07/01/2026
Islamabad, June 30, 2026: Pakistan Post Issues Commemorative Postage Stamps Honoring Sadequain on His 96th Birth Anniversary
On June 30, 2026, Pakistan Post issued a set of four postage stamps in honor of the 96th birth anniversary of the legendary artist Sadequain in an impressive ceremony held at the Sadequain Gallery situated at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, artists, scholars, diplomats and cultural personalities. Gallery 21 Islamabad, which has been working in collaboration with SADEQUAIN Foundation USA to preserve and promote Sadequain’s legacy, also participated in the event.
Addressing the guests, the Director General of Pakistan Post, Squadron Leader. (R) Maqsood Ahmed, stated that the commemorative stamps, measuring 280 x 40 mm, reflected a shared commitment of preserving and celebrating Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage. The stamps now qualify for Guiness Book of World Records as the largest stamps of the World, surpassing the record previously held by a stamp of Romania
He further added that Pakistan Post has also issued a complimentary souvenir sheet which is the most beautiful and comprehensive souvenir sheet issued by the Pakistan Post in its 80 years history. Pakistan Post normally issues a one-page information leaflet of the commemorative stamps, but in this case a 26-page booklet has been issued that provides insightful information on Sadequain and includes colorful images of the stamps.
Sadequain occupies a singular place in Pakistan's cultural history. Through his visionary paintings, monumental murals, revolutionary calligraphy, and poetic expression, he established an artistic language that continues to inspire scholars, artists, and art lovers around the world. His works are housed in museums, public institutions, embassies, universities, and private collections across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia, reflecting the truly international reach of his genius.
International recognition of Sadequain's accomplishments came during his lifetime. His modern paintings attracted widespread acclaim in Europe, where the distinguished French newspaper La Figaro drew comparisons between Sadequain and the legendary Pablo Picasso, acknowledging
the originality, intellectual depth, and expressive power of his artistic vision. Such recognition from one of Europe's leading cultural publications affirmed that Pakistan had produced an artist whose achievements stood comfortably alongside the greatest masters of modern art.
Equally remarkable are Sadequain's monumental murals, which remain among the finest examples of public art ever created in Pakistan. Executed on an unprecedented scale, these masterpieces transformed public spaces into enduring monuments of creativity and intellectual thought. Their sweeping compositions, philosophical themes, and technical brilliance continue to captivate viewers decades after their creation. These murals are not merely decorative works but cultural landmarks that embody the aspirations, history, and artistic excellence of the nation.
Sadequain also revolutionized the art of Islamic calligraphy. Breaking away from conventional approaches while preserving the spiritual essence of the classical tradition, he infused Arabic script with dynamic movement, expressive forms, and profound symbolism. His pioneering innovations were widely acknowledged as ushering in a renaissance of calligraphic art, inspiring generations of contemporary calligraphers and redefining the possibilities of this ancient artistic tradition.
The commemorative postage stamp issued by Pakistan Post is particularly significant because it continues a longstanding tradition of recognizing Sadequain's unparalleled contribution to Pakistan's cultural heritage. Pakistan Post had previously honored the artist with a commemorative stamp, reflecting the enduring national appreciation of his achievements and his lasting influence on the country's artistic identity.
Sadequain also occupies a unique place in Pakistan's history as the only known private citizen to have been honored both with a commemorative postage stamp and by being featured on a State Bank of Pakistan currency note. This extraordinary distinction underscores the exceptional esteem in which he has been held by the nation. Few artists anywhere in the world have received such rare recognition through two of a country's most enduring national symbols - its postage and its currency.
Dr. Salman Ahmad
Founder and President SADEQUAIN Foundation USA
