B063- Pakistan 2004 Silk Road Haramosh Peak Indus River.

 

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150th Death Anniversary of Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib Urdu Eminent Poet. February 15, 2019. (2019-1)

 

Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib is regarded as the greatest South Asian Poet of Urdu-a language which is widely used and understood in entire region. He is also a Poet of Persian and a prose writer both in Urdu and Persian with a unique and distinct style of his own. As a Persian Poet he is well-known in Iran and Central Asia also. Actually, his ancestors hailed from Transoxiana, a part of Central Asia and migrated to India in the middle of the 18th Century some fifty years before his birth. Ghalib lived in Delhi during the twilight of the Mughal rule in the Sub-Continent as a Poet and writer was a ture and most authentic representative of the central tradition of the literary and cultural history of the period.

As the greatest Poet of the 19th century, Ghalib has not only been a constant subject of literary criticism in the 20th century but has also attracted wide-spread attention of the common reader of Urdu who loves, admires and quotes him whenever he can even without having read or understood him thoroughly. No other Urdu Poet dominates the literary scene in the same way and lives in the hearts and minds of people as Ghalib. His charisma as a Poet in the literary world of the Sub-Continent is unprecedented and unmatched.

Ghalib had a strong personality and he was conscious of it. This consciousness was responsible for Ghalib's urge to express himself in his own individual manner. So he deviated from the tradition of Urdu Poets and gave expression to the thoughts and feelings of his individual personality rather than to the thoughts and feelings of the community in general.

Ghalib did not defy tradition but the carved out a new and different path for himself. As a result he discovered new realms of thoughts and feelings and endowed new dimensions to the ones already discovered. He added new shades of meaning to words so much so that a study of his poetry becomes a veritable exercise in appreciating meanings of meanings. What he says is of course significant but equally significant is what he leaves unsaid. He creates a sense of the infinite while dealing with the finite.

In the last phase of his life Ghalib the poet became Ghalib the letter writer. The sad music of Ghalib's soul expressing itself in the other harmony of prose epitomizes not only his personal mood or temper but in fact the mood and temper of a whole generation in the period after the great upheaval of 1857 which brought an end to the Mughal rule in the Sub-Continent.

In short Ghalib's world is a world inhabitated by intensely human experiences of a lively and rich personality with a new and refreshing mode of thoughts and feelings. Ghalib was conscious of his personality but he was not a prisoner of it. He had the breadth of vision and a catholicity of outlook which enabled him to see beyond himself. He had a truly sensitive, free and open mind ready to perceive and imbibe. That is why while Ghalib always remained Ghalib, he could also be you and me and many others. Like Shake-spear he was not wedded to a particular view of life nor did he make an attempt to systematise his thinking. He was large as life and had a real zest for it and a rare insight into it affairs. He was neither an optimist, nor a pessimist. He was a through-bread realist in his personal life as well as in his poetry and prose.

On the occasion of 150th Death Anniversary of Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib (Urdu Eminent Poet). Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on February 15, 2019.

50 YEARS OF CRESCENT MODEL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, LAHORE (1968-2018) December 26, 2018 (2018-13)

The founders of the Crescent Group established a Not for Profit Trust named the Crescent Educational Trust in the early 1960's to deliver high quality education to Pakistani youth. They were of the firm belief that good quality education is crucial for Pakistan's development into a first world country.

Four brothers, the founders of the Crescent Group, Mian Fazal Karim, Mian Muhammad Amin, Haji Muhammad Shafi, and Mian Muhammad Bashir donated funds to the Crescent Educational Trust, helping establish the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School (CMS). One of the brothers, Mian Muhammad Amin, was asked to lead this noble venture on behalf of the family.

Other leading personalities of Pakistani society, such as Chief Justice Muhammad Munir, Chief Justice Yaqoob Ali, Dr. Ameer ud Din, Finance Minister Dr. Mubashar Hassan, Chief Minister Sheikh Manzoor Elahi, and renowned journalists Mr. Hameed Nizami and Mr. Majeed Nizami joined hands with the founders to help in this noble cause.

They made valuable contributions with their experience and wisdom, which were instrumental in the success of the newly born Crescent Model Higher Secondary School which in a short span of time became a premier educational institution. A modern, high quality campus was designed by the renowned architect Arif Hasan, and was built under the expert supervision of Dr. Mubashar Hassan, former Finance Minister of Pakistan.

While the campus was still under construction, the first batch of students was accommodated in a two room facility in Gaddafi Stadium in 1968. The school shifted to its permanent campus in Shadman Colony in 1970.

