KARACHI, Nov 26: The issuance of a postage stamp commemorating the distinguished archivist and oral historian, the late Lutfullah Khan, on his birth anniversary has been hailed as encouraging not only for young collectors but also for society.

The postage stamp of Rs15 denomination was issued by the Pakistan Post on Sunday. Designed by Adil Salahuddin, the stamp carries the portrait of Lutfullah Khan made by eminent artist Saeed Akhtar.

The archivist passed away on March 3 this year at the age of 95.

It is heartening to know that life and works of Lutfullah Khan has been remembered by one of the important organisations of the country, because by preserving the works of renowned poets, musicians and men of letters through their voices the archivist had done invaluable and perhaps one-of-a-kind service to society.

Speaking to Dawn, Director of Museum and Art Gallery Department, State Bank of Pakistan, Asma Ibrahim said: “Stamps related to famous personalities have often been issued. But Lutfullah Khan was a unique person. He had a small-scale museum of thousands of audio-visual recordings and pictures. He had kept things in a systematic way. Issuing a stamp to commemorate his work will encourage all other private collectors. I do not think there is any other archivist like him in the country. This will also increase awareness in the world about Pakistan and might make the government take steps to establish a museum of his collection.”

Noted stamp collector Arif Balagamwalla said, “I think it is a very good sign. I would like to add that whoever has done anything significant for his country should be remembered like this, and not only posthumously but even in his or her lifetime.”

Ms Zahida, wife of the late Lutfullah Khan, said: “I’m grateful to those who have come up with this postage stamp. They have done this with great love and respect for Lutfullah Khan Sahib. Such projects are never easy. Let me tell you, my husband was told about this when he was alive. I think he was informed a couple of years back. There were a few uncertainties regarding whether the government would give it the go-ahead. The entire credit goes to Adil Salahuddin who really worked his heart out for this. He had even discussed the design of the stamp with Lutfullah Sahib. Also, when Saeed Akhtar made that painting of my husband, someone, perhaps Salahuddin, suggested that it should appear on the stamp. God has been kind to us for the reason that Lutfullah Khan is still respected by everyone. I’m also thankful to the media for always writing positive things about him.”

For some strange reason, the GPO Karachi on I.I. Chundrigar Road had not received their share of the commemorative stamps till Monday afternoon though the announcement for the issuance of the stamp had been made on Saturday. The delay may have happened due to the two-day Ashura holiday.