History of Pakistan Postage Stamps
By: A. I. Siddiqi
Pakistan appeared on the map ofthe world on 14th August, 1947but the history of Pakistan PostageStamps starts with the first postagestamp of Indo-Pak known as ScindeDawk Stamp. It was the first Asianstamp issued by the province ofSindh now forming a part of Pakistan. Sir Bartle Frere then Governmentauthorised the introduction ofScinde Dawk Stamp. He claimedthat these stamps were printed byDe La Rue Printers but not referenceto them has ever been found in therecord.
The stamps were circular inshape and embossed on white blueand red paper. The red stamps wereproduced separately, like the smallwafers used to seal the letters.Stamps inscribed Scinde DistrictDawk in the belt surrounding theemblem of East India Companyalongwith the value 1/2 Anna.
These stamps were used inthe province until October, 1854when they were superseeded by thefirst stamp issued by the BritishIndia in April 1854. Many stampswere issued by the Indian Post Office till creation of Pakistan on 14thAugust, 1947. The feasibility of introducing Pakistan Postage Stampson "Independence Day" was explored but due to shortage of timeand limited resources it was impossible. Initially Pakistan continued touse Indian stamps and on 1st October, 1947 Indian stamps, both ordinary and service, overprinted"PAKISTAN" were introduced bythe Pakistan Post Office. The overprint was applied by the SecurityPrinting Press Nasik as well as bythe Government presses in thecountry. On 31st October, 1949 allthe Indian stamps overprinted"PAKISTAN" were demonetizedand Government also issued ordersthat any overprinted stamps inGovernment offices were to be written off and destroyed by burningunder the departmental arrangements. Rubber stamping or handstamping was never allowed,postage stamps bearing rubberoverprints are therefore, unauthorised.
The detailed study of thesestamps has been made by Mr. U. A.G. Isani, which is under print. The Siddiqi catalogue numbering has been used in this studyfor the convenience of thephilatelists. The following stampswere overprinted "PAKISTAN" bythe Security Printing Press "Nasik"as well as by the Government printing presses: