70th ANNIVERSARY OF ESTABLISMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND TURKEY. November 09, 2017 (2017-09)

Historical Background:

Pakistan and Turkey enjoy exemplary ties based on commonalities of faith. culture, history and traditions. The relationship between both the countries is characterized by exceptional warmth, cordiality, mutual trust and understanding.

Today these bonds have transformed into a mutually beneficial strategic partnership.

Pakistan-Turkey relations date back to the Khilafat movement, which was launched by the Muslims of the sub-continent even before our independence in 1947. This Movement aimed at preventing division of the Ottoman Empire is still cherished as the epitome of the historical nature of the relationship between the two sides where Muslim volunteers from Subcontinent joined hands in support of the Turkish troops. The anecdotes of Muslim women from sub-continent selling their possessions and gold and silver items to support the Khilafat Movement is still remembered with warmth in the Turkish academia and general public discourse.

Both the sides established diplomatic relations immediately after creation of Pakistan in August 1947. Yahya Kemal Beyatii, first Turkish Ambassador, presented credentials to Quaid-e-Azam on 4 March 1948, whereas, Mian Bashir Ahmed, first Pakistani Ambassador to Turkey, presented credentials to President Ismet Inonu in June 1949, which ushered in a new era of brotherhood between the two nations.

Both the countries signed an Agreement for Friendly Cooperation, in April 1954. Later after one year, Pakistan and Turkey joined CENTO in 1955. Moreover, they formed an organization Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), along with Iran in 1964, which was later transformed into Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in 1985 as successor to RCD. ECO expanded to become 10-member Organization in 1992. Turkey also became a member of OIC Contact Group on Kashmir and always held a stance on Jammu Kashmir that is in line with Pakistan's interests. Pakistan supports Turkish position on the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

In the recent times both the sides have recognized the strategic significance of the relationship. The relationship is steadily growing in the political, economic, security, defence, education and cultural spheres. Both the sides are now committed to transform traditionally cordial ties into a robust economic partnership. The strength of this relationship is manifested by the fact that we have convergent views on major regional and global issues. There is close level of cooperation in multilateral fora between the two sides.

Public and Cultural Diplomacy

Culturally Pakistan and Turkey have been very close due to the historical relevance of the ties. Bilateral Cultural Agreement between the two states was signed in June 1953. Since then there has been no turning back and both the sides have had exchanges in cultural, educational and scientific and public areas that will hardly find parallel in modern history. From student exchanges to scholarships to exchange. of writers and academia, the two countries have been heavily engaged in such interactions on regular basis. A Coffee table book has also been published recently titled 'Journey of Friendship' a pictorial history of Pakistan-Turkey relations since inception to date.

In recognition of the services for the promotion of Urdu language and literature and Pakistan-Turkey Cultural cooperation, the Government of Pakistan awarded Istanbul University's Chairman of Urdu Department, Prof. Dr. Halil Toker, with "Sitara-e-Imtiaz". President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain conferred this award upon Prof. Dr. Halil Toker during the investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadar, Islamabad on 23rd March 2017. In the 7th International Buhara Medya Awards, Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkey, Sohail Mahmood, was presented "Diplomat of the Year" award by Buhara Medya at a ceremony in Ankara on 25th January 2017.

Pakistan hosted 13th ECO Summit on 1st March 2017 in Islamabad Turkish President Erdogan also participated in the Summit ushering in a new era of regional connectivity. More colors were added to the brotherly ties with celebrations of 70th Year of Diplomatic ties, when the famous Turkish Mehtar Band of Ottoman era took a spectacular part in Pakistan Defense day on 23rd March 2017. In 2017, as a part of these celebrations, the Turkish Whirling Dervishes (Maulana Rumi's disciples) paid a country tour to Pakistan.

On the Turkish side, Pakistan's mission in Akara is also actively engaged in holding literary and cultural events. In order to increase collaboration between the film music industry of both the countries renowned director, producer and actor Mr. Javed Sheikh is shooting an upcoming Pakistani film "Wajood" in Turkey.