The highest standards of education, a low fee structure, a well trained and dedicated faculty, and merit based, need blind admission policy have always been the hallmark of the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School. This policy opened the doors of this high quality school to brilliant Pakistani youngsters, enabling them to compete on equal footings with students belonging to more affluent families.

The school was fortunate to have Sheikh Muin ud Din and Ms. Jahan Ara Khan as principal and headmistress of the school in its early days. The institution benefited enormously from their dedication, sagacity and wisdom. They established an institutional ethos that helped in developing "Crescentarians" to become "Game Changers" for Pakistan in general, and their own families in particular. Over the last fifty years, our students have built careers in the fields of education, academia, architecture, business, finance, defence, engineering, public service, sports and many more.

With a rich history exceeding fifty years, the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School is the largest not for profit school in Pakistan. Our student body consists of 7,600 boys and girls pursuing education following either the Matriculation or the Senior Cambridge curriculum. We have a modern campus with three auditoriums, well designed classrooms, science and information technology laboratories, well maintained playgrounds, a modern swimming pool, and four gymnasiums. We have a finishing school for girls with foreign certified faculty, a teacher training center, a school of arts, and a school of music. We have exclusive arrangements for teaching of Qirat and Naat.

All these facilities enable us to provide education that helps individuals develop an economically stable life, a passion for gratitude, compassion, integrity and responsibility. An extensive range of opportunities and broad spectrum of curriculum provides the large student population at CMS with a broad knowledge sharing platform, enabling them to become well rounded responsible citizens.

As a whole, the school has been providing quality, affordable and accessible education to the community for over fifty years, preparing both men and women alike to experience economic growth and a purposeful life. With the "no child left behind" policy, the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School has graduated agents of positive change who have helped reduce inequities within our society. Our resolve is stronger than ever before to meet the challenges of these turbulent times, with confidence.

On 50 Years of Crescent Model Higher Secondary School, Lahore, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 26, 2018.

SILVER JUBILEE GHULAM ISHAQ KHAN INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY (1993-2018) December 24, 2018 (2018-12)

Genesis

1. The Genesis of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology goes back to the early 50's when Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan, during his close association with the Water and Power Development Authority and the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation, became acutely aware of Pakistan's dependence on foreign expertise and imported technology. His frequent interaction with foreign and local experts led to the idea of a centre of excellence in engineering sciences and production technology whose standards of education would be comparable to those of its counterparts in the advanced countries. The transformation of this idea into a practical proposition took place in December 1985 when the Benevolent Community Care and Infaq Foundation donated Rs. 50 million for setting up an Institute, and the Khyber Pakhtun Khwa Government donated 218 acres of land for its campus.

2. A milestone in the evolution of the Institute was the registration, in June 1988, of its parent body, namely the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Sciences and Technology in Pakistan (SOPREST). Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan, the then President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, was elected President of the Society for life and Mr. H. U.Baig appointed its honorary Executive Director.

3.The task of conceiving and formulating the basic form and features of the Institute was entrusted to a group of eminent scientists and engineers. Civil works at the campus site started in early 1990. An interim office of the Institute was set up in August 1992 where experienced professionals worked on the educational aims and philosophy of the Institute, its curricula and details of equipment for its laboratories and workshops. The ordinance for the establishment of the Institute was promulgated by the then North Western Frontier Province (Now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) in March 1993 and the first batch of students entered its portals in October 1993. It is the first not-for-profit, non-governmental Institute of its kind in the country and is dedicated to bringing our engineering education at par with that of advanced countries.

Aims and Objectives

4.The aim of the Institute is to pursue excellence in education and research by developing appropriate curricula and teaching practices, acquiring talented faculty and providing an environment conducive to teaching and learning. Its graduates are expected to possess high professional competence combined with the humanistic and moral values envisaged in its Profile of the Graduates. The educational philosophy of the Institute lays emphasis on training of the mind rather than stuffing it with an inert body of facts; on expanding the scientific imagination of the students rather than making them tread well-worn and outmoded grooves of thought. Guided by such convictions, the Institute educates its students by confronting them with real-life problems, and inculcating in them a problem-solving approach. They are encouraged to explore and solve problems, to break new grounds and to cultivate leadership qualities. Pakistan is on the threshold of a major breakthrough in the techno industrial fields and needs professionals with ability and vision to lead the way. The Institute aims at producing such professionals with a strong base of engineering education and research. It strives to produce graduates who can upgrade existing technological activities in the country and in whom professional excellence is inseparable from a commitment to the national ideals.

5. The Institute has a Board of Govemors which sits at the apex of the statutory pyramid of the Institute and its composition is the same as that of the General Council of SOPREST. It has overall control of the Institute, the powers to create new components of the Institute such as a school, faculty or any other teaching or research unit, and to change the constitution of its Executive Committee and Governing Council. Engr, Shams ul Mulk, HI, Ph.D (hon), D.Sc (Hon), Former Chairman, Water and Power Development Authority and Former, Chief Minister of NWFP (Now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) is the President of the Board. The members consist of eminent scientists, scholars, engineers and industrialists as founding members. Chairman, Higher Education Commission, Chairman, Water and Power Development Authority, Executive Director SOPREST, Secretary Finance Division, Govt. of Pakistan, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Secretary Law, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are Ex-officio Members of the Board.

On Silver Jubilee of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, (1993-2018) a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 24, 2018.

INTERNATIONAL ANTICORRUPTION DAY. December 09, 2018 (2018-11)

1. International Anti-Corruption day is commemorated on 9th December every year all over the world. It signifies the day when United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was first opened for signing at Merida, Mexico in 2003. It is a major milestone in the global efforts to combat corruption and provides a unique opportunity to create public awareness against corruption. The day is observed to highlight the adverse impacts of corruption on humanity.

2. International Anti-Corruption Day i.e 9th December is gaining more impetus with each passing year as our society is becoming more aware to the plethora of problems our nation is facing due to rampant corruption. The recent crusade of the apex court against corruption and widespread debates and coverage from the media has sensitized the whole society to the disastrous impacts it has on the development of our country. The present government is taking bold steps to serve as an example by practicing good governance, transparency, accountability on economic and development issues so that we, as Pakistanis start believing in the government. The improvements in governance will not occur automatically as the development process unfolds; no virtuous circle will suddenly begin to operate.

3. NAB has intensified its efforts for raising awareness in the masses in fighting against corruption. The Bureau is the forerunner in the drive for a corruption free society through adoption of a holistic three pronged strategy of Awareness, Prevention & Enforcement. NAB has recovered over Rs. 297 billion since inception and its efforts have helped Pakistan in moving up the ladder in the (Transparency International) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) from 126th to 117th (latest index as of year 2017) position in the community of nations during the last four years.

4. Pakistan is a developing country, and it is quintessential that all resources including national kitty are utilized strictly in accordance with rules and regulations in fair and transparent manner. NAB is following and advocating policy of zero tolerance and practicing self-accountability in eradicating Corruption in the country.

5. NAB under section 33C (a) of NAO 1999 is mandated to educate and advise public authorities, holders of public office and the community at large on measures to combat corruption and corrupt practices The Bureau is actively engaging with other public sector departments and intelligentsia for reforming their systems and regulations in order to curb the menace of corruption and corrupt practices through the mode of Prevention Committees. Awareness is aimed at correcting ill habits of Society through Education and Character Building so as to build public opinion and will to eradicate Corruption and Corrupt Practices. The major object of awareness is to transform the social attitude from indifference to abhorrence against corruption; building anti-corruption coalition; and putting to lime light various aspects and dimensions of the menace of corruption by raising awareness and building requisite character traits.

6. NAB as an institution has played a central role in galvanizing anti-corruption efforts all over the country, it has become a focal point for people frustrated with our public sector institutions. The Bureau has developed and introduced an on line complaint registration system along with dedicated telephone lines for assistance of general public and complainants, where the grievances of the citizens are listened very carefully. The Chairman NAB holds public hearings on the last Thursday of every month wherein he personally hears the complaints of the public and issues necessary directions for the redressal of their grivances as law. The Regional Bureaus also hold public hearings for the convenience of the public on the same pattern as per the advice of the Chairman NAB for reaching out to the public.

7. The issuance of this Commemorative Stamp with the support of Pakistan Post on the eve of International Anticorruption day i.e. December 09, 2018 carrying the message "United against Corruption for a Prosperous Pakistan" is a step forward to renew the pledge and commitment of the government against corruption and for raising awareness of general public about its ill effects and will also help in the prevention of corruption.

8. Silence perpetuates corruption; when we have information that can help prevent loss of resources through corruption or that can assist to bring perpetrators to book. We must collectively fight, to destroy this cancer that eats deeper into the moral fabric of our society.

9. Let’s join together, as a nation, on the eve of International Anti-Corruption day i.e. 9th December, 2018 for renewal of our vows and dedication to the cause of eradication of corruption from our beloved country so that we leave for our future generations a better and prosperous Pakistan.

On International Anti-Corruption Day with the message "United Against Corruption for a Prosperous Pakistan", a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/-denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 09, 2018.