Pakistan achieved a significant milestone in philately as businessman and stamp collector Muhammad Arif Balgamwala received a gold medal at the Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition. His award-winning exhibit featured a rare collection of Pakistan Postal Stationery from 1947 to 1949, highlighting the country’s early postal history.

Balgamwala’s collection impressed international jurors, standing out among entries from top philatelists worldwide. After receiving the award, Balgamwala expressed that the honour belonged to the entire nation and was the result of years of dedication to preserving Pakistan’s postal heritage.

Experts have praised his contributions, urging the government to recognise his achievements with a national award and to consider establishing a modern stamp museum. Balgamwala is well-known in the international scene, having won three consecutive gold medals in 2022 and becoming the first Pakistani to present at Monaco Phil 2022, enhancing Pakistan’s visibility in the philatelic community.