A number of MoUs/Agreements in multiple areas of cooperation are also in place between the two countries. At Higher Education Level (HEC) both sides have close collaboration that oversees the exchange of academia and students for higher studies on both sides.

All these interactions and warmth in bilateral ties prove that Pakistan and Turkey are two countries with a shared destiny. Our hearts beat together and all these colors of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations embolden the beauty of our bonds.

Allama Iqbal and Turkey

Allama Iqbal was born at Sialkot on November 9, 1877 and had his early education at Government College, Lahore. Later he also studied at Cambridge, and the University of Munich. After his education he taught philosophy at Government College Lahore and practiced law. He was elected (1927) to the Punjab provincial. legislature and served (1930) as president of the Muslim League. He became a staunch supporter of an independent homeland for India's Muslims and he is regared as the spiritual founder of Pakistan. Iqbal was the foremost Muslim thinker of his period, and in his many volumes of poetry (written in Urdu and Persian) and essays. he urged a regeneration of Islam through the love of God and the active development of the self. He was a firm believer in freedom and the creative force that freedom can exert on men. He was knighted in 1922. His works include The Secrets of the Self (1915), and Javid-nama (1934), Iqbal is the national poet of Pakistan.

He has in fact been called "the most serious Muslim philosophical thinker of modern times." Iqbal is the best articulated Muslim response to Modernity that the Islamic world has produced in the 20th century.

Rumi is M.Iqbal's great master whom he calls "Pir-i-Rumi (The master from Anatolia), and he names himself as "Murid-i-Hindi (The Indian disciple). In his Asrar-o-Rumuz Iqbal claims, "The saint Rumi has changed my earth into an elixir and out of my dust has produced much splendour." It means that there is a great impact of Rumi on Iqbal's spiritual teachings. When we study Rumi and Iqbal side by side, we find two bodies in one shirt. There are more than 250 poets in Turkey that follow the great master Rumi but Iqbal's interpretations are the most up-to-date. It is Rumi's Masnevi that seems to influence Iqbal the most. Great Persian poet Mulla Jami says this about Rumi's Masnevi. "The Masnevi of the spiritual master (Rumi) is the Koran in Persian." This statement is very true. Thus many teachings of Iqbal depend on the Holy Quran, directly or indirectly.

Turkey has also established an honorary grave of Allama Muhammad Iqbal at Mevlana Rumi's Shrine. The epitaph on the grave translates as 'this Honorary resting place has been granted to Muhammad Iqbal, Pakistan's national poet, by his spiritual master, Mevlana Rumi

Mehmet Akif ERSOY

Mehmet Akif Ersoy was born in December 1873, in his father's home in a neighborhood by the name of Sariguzel, in the Fatih district of Istanbul He commences his schooling life at the community school "Emir Buhari' in Fatih, when he was 4. After 2 years of education at the Emir Buhari, he continued his schooling. respectively, at primary (iptidal), secondary (rustiye) and high school (idadi) Muallim Naci was the literature teacher at this school, where he accomplished the first three-year term and lost his father as he was at the first grade of the senior section (1888). To complete the conditions for his education as well as to get a shortcut job he entered the Veterinary Faculty in 1889. He pursued his education at this school at the Ahirkapi campus for two years (day school) and another two years as a boarding student at the Halkali campus. As mentioned. he was the first graduate of the school and top of the class.

Akif's close affinity with music dates back to reed-flute (ney) classes he took from Neyzen Tevfik. Akif's knowledge of music as the fruit of his invested efforts allowed him to achieve a level of skill in playing the musical instrument. His interest with music gave him the opportunity to know and savor many oeuvres of classical western music.

His innate penchant for languages allowed him to easily learn Arabic, Persian and French, which he learned so well as to follow the literature of these languages and translate them.

At the age of 20, he learnt the Holy Koran by heart.

Mehmet Akif is widely known as a poet. However, less known than his verse he also penned down other critical prose and translated. Although overshadowed by his verse, his other writtings are no less reflective of his personality as a great man of ideas and endeavors.

