Pakistani Currency

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Stamp Design for the 70th Anniversary of Pakistan International Airlines

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in 2025, I propose a commemorative set of 25 stamps, each illustrating a distinct aircraft from PIA's illustrious history. This design not only honors the legacy of the airline but also serves as a testament to the evolution of aviation in Pakistan.

The overarching theme of the stamp set features a clean and simple aesthetic, characterized by a backdrop of a vibrant sky adorned with fluffy clouds. This serene setting symbolizes the essence of air travel and evokes a sense of freedom and adventure. Prominently displayed in the background is the Pakistani flag, which reinforces the national pride associated with PIA and its role as the flag carrier of Pakistan.

Each stamp will showcase an aircraft from PIA's fleet, meticulously illustrated in the livery representative of its respective time period. This approach not only highlights the diversity of the airline's operations but also provides a visual narrative of its technological advancements and design evolution over the decades. Accompanying each illustration will be the name of the aircraft, ensuring that collectors and aviation enthusiasts can easily identify and appreciate the historical significance of each model.

This stamp design serves as a tribute to PIA's remarkable journey, encapsulating the spirit of innovation and resilience that has defined the airline since its inception. By celebrating its 70th anniversary through this artistic medium, we honor not only the aircraft and their histories but also the countless individuals who have contributed to the airline's legacy. Ultimately, this stamp set will stand as a commemorative piece, preserving the rich history of Pakistan International Airlines for future generations to admire and cherish.

Celebrating 70 Years of Excellence: A Commemorative Coin for Pakistan International Airlines

In 2025, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will proudly commemorate seventy years of its distinguished service in the aviation industry. This 70 years milestone represents not only the passage of time but also the countless achievements and contributions made by the airline to both the domestic and international sectors. It is an occasion deserving of recognition and celebration at various levels, and I contend that the issuance of a commemorative coin would encapsulate the essence of this remarkable event.

A commemorative coin would serve as a tangible memento symbolizing the journey and legacy of PIA over the past seven decades. Coins, as historically significant artifacts, are often used to memorialize pivotal events, and their issuance can foster a sense of national pride and appreciation within the community. Such a coin would serve to honor PIA's role in enhancing Pakistan's connectivity with the world, promoting tourism, and facilitating cultural exchanges. It would be a physical representation of PIA’s unwavering commitment to providing quality service to its passengers and maintaining high operational standards.

Additionally, the creation of a commemorative coin would not only acknowledge PIA’s accomplishments but also inspire other institutions to aspire for excellence. As PIA continues to navigate the challenges of the aviation sector, this coin would stand as a testament to resilience and progress, embodying a legacy that future generations can aspire to emulate.

I have taken the initiative to design several conceptual references for the coin, reflecting PIA's rich history, values, and commitment to service. I urge the management of PIA to actively engage with the Government of Pakistan to pursue the issuance of this commemorative coin. By doing so, PIA would secure a lasting tribute to its success while simultaneously encouraging national pride and a focus on excellence in our ever-evolving travel landscape.

The logo for the 70th anniversary is designed keeping in mind this milestone which embodies the evolution of PIA, illustrating its growth from humble beginnings to its current stature in the aviation industry.

Monday, July 15, 2024

Pakistan's First Pattern Coins

The partition of British India in June 1947 and the subsequent achievement of independence for Pakistan and India in August of that year marked a significant turning point in the history of both nations. Amidst the political upheaval and cultural transformation, the newly formed states sought to establish their own identities, which included the creation of distinct national coinage.

Pakistan’s initial foray into coin design took shape shortly after partition, with two distinct patterns of Rupee coins being produced under the guidance of Bernard Sinclair-Jones, the former Master of the Calcutta Mint. Tasked with crafting a monetary symbol for the nascent nation, Sinclair-Jones worked from the Lahore Mint during a tumultuous period characterized by social unrest and violence. Unfortunately, neither of the proposed designs was ultimately adopted, and subsequent riots contributed to the loss of the completed sets, leaving their current locations a mystery.

Pattern #1

Composition: Nickel-Zinc Alloy

Obverse: Crescent and star, value in Urdu at top and English at bottom. Date in Urdu on the left and English on the right of Crescent and Star.

Reverse: Tughra 'حکومت پاکستان' within the circle, "Government of Pakistan" written in the outer circle. It had a milled edge.

Pattern #2

Composition: Nickel-Zinc Alloy

Obverse: It had dates with the "Government of Pakistan" legend written in the outer circle and Tughra 'حکومت پاکستان' within the inner circle.

Reverse: Crescent and star, value in Urdu at top and in English at bottom with small stars on both left and right sides. It had a milled edge.

In late 1947, a third design emerged that marked a departure from its predecessors. This design employed a Copper-Nickel alloy and was notably different from the earlier patterns. The 1 Rupee coin that circulated widely was based on this design, although it remains uncertain whether Sinclair-Jones was involved in its creation. This ambiguity underscores the challenges faced by a newly independent country striving to forge its identity amidst chaos.

Pattern #3

Obverse: Crescent and star, value in Urdu at top and English at bottom and a wreath/sprigs below the English value with two small stars at the edges of the wreath on both sides.

Reverse: It had a Tughra 'حکومت پاکستان' in the middle with the "Government of Pakistan" legend written above it and a wreath/sprigs below with two small stars at the edges of the wreath/sprigs on both sides. Date in English to the right of Tughra. It had a milled edge.

Composition: Cupro-Nickel

The development of coinage during this critical juncture serves as a reflection of the broader aspirations and struggles of Pakistan as it navigated the complexities of independence. National currency, beyond its economic utility, embodies the cultural and historical narratives of a nation, and in Pakistan’s case, it was no different. The initial efforts in coin design illustrate both the ambition and the tumult of a nation in transition, seeking to articulate its newfound sovereignty.