern, comprehensive university serving tens of thousands of students.

The Commemorative stamp symbolizes:

1. Heritage:- Honoring Jamia Abbasia and its legacy of faith, scholarship, and learning.

2. Transformation:- capturing the expansion of the institution into a multidisciplinary university.

3. Service reflecting the University's role in advancing education and development in South Punjab and Pakistan.

4. Vision showcasing the University's commitment to global competitiveness and sustainability in its second century.

On the eve of the centenary of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (1925-2025), Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.100/- each denomination on March 4th, 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.

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.