Akif published his nationalistic poems, which were unprecedentedly fluid, simple and speaking of the life and sentiments of his people. Nearly 50 poems of Akif were composed-including the National Anthem, the Independence March'- and important ones were translated into Arabic.

Akif was renown and loved by the people as a grand Islamic figure.

National poet of Turkey, who wrote unique National Anthem by putting into words his great love of country, was at the same time a great thinker and activist. He acted as a spiritual leader during National Struggle as an Islamic elder known and loved by the people for his strong faith and commonsense. In addition to these virtues, he has worked successfully in many fields as veterinarian, educator, preacher, hafiz, Koran interpreter, and athlete.

Akif died on December 27, 1936. His grave, today, is located at the Martyr's Memorial at Edirnekapi, which is called the Mehmet Akif Square.

To Commemorate 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Pakistan, souvenir sheet and first day cover themed Turkey - Pakistan Joint Stamp, containing Pakistan's National Poet Allama Muhammad IQBAL and Turkey's National Poet Mehmet Akif ERSOY, will be issued on 09-11-2017

On 70th Anniversary Pakistan and Turkey Deplomatic Relation Joint Issue, the Souvenir Sheet containing 2 stamps in souvenir sheet of Rs/-20 denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 09, 2017.

75th ANNIVERSARY OF ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND INDONESIA. AUGUST 14, 2025 (2025-17)

The year 2025 marks a momentous occasion in the history of the relationship of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Republic of Indonesia, as both countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of their bilateral relations. To commemorate this milestone, commemorative postage stamps are being issued, featuring two iconic monuments: the Minar-e-Pakistan and the Monas (National Monument of Indonesia). This symbolic initiative not only highlights the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between the two nations but also underscores their shared values, cultural heritage, and aspirations for a harmonious future.

The Minar-e-Pakistan: A Symbol of Aspiration and Sovereignty

The Minar-e-Pakistan, located in Lahore, Pakistan, stands as an enduring symbol of the country's journey to independence. Constructed between 1960 and 1968, this majestic tower marks the site where the Lahore Resolution was passed on March 23, 1940. This resolution laid the foundation for the creation of Pakistan, envisioning a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.

The architectural design of the Minar-e-Pakistan blends Islamic, Mughal, and modern influences, symbolizing the nation's cultural diversity and historical depth. Standing at 70 meters tall, the tower's base is shaped like a flower, representing growth and renewal, while the star and crescent at the top signify the ideals of Islam. For Pakistanis, the Minar-e-Pakistan is more than a monument; it is a beacon of hope, a reminder of the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence, and a testament to the resilience of the nation.

By featuring the Minar-e-Pakistan on the commemorative stamp, Pakistan highlights its rich history and its enduring commitment to sovereignty, unity, and progress. It is pertinent to mention that Minar e Pakistan, Lahore has been set within a motif which showcases Mughal miniature art signifying Pakistan's rich traditional history. The inclusion of this monument in the stamp design serves as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of Pakistan's relationship with Indonesia.

The Monas: A Beacon of Freedom and National Pride

The Monas, or Monumen Nasional, is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Jakarta, Indonesia. Constructed in the early 1960s under the leadership of President Sukarno, the Monas is a towering symbol of Indonesia's struggle for independence. Officially inaugurated in 1975, the 132-meter-tall monument represents the spirit of freedom and the unyielding determination of the Indonesian people.

Bordered within the stamp by traditional Indonesian motif, Monas' design is rich with symbolism. Its towering obelisk, capped with a gold-plated flame, represents the eternal fire of independence, while the base houses a museum that chronicles Indonesia's long fight for sovereignty. The surrounding park serves as a gathering place for citizens, embodying the unity and diversity that define the nation. For Indonesians, the Monas is more than a monument; it is a source of inspiration, a symbol of national pride, and a reminder of the sacrifices made to secure their freedom.

