Sunday, March 8, 2026

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.