By Dr. Pervaiz Awan
Tarbela-Ghazi :In a grand ceremony celebrating a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s history, Pakistan Post issued a special commemorative stamp worth Rs. 50 to honor the 50th anniversary of the iconic Tarbela Dam. The stamp, unveiled on October 17, 2024, at WAPDA House, commemorates five decades of Tarbela’s transformative role in the nation’s progress.
In a distinguished ceremony held at WAPDA House for unveiling, event was attended by high-ranking officials from WAPDA and Pakistan Post. The Chairman of WAPDA, Engineer Lt. Gen. (R) Sajjad Ghani, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Rizwan Javaid Hashmi, Additional Director General (Operations) of Pakistan Post, led the formal unveiling, alongside senior figures such as the Postmaster General (Central Punjab) and WAPDA’s leadership, including its Member Finance, Member Water, and Member Power.
In his address, Lt. Gen. (R) Sajjad Ghani expressed his deep appreciation for this symbolic gesture, highlighting that the stamp serves as a national tribute to one of Pakistan’s most remarkable engineering feats. He emphasized that Tarbela Dam represents not only the height of Pakistan’s engineering capabilities but also a beacon of the country’s economic and social advancement. He noted, “The stamp is more than just a symbol—it’s a reminder to future generations of the unparalleled importance of Tarbela Dam in our nation’s history.”
To further commemorate the occasion, Pakistan Post’s Director General (Operations) presented a specially curated commemorative album of the stamp to the WAPDA Chairman as a token of appreciation.
Since its completion in 1974, the Tarbela Dam has been at the heart of Pakistan’s development, playing a critical role in the nation’s water management and power generation. Over the past five decades, it has supplied an astounding 406 million acre-feet of water to Pakistan’s agricultural sector, driving the nation’s food security and rural development.
In the energy sector, Tarbela Dam has generated 590.36 billion units of affordable and clean hydropower, consistently contributing to the national grid and reducing the reliance on expensive imported fuel. This clean energy has powered industries, homes, and businesses across the country, helping to stabilize energy costs and improve the quality of life for millions of Pakistanis.
Beyond water and energy, the economic impact of the dam is extraordinary. Every million acre-feet of water from Tarbela translates into roughly $1 billion in economic benefits. Over its 50 years, the dam has provided Pakistan with more than $400 billion in economic value, fueling the nation’s agricultural productivity, energy security, and economic growth.
Tarbela’s water storage and management system has also been essential in mitigating the effects of floods and droughts, safeguarding millions of lives and livelihoods. As a result, the dam stands as a testament to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
This commemorative stamp is more than a tribute to the dam’s golden jubilee—it is a celebration of Pakistan’s resilience and ingenuity. Tarbela Dam is not just an engineering marvel, but a lifeline for the country’s future, ensuring that future generations inherit a legacy of prosperity and sustainability.
As Pakistan continues to advance, the Tarbela Dam remains a symbol of national pride, powering the nation’s future and standing tall as a testament to what can be achieved through vision, dedication, and innovation.