The Design Message of the Stamps

The selection of these two monuments is especially significant. Both the Minar-e-Pakistan and the Monas symbolize independence, resilience, and hope. Their presence on the stamps design carries a powerful message: despite the geographical distance, Pakistan and Indonesia are united by a shared history of struggle and a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future.

The commemorative stamps, with its depiction of the Minar-e-Pakistan and the Monas, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between Pakistan and Indonesia. It is a celebration of their shared journey, a tribute to their resilience, and a symbol of their unwavering commitment to a better tomorrow. As this special stamp travels across the world, it will carry with it the story of two nations united by friendship, hope, and a shared vision for the future.

On the eve of 75th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Indonesia, Pakistan Post is issuing a set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps of denomination Rs.30/-each on August 14th, 2025.

URAAN PAKISTAN, AUGUST 12, 2025 (2025-16A)

Pakistan's economy has experienced a tumultuous journey since its inception, shaped by wars, frequent regime changes, terrorism, disruption in democratic continuity, and political instability. Despite this, Pakistan sped up its economic growth from 3 percent to 4 percent in the early years and continued to increase it year on year, poised to become an Asian Tiger in the 1960s. However, the wars with India not only cost us billions of dollars but also diverted our resources from development. In the war against terror, Pakistan incurred losses amounting to $2.6 billion in 2001-02 while the numbers kept on soaring to $13.5 billion in 2009-10. The recently concluded violent protests and long marches not only caused indirect economic losses of Rs 192 billion per day but also multiplied divides and hate speech. Over decades, inconsistent policies have left Pakistan's economy vulnerable, with growth rates fluctuating dramatically-from a high of 6.8% in the 1960s to just -0.94% in 2019-20, following political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our efforts to make Pakistan prosperous again began in 1997 with Vision 2010. However, the lack of policy continuity and political turbulence made it a long-lost goal. The desire to achieve sustainable socio-economic indicators was reinvigorated in 2013 with Vision 2025.

Amidst the war on terror, PMLN launched a National Action Plan to combat terrorism and stepped ahead to participate in CPEC in 2013 as a practical manifestation of the geo-economic narrative for reviving the war-torn economy. But once again the regime change regressed the efforts to square one.

Pakistan is at a critical juncture where the economic landscape is fraught with immense difficulties. Today, we are fighting with strained foreign relations, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, mounting debt, poor export performance, energy crisis, youth bulge, and social disparities besides political dissent. All-time high inflation has eroded the purchasing power. This is hindering economic development, exacerbating poverty, and weakening national security. The inflation rate in 2013 was7.5%, while we concluded our tenure in 2018 with an inflation rate of 4.8%. However, upon resuming office in 2022, we confronted a sharp increase in inflation from a single digit to 28.2%. We inherited a country on the brink of default in April 2022, facing widespread economic uncertainty. Our first step after resuming office was to address the economic challenges and explore the pathways for sustainable growth after revoking the prevalent trend of populist politics. The Turnaround Pakistan Summit in 2022 aimed at identifying these key challenges and formulating the 5Es Framework (Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy & Infrastructure, and Equity, Ethics & Empowerment) for inclusive and sustainable national prosperity. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, we have spent two years preparing the launch pad for Pakistan's take-off. As a last resort to uplift Pakistan's economy, we have launched URAAN Pakistan, by the people, of the people, for the people of Pakistan.

Today, Pakistan is at a decisive crossroads, facing two distinct paths either to maintain the current trajectory and reach $1 trillion by 2047 or adopt a transformational strategy achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2035 anda $3 trillion economy by 2047with a robust, transformative approach based on the 5Es framework, growing at a CAGR of 9.8%. The overarching goal of the National Economic Transformation Plan (2024-2035) is to make Pakistan a trillion-dollar economy by 2035.With resilience, potential, opportunities, and resources, Pakistan is now ready to speed up its wings and fly high to become the next Asian Tiger by shifting towards an export-led growth economy.

Being at an inflection point, this 13th Five-Year Plan 2024-2029 will serve as a lifeline for Pakistan's economy. It is a turning point for the nation's economic trajectory. The GDP growth is projected to rise to 6 percent by 2028-29, up from 2.5 percent in 2023-24. Meanwhile, the inflation rate is expected to decrease to 6.2 percent from 23.4 percent. The public debt is anticipated to drop by 60 percent by 2028-29, down from the current 67 percent. Additionally, food security is forecasted to improve, with its rate expected to decrease to 8 percent from 16 percent.

Uraan Pakistan is about doubling the national productivity of Pakistan with a transformation towards an export-led turnaround achieving $60 billion in yearly exports. The focus on export development strategies synchronized with industrial development will secure Pakistan's space in the global market boosting its national brand and international competitiveness. The upcoming GSP Scheme 2024-34 will facilitate the export of Pakistani goods to the European Union. Skilled and semi-skilled human resources will find employment opportunities in GCC countries through the Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Uraan Pakistan is a strategic roadmap to transform Pakistan into a techno-economy by increasing the ICT freelancing industry to USD 5 billion, driven by technological excellence and innovation. The Framework aligns with SDGs with a special focus on climate adaptation and mitigation measures ensuring food security and productivity by cultivating 20.3 million acres of land. The energy sector will undergo some sustainable reforms to empower the indigenous industries by increasing the share of renewable power to over 10%. The inclusivity of public-private partnerships and equitable development reducing economic disparities is at the heart of Uraan Pakistan. The government has enabled citizen's entry into the decision-making process through the Champions of Reforms (COR) network.

The 5Es Framework and 13th Five Year Plan mandate that Pakistan shares a common vision desiring political stability, governance frameworks, peace and security, policy and legislative reforms, and human capital development. The successful implementation of the 5Es Framework will depend on activating six key enablers: ensuring political stability, promoting peace and security, developing human capital, establishing governance frameworks, and establishing policy and legislative reforms.

Sustainable development is built on inclusivity. Let's unite to make our country bloom!

-On the eve of launch of Uraan Pakistan The homegrown Transformational Plan, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of denomination Rs. 30/-on August 12th, 2025.

YOUM-E-ISTEHSAL KASHMIR. AUGUST 5th, 2025 (2025-16)

Kashmir have been resisting Indian state oppression ever since 1947. On 5th Aug 2019 Indian fascist regime unilaterally and illegally attempted to alter the internationally-recognized disputed status of Indian illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) in sheer contravention of International Law and corresponding UNSC Resolutions. This illegal act was preceded by imposition of an unprecedented military siege and communication blockade that continues till date.

Government of Pakistan has constantly been sensitizing the international community through political, diplomatic and media outreach about ongoing Indian state terrorism in IIOJK. As 5th August 2025 is approaching, innocent Kashmiris are still under worst human rights violations. A special postage stamp is being issued to mark the unprecedented spate of arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killing and other gross abuses of human rights in Indian illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir.

The situation of IIOJK is still tense, marked by the state security agencies high-handedness and political victimization. The Kashmiri masses have neither forgotten the pain of lockdown and humiliation nor accepted the Indian actions of 5th August, 2019. Indian has not only violated UN Resolutions, but it has also reneged on its own commitments.

Jammu & Kashmir is an internationally disputed territory; Pakistan strongly supports the right to self-determination of the people of Kashmir, and implementation of UN Resolution to resolve the Kashmir issue.

India should revisit its unilateral and illegal actions taken on 5th August 2019 in which the State of IIOJK was bifurcated into two Union Territories and the special status of IIOJK rights of the state's subjects were revoked.

UN fact-finding teams and international human rights NGOs should be allowed to visit IIOJK to assess the ground realities and the ongoing human right violations.

All political prisoners should be released and freedom should be extended for carrying out political activities with immediate effect.

India must stop human right violations including killing of youth and harassment of innocent Kashmiris masses through cordon and search operations.

The stamp depicts Pakistan's stance on Kashmir. Pakistan will continue its moral political and diplomatic support to the people of IIOJK.

The stamp design depicts the sufferings imposed upon the brave Kashmiri people of the IIOJK, and their unmatched spirit & aspirations of freedom from Indian occupation.

