KARACHI: Prominent businessman and philatelist Muhammad Arif Balgamwala has proposed a series of commemorative postage stamps to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 2026. The stamps are designed to honor key phases of Jinnah's life, including his political leadership and contributions to Pakistan.

According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Balgamwala plans to present the designs to the Government of Pakistan for official consideration. He emphasized the importance of the anniversary as a national milestone, advocating for year-long commemorations to educate the younger generation about Jinnah's pivotal role in Pakistan's creation.

Mr. Balgamwala encouraged educational institutions, government bodies, and trade organizations to incorporate references to the anniversary in their communications. He believes this initiative will help integrate Jinnah's legacy into daily life.

He will display his stamp designs and a curated collection on Quaid-i-Azam at the My Karachi Exhibition, organized by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, from February 6 to 8 at the Expo Centre. Mr. Balgamwala hopes the exhibit will engage students and young professionals, offering insights into Jinnah's life and achievements.

Mr. Balgamwala also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure the anniversary receives due national significance, including the issuance of the proposed stamps. He suggested joint commemorative stamps with nations like the United Arab Emirates, China, Türkiye, Kuwait, and Oman to emphasize Jinnah's international stature and Pakistan's diplomatic ties.

With 2026 designated as the "Year of Quaid-i-Azam" by the government, Mr. Balgamwala's initiative aligns with calls for substantive commemorations that focus on educating and uniting Pakistanis around Jinnah's principles of unity, faith, and discipline.