Have you ever noticed the intricate pattern or figure on a small, adhesive square or rectangle paper affixed at the side of an envelope? Well, this is called a postal stamp.

And do you know their purpose? Just like we pay money to buy any product, stamps are like the currency of the postal world. They serve as proof that you’ve paid for the transportation of your mail. Starting in 1840, with the issuance of the ‘Penny Black’ in Britain, postage stamps revolutionised the way people sent and received mail, making it more accessible and efficient.

Postal stamps became an important part of postal operations in the mid-nineteenth century. Before their inception, delivering mail was quite difficult and was often found costly for the sender. So when the stamps were introduced it made it all simple and also legit for a sender to pay the delivery charges for their letter in terms of stamps.

And if you’re wondering how a stamp works, let me explain that stamps are affixed to a letter as proof that you have paid for the delivery service. Each country has various types of stamps, which can signify different things, like the cost of postage or the distance the mail will travel. This allows for more efficient mail sorting and delivery.

Sometimes, you have to attach more than two, three and even more stamps and the number of stamps depends on several factors — the weight of the mail, its size and dimensions, and the destination (domestic or international). However, there is an exception for attaching stamps to prepaid envelopes. The postage is already there on the mailer.

More than just a postage

Stamps are works of art with images and text that signify the rich culture and history of that nation. If you haven’t noticed it yet, just take a look at both old and new stamps, you’ll notice some with iconic figures, some with natural wonders and some with animals or even numbers — all of these show the diversity and achievements of the region they are issued in.

A collector’s passion —Philately

The term ‘philately’ refers to the study and collection of stamps, and a couple of decades ago, philately was a very popular hobby, enthusiastically pursued by many people. Collectors search for stamps based on various criteria, such as rarity, historical significance, artistic value or personal interest. While it’s not as trendy today, there are still dedicated collectors who seek out unique stamps, often paying a large amount for rare pieces.

Stamps in the digital age

With the rise of digital communication, the use of traditional stamps has declined. However, they remain an essential part of sending physical items, especially in areas with limited internet access. However, the postal service continues to adapt to the growing technological advancement such as some modern stamps feature QR codes, augmented reality elements and other interactive features.

Pakistan postal stamps

Like any country, Pakistan’s postal stamps also offer a glimpse into the nation’s rich history and culture, serving as miniature ambassadors since its independence in 1947. From the time they were introduced, they have showcased Pakistan’s diverse heritage, key moments and achievements over the years.

For example, in 1947, the stamp commemorated Pakistan’s Independence with the iconic image of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Pakistani flag.

Later, Mangla and Tarbela Dams (1967 and 1976) stamps, highlighted Pakistan’s major infrastructure achievements in water management and electricity generation. Then there were stamps issued to commemorate the historic Islamic Summit held in Lahore in 1974.

At the time of Golden Jubilee of Pakistan, 1997, a special series of stamps were issued showcasing the country’s progress in areas such as science, technology, education, and agriculture over the past five decades.

So thereafter many achievements were highlighted through these stamps. These stamps serve as historical markers, celebrating Pakistan’s heritage and milestones, while educating future generations about the country’s achievements.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 26th, 2024