On the eve of Condemning Revocation of article 370/35 a on 5th August 2019 Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Pakistan Post is issuing the Special Postage Stamp of Rs.30/- denomination on August 5th, 2025.

THE CHAMPIONS ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY. November 02, 2017 (2017-08)

ICC Champions Trophy, previously ICC Knockout Tournament, was initiated by ICC in 1998, featuring 50 overs matches, known as ODI's, to be held after every four years. However, in 2002 it was renamed as ICC Champion's Trophy. At its inception only ICC's full members could participate, but later, from 2002 to 2004, also allowed ICC associate members to take part. From 2009 onwards the tournament, dubbed as the Mini World Cup, and was limited to the eight highest-ranked teams. ICC works out the rankings on a point basis, six months prior to beginning of the tournament.

The Eighth Champions Trophy was held in England and Wales from 1st June to 18th June 2017. The West Indies team, title holders of 2004 Champion's trophy, failed to qualify among the top eight rankings teams. Group A had England, Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Pakistan was placed in Group B, along with South Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. South Africa entered the tournament with top ranking and India was placed at number three Pakistan team ranked last, the clear underdogs for this event.

Pakistan played its first match against India on 4th June at Edgbaston Cricket Ground. Customary to Pakistan India match, the countdown for this event began well in advance. This was the first encounter of the teams since 15th February 2015 World Cup at Adelaide. All odds were in favor for an outright win for the Indian team, and Pakistan team put up a dismal performance, much to the dismay of their supporters. India batting first scored 319 runs, losing only three wickets. Their batsmen scored easily; Rohit Sharma (91), Shikhar Dhawan (68), Virat Kohli (81) and Yuvraj Sing (53) and made sure of a big score. Stoppage because of rain, Pakistan as per D/L method, was given a target of 289 runs to be scored in 41 overs. Unfortunately the whole team was out for 164 runs in the 34th over. Only Azhar Ali could manage 50 runs. India's outright win left Pakistan cricket fans in a sheer disappointment.

This victory of Indian team came as a blessing in disguise for the Pakistan Team, and put pressure on the players and coaching staff to get their act together. Head coach, Mickey Arthur, and team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, initiated an aggressive strategy to play without the fear of losing, and a positive attitude inspired a fighting spirit. All the players were resolute to put up a spirited performance in the remaining matches. The message for other teams was, "don't write us off, we are here to play the finals".

The next match was against the top ranking team of the tournament, South Africa, and played on 7th June at Birmingham. Pakistan, with the best seam attack of tournament showed their potential, exhibiting a fierce bowling display, and a strong batting line, with players like Hashim Amla, F du Plessis, AB de Villiers, and David Miller, South Africa could muster only 219 runs in the allotted 50 overs. Hasan Ali, named Man of the Match, claimed three wickets for 24 runs, in eight overs; Imad Wasim and Junaid Khan took two wickets each. Pakistan needed a run rate of 4.38, to win. They were 119 for 3, when the match could not be continued due to rain and Pakistan were declared winners, by 19 runs via the DLS method. Fakhar Zaman made his ODI debut and scored a quick-fire 31 runs. He would soon be a celebrity, playing a major role in the coming matches. This victory against the world's number one ranked team was labeled as the first upset of the tournament. It renewed the grit and resolve of Pakistani players and from here onwards they never looked back.

Next Pakistan played Sri Lanka on 12th June, at Cardiff. Sri Lankan team, led by Angelo Mathews, was without their star batsmen, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, but still a fighting team, not to be taken lightly at all. Sarfaraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bowl first, on a surface that bore a green tinge. Sri Lanka was comfortably placed at 161 for three in the 32nd over, with both batsmen, Angelo Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella, well set for a big score. Looking for a breakthrough, Sarfaraz bought back his left arm pace duo of Mohammad Amir and Junaid khan, into attack. What followed was a magical four overs spell; superb display of swing and pace attack, sharing two wickets each. Amir and Junaid ripped the heart out of the Sri Lankan middle order as they went from 161 for 3 to 167 for 7 wickets. It proved to be the turning point of the match. Hassan Ali showed his class, taking three wickets. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 234 runs, Niroshan Dickwell scoring the highest, with 73 runs.

