1976 was a special year in the history of Pakistan and Pakistan Post, for it was the year that Pakistan celebrated the birth centenary of founder of the nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah, revered in Pakistan as the Quaid-e-Azam, the great leader. A special stamp was issued on 25th December 1976 which contained 25 m.g of 23/24 carat gold (as shown above).
Besides, the year also witnessed celebrations of many other centenary celebrations and commemorative stamps issued on the occasions.
However, the year commenced with a massive set of five stamps with Save Mohenjo Daro scheme.
Mohenjo-daro, pronounced in local Sindhi language as Moenjodaro, meaning the Mound of the Dead, ruins in Sindh, Pakistan are a prized heritage trove of Pakistan. Thrived as one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, and one of the world's earliest major cities, contemporaneous with the civilizations of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Minoan Crete, and Norte Chico since 2500 BCE, Mohenjo-daro was abandoned in the 19th century BCE as the Indus Valley Civilization declined. The ruins of Mohenjo Daro were discovered in 1922 and significant excavation has since been conducted at the site of the city, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
However, lately the ruins are subjected to erosion and have been threatened by an alarming degradation and deterioration. In order to create awareness about the decaying ruins and make arrangements for its restoration, a number of stamps were issued in 1976, labelled as "Save Mohenjo Daro."
On 29th February a set of five stamps showing the spectacular view of the Mohenjo Daro ruins with the center centre showing the famous Citadel that dominates the ruins. The stamps were RS 4, Rs 3 and paisa 65, 20 and 10 respectively.
The second issue of stamps was issued on 3rd March on the eve of International Seerat Conference. The two stamps carried the dome and minaret of Mausoleum of the most revered and last of the prophets Muhammad (peace be upon him). The stamps were priced paisa 20 and Rs. 3.
10th March 1976 marked the centenary of the first telephone transmission made by
Dr Graham Bell. On March 10, 1876 Bell succeeded in getting his telephone to work, using a liquid transmitter similar to Gray's design. Vibration of the diaphragm caused a needle to vibrate in the water, varying the electrical resistance in the circuit. When Bell spoke the sentence "Mr. Watson—Come here—I want to see you" into the liquid transmitter, Watson, listening at the receiving end in an adjoining room, heard the words clearly.
The Rs. 3 multicoloured stamp bore the portrait of Dr Bell and the telephone dial.
15th March 1976 was also the eve of centenary celebration of famous
National College of Arts, Lahore. A 20 paisa multicoloured stamp was issued on the occasion, showing the college emblem.
Generally known as NCA, it is the oldest art school in Pakistan and the second oldest in South Asia. It was originally founded in 1875 as the Mayo School of Industrial Arts and was one of two art colleges created by the British Crown in British India in reaction to the Arts & Crafts Movement. In 1958, the school was renamed to the National College of Arts. The College is located adjacent to famous Lahore Museum located on th Mall Road opposite the Punjab University and just next door the city Town Hall.
The fifth issue of stamps was the on going Wild Life Series, depicting the Peacock. The two stamps were priced 20 paisa and Rs. 3.
World Health Day 7 April 1976: 20 Paisa stamp issued on the theme of "Prevention of Blindness"
Continuing with the Save Mohenjo Daro theme, this 20 Paisa stamp was issued on 31st May showing the Mohenjo Daro Unicorn and ruins
4th July 1976 marked the bicentenary of the American Revolution. Two stamps of 90 Paisa and Rs. 4 were issued showing the Jefferson Monument and the Declaration of Independence.
Continuing with the Protect Wild Life Series, two stamps showing Ibex wee issued on 12th July of Paisa 20 and Rs.3
RCD has been a very efficient regional cooperation initiative between Turkey, Iran and Pakistan. Each year all three countries issued joint commemorative stamps on 21st July.
This year, the three stamps bore the portraits of the founding figures of modern Turkey, Iran and Pakistan. The 90 Paisa stamp bore the portrait of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk of Turkey, the 65 Paisa stamp bore the portrait of Reza Shah of Iran and the Paisa 20 stamp bore the portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
Seasoning with the birth centenary celebrations of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Quaid e Azam and the founder of Pakistan, four stamps were issued on 14th august, the independence Day of Pakistan bearing portrait of the great leader.
The Save Mohenjo Daro theme continued throughout the year. On 31 august this 65 Paisa stamp was issued showing the Dancing Girl, the ruins and the head of the King Priest of the bygone days.
15th September was the day to commemorate the UN Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. The 65 Paisa stamp on the day was issued showing UN Racial Discrimination emblem.
A 20 Paisa stamp was issued on 4th October on Universal Children's Day showing child in maze and basic services.
9th November was the day to celebrate the Birth Centenary of
Dr Muhammad Iqbal, commonly known as Allama Iqbal, the poet philosopher who dreamed the concept of an independent Muslim country to be carved out of British India and asked Muhammad Ali Jinnah to come forward to lead the independence movement for Pakistan. This 20 Paisa stamp was issued showing one of the famous verses of poetry of Iqbal.
20th November was the holding of the Boy Scouts Jamboree in Lahore. The 20 Paisa stamp bore the portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, showing him giving Scouts Salute with the Boys Scouts Emblem in the rear.
On 15th December a 20 Paisa stamp was issued on the theme of Children's Literature, showing children reading.
The last stamp of the year was a special stamp issued on 25th December 1976 to celebrate the Birth Centenary of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The Rs.1 0 gold colour stamp bearing portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah was designed by De Carter SA, Paris France, which contained 25 m.g of 23/24 carat gold
