M Arif Balgamwala wins another prestigious award

KARACHI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jul, 2026) Pakistan has achieved a historic milestone on the global philatelic stage as prominent businessman and renowned philatelist M Arif Balgamwala became the first philatelist in the world and the first Pakistani in the country's 79-year history to win a Gold Medal in the highly competitive Five-Frame category at the Macao 2026 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition for his exhibit, “British India Stamps Overprints Pakistan 1947–1949.”

This remarkable achievement has earned a landmark distinction for Pakistan and brought unprecedented international recognition to the country.

The Macao victory adds another milestone to an exceptional year for the veteran philatelist. Earlier in 2026, he won a Gold Medal at the Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition for his exhibit “Pakistan Overprints on India Stationery 1947–1949.”

In yet another unprecedented achievement, Balgamwala became the first Pakistani in history to earn a place in the Court of Honor at the Boston World Stamp Expo 2026, USA, one of the highest recognitions reserved for distinguished exhibitors on the international philatelic circuit.