Pakistan's opening pair of Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali gave a flying start, Fakhar Zaman played a swashbuckling knock of 50 runs from only 36 balls; his maiden half century in ODI's. He was out in the 12th over, with Pakistan at 77 runs. Pakistan lost two more quick wickets of Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez. To add to tension of the Pakistan supporters, Azhar Ali was out in the 20th over and Shoaib Malik in the 25th. Imad Wasim fell five balls later, leaving Pakistan reeling at 136 for 6 wickets, requiring 100 runs to win. There was a brief partnership between debutant Faheem Ashraf and Sarfaraz Ahmed, till Faheem lost his wicket in the 30th over, with Pakistan needing 75 runs to win. It looked the match had gone out of Pakistan's hands, but Sarfaraz kept his cool, and along with Amir, shared a match winning partnership to see Pakistan through to the semifinals. It was a wonderful effort, playing under pressure in a crunch match and achieving the target with 31 balls to spare. Man of the match, Sarfaraz Ahmed, top scored with 61 runs with Amir remaining unbeaten on 28.

On 14th June, Pakistan played the first semifinal of the Champion's Trophy against England, at Cardiff, Wales. England, tournament favorites, enjoyed the advantage of playing at home and was the only unbeatable side in the tournament so far. Pakistan team had a major setback, as the main strike bowler, Mohammad Amir was out with a back problem, and in his place Rumman Raees made his ODI debut. Pakistan bowlers bowled an impeccable line and length. The indomitable team of the tournament was bowled out for 211 runs. Joe Root, with 46, was the highest scorer. This was the third successive match when Pakistani bowlers bowled out their opponents under a score of 240 runs. Junaid Khan and Rumman Raees shared two wickets each; Imad Wasim was accurate enough to give only 16 runs in five overs, but the pick of the bowlers was Hasan Ali, Man of the Match, taking 3 wickets for 35 runs. Brilliant fielding and attacking captaincy from Sarfaraz Ahmed backed Pakistani bowlers. Chasing 211 to win, Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali made118 runs for the opening wicket partnership, the highest ever opening stand for Pakistan, in the Champions Trophy. The partnership put Pakistan on course for an impressive victory. Fakhar Zaman was the first to go with an aggressive knock of 58 runs, his second consecutive half century, Azhar Ali scored a classy 76. Babar Azam, 38 and Mohammad Hafeez, a quick 31, made sure of easy sailing, as Pakistan achieved the target in the 38th over. Pakistan was through to the finals.

On 18th June 2017, nearly every home in Pakistan and India and cricket fans all over the world, were glued to their Televisions, watching the most intense rivalry in the cricketing world. On the screen was Pakistan Versus India, final of the ICC Champions Trophy at the historical jam-packed Oval cricket ground in London. Cricket pundits had declared India as clear favorites, termed as tournament's most powerful batting line, with a balanced bowling attack, and a convincing victory over Pakistan in the league matches. India enjoyed all the advantages.

Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman opened the innings; in the fourth over Fakhar nicked Jasprit Bumrah to the keeper, only to be let off by a no ball. This lucky escape for Fakhar Zaman proved too expensive for the Indians. Pakistan's first 100 runs came in the 18 overs, with a wonderful display of controlled aggression. In the 23rd over, Azhar Ali was unlucky to be run out for 59 runs, but this was not before the openers had recorded a partnership of 128 runs, the highest first wicket partnership against India at an ICC event. The fall of the wicket did not deter the attacking mood of Fakhar. He repulsed the bowling attack of the best Indian slow bowlers, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. At 56 off 73 balls, he hit the remaining 44 runs for his century off the next 19 balls, sweeping Ashwin for four to record his maiden ODI century. He became the first Pakistani to score a century in an ICC event final, the third player to score his maiden ODI century in an ICC event final, after Clive Lloyd and Philo Wallace. Neither Lloyd nor Wallace could score another. His perfect strokes, cuts, drives, pulls, and reverse sweep, in such a high pressure match, were a treat to watch. Fakhar Zaman was out in the 34th over, scoring 114 from 106 balls, in his fourth ODI. Pakistan, at 200 for 2 wickets, was given a perfect launching pad for a big score to follow. Babar Azam scored a well-played 46, Imad Wasim a breezy 25 and Hafeez added misery to the depleted Indian bowling attack, hitting three sixes and four fours for an unbeaten 57 of just 37 balls. Pakistani batsmen hit nine sixes, the most by any team in a final of ICC Champions Trophy history. Pakistan's 338/4 is the second-highest total in ICC tournament finals, after Australia's 359/2 against India in the final of the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

India, chasing a big score of 338 runs, encountered a scintillating opening spell from Mohammad Amir. Rohit Sharma was trapped LBW in the first over. Virat Kohli, to the horror of Pakistan supporters, was dropped at 5. While the Pakistan fans were still in a state of shock, on the very next ball, Amir had the Indian skipper caught by Shadab Khan. Getting the world number one batsman out, on the very next ball, exhibits Mohammad Amir's brilliance as the best-left arm bowler in the game today. Shikhar Dhawan was Amir's third victim, caught by Sarfaraz Ahmed, leaving India at a precarious score of 3 down for only 33 runs. Sarfaraz continued his attacking field placing, putting pressure on the Indian batsmen. Yuvraj Singh was LBW to Shadab Khan and the Indian team got a defining blow when M.S Dhoni was out for 4, leaving India 54 for 5 in the 14th over. Indian team's dressing room was in a state of shock. There was a quick 80 runs stand between Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, but the run out of Pandya, for a well-played 76, proved to be the last nail in the coffin. Hasan Ali wiped out the tail, finishing with match-figures of 3 for 19, Junaid Khan and Shadab Khan shared a wicket each and Amir finished with three wickets for 16 runs, and Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy-2017.

After a demoralizing loss in its opening game, the least fancied and lowest ranked team in the competition stunned the top ranking team South Africa, kept its nerves to beat Sri Lanka, outwitted England in the semifinals and in the finals against India, mauled their fancied bowling attack and destroyed the much talked about Indian batting line up in 31 overs, winning the finals with 180 runs, the highest margin of victory, in terms of runs, in the history of ICC Champion's Trophy finals. This is also Pakistan's highest winning margin over India in ODI cricket.

Fakhar Zaman received the man of the match award, with Hasan Ali, bagging two awards, "Golden Ball" award for taking 13 wickets and the Man of the Series for his outstanding contribution towards Pakistan's first ICC ODI tournament title since 1992. The large number of Pakistani Supporters cheered Pakistan Zindabad Slogans as Sarfaraz lifted the coveted trophy, followed by a victory lap by the newly crowned champions.

This victory completed Pakistan's honour of winning all the major ICC trophies; the under-19 World Cup, won twice in 2004 and 2006, 1992 Cricket World Cup, 2009 ICC T 20 World Cup and now the 2017 Champion's Trophy. The victory sent a wave of joy to Pakistanis all over the world. There were celebrations nationwide, from big cities to small villages, and the whole country was in a state of complete ecstacy. On arrival in Pakistan the team was given a tumultuous welcome, conferred with attractive cash prizes, and invited to various receptions, including one by the Prime Minister.

The win for Pakistan is great for the game of cricket, but most importantly, for the players and Pakistani people, who follow it as a passion and had been missing the absence of international cricket on their soil because of security concerns. Here one must give credit to PCB for initiating PSL. This has certainly introduced talented players like Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan, Rumman Raees, Fakhar Zaman, and Imad Wasim and provided them an opportunity to play with renowned international players in pressure matches, bringing a world of learning for young players.

The Champions ICC Champions Trophy 2017, a set of three Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs. 10/-Each Stamp and Souvenir Sheet of Rs. 50/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 02, 2017.