International Year of Disabled Persons- 1981 (December 12, 1981)

The United Nations General Assembly declared year 1981 as the International Year of the disabled persons. The aim was to encourage the rehabilitation of about 500 million persons in the world who suffer from some form of physical or mental disability. Out of these about 228 million disabled persons belong to Asia and the Pacific Region.
The following five principal objectives set forth by the United Nations Assembly resolution are the guide lines in the full participation of the disabled persons in the society.
a) Helping disabled persons in their physical and psychological adjustment to society;
b) Promoting all national and international efforts to provide disabled persons with proper assistance, training, care and guidance, to make available opportunities for suitable work and to ensure their full integration in society;
c) Encouraging study and research projects designed to facilitate the practical participation of disabled persons in daily life, for example, by improving their access to public buildings and transportation systems;
d) Educating and informing the public of the rights of disabled persons to participate in and contribute to various aspects of economic, social and political life;
e) Promoting effective measures for the prevention of disability and for the rehabilitation of disabled persons.
Several concrete steps have already been taken by the governments of the developing world to eliminate any discriminatory practices in education and employment of the disabled, review of service and benefits and to promote integration of the disabled persons in the society. However, it is also essential that private organizations should come forward to help the rehabilitation of the disable persons and make positive contributions in this noble cause. Pakistan Post Office is issuing a set of two commemorative postage stamps of the denominations of 40 Paisa and Rs. 2/- on the 12th December 1981, in order to increase an awareness of the problems of the disabled persons.

Wildlife- Western Tragopan (September 15, 1981)

The seventh set in the series of wildlife stamps which are being issued by the Pakistan Post Office to focus attention on the need to preserve wildlife in the country will be released on the 15th September, 1981 This set consists of two stamps of the denominations of 40 paisa and Rs.2/- depicting extremely rare variety of Pheasants namely Western Tragopan. Earlier issues on Wildlife included a set of two stamps each on (i) Black Partridge (30 September, 1975) (ii) Urial (31 December, 1975) (iii) Peacock (31 March, 1976) (iv) lbex (12 July, 1976) (v) four stamps on Pheasants namely Monal, White-crested Kalij, Koklas and Cheer (1 7 June, 1979) and (vi) one stamp on Green Turtle (20 June, 1981).
The Western Tragopan is the rarest of the Pheasants of Pakistan and is locally known as Dargi. The male has a black head with a lower crest; nape sides of neck are deep red, upper breast is bright orange, upper parts finally vermiculated grey and black with white spots. The lower parts are chiefly black with white eyelike spots. The facial skin is bright red and the lap is purplish blue down the centre with irregular pink margins. The female is dark ashy grey in the upper side; the crown is vermiculated with black spots and having narrow white shaft stripes. The back of the head and neck are tinged brownish red.
Tragopan nests in trees unlike that of any other galliformes. The female lays three to six brown eggs faintly speckled in dark-brown. One of the most outstanding characteristics of Tragopan is that during the breeding season the male calls out loudly at dawn as the first ray of light strikes his roosting perch, usually in a pine tree. Tragopan is available in Hazara and Azad Kashmir at an altitude of 2438 meters to 3658metres. A recent survey shows that it has become practically extinct in Hazarä but still exists in Azad Kashmir. It inhabits in the steepest of the forested slopes, rarely descending below 2133 meters.
Generally Tragopan inhabit in areas where man cannot easily reach. When disturbed they try to slip off through the bushes but if pressed 4they will fly up, disappearing into thick Fir trees where they are difficult to locate as they perch in the dense growth close to the main stem. Western Tragopan feeds on wild fruit, berries and fresh green leaves.

Inauguration of Furnace No. 1, Pakistan Steel, Karachi (August 31, 1981)

The firing of the first Blast Furnace marks a giant step forward in an effort to develop a viable industrial infrastructure for Pakistan and enable the nation to tread the same path towards industrialisation which all industrialised and post-industrialised societies followed a few decades ago.
PAKISTAN STEEL is a project of basic importance to the country; it is in fact the first step towards the formation of a techno-economic base which will go a long way in providing raw materials for various engineering, capital goods and construction industries. It will indeed alter the industrial landscape of the country.
The Project
Ground was broken for leveling and grading of site in early 1974. The construction of the training centre and the Construction Base, alongwith the first phase of the housing colony, also commenced in 1974. Construction activity on the Main Plant started in the first quarter of 1976.
Technology
Advanced Blast Furnace technology for iron making and BOF/LD converter (Basic Oxygen Furnace/Linz-Donawitz converter) for steel making with continuous casting facilities has been chosen for Pakistan’s first integrated steel works. This route for steel making is both modern and commercially proven; it is being used for making nearly 70% of the world’s steel.
Some units of the Main Plant, e.g., Tonnage Oxygen Plant, Refrigeration Plant etc., have been procured by Pakistan from countries other than USSR under its own arrangements. The complex civil, mechanical and electrical jobs at the Main Plant - of a magnitude never attempted before in this country - are being undertaken by Pakistani contractors, directly engaged by PