SWAT: The government has issued commemorative postage stamps to honour the services of the last ruler of former Swat state Miangul Abdul Haq Jahanzeb on his 33rd death anniversary.

Miangul Abdul Haq Jahanzeb was born on June 5, 1908 in Saidu Sharif, Swat to Miangul Abdul Wadood, the then ruler of Swat state. In December 1949, he became Wali of Swat on the abdication of his father.

In July 1969, the Swat state was merged into Pakistan. In September 1987, Miangul Abdul Haq Jahanzeb passed away of natural causes.

Minister for Postal Services Murad Saeed, after the approval from Prime Minister Imran Khan, directed the Pakistan Post to issue a stamp in connection with the 33rd death anniversary of Miangul Abdul Haq Jahanzeb.

The notification of issuing the postage stamp was issued by the director general of Pakistan Post on September 14, 2020.

“On the services to the cause of creation of Pakistan of Miangul Abdul Haq Jahanzeb, former Wali of Swat state, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs20 denomination on September 14, 2020,” said the notification.

The postage stamp will be available for sale from September 14, 2020 at all important post offices in the country.

People from all walks of life in Swat lauded the government’s move and said that though the former Wali of Swat was no more among them yet his great statesmanship would be remembered forever.

“The rulers of the former state not only made Swat one of the developed and prosperous states but also extended generous help and services to the cause of creation of Pakistan,” said Haji Rasool Khan, a local elder.

In 1947, on the appeal of Quaid-i-Azam, the Swat state donated Rs400,000 for referendum. After the creation of Pakistan, the Wali of Swat again donated a handsome amount to Quaid-i-Azam.

The Swat state also sent a substantial force for the liberation of Kashmir for which the Wali was given the award of Ghazi-i-Millat.

The Wali of Swat also donated the equivalent of British Pound 12,000 for the purchase of the most advanced fighter aircraft at that time which was subsequently named Jahanzeb. The Wali, on the appeal of provincial government, also provided teaching staff to the schools and colleges in Peshawar.

The Wali also provided the forces of the Swat State Army to fight alongside Pakistan Army in the 1965 war against India.

For his services, the Wali of Swat was bestowed with Hilal-i-Pakistan and Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam awards. University of Peshawar bestowed upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Law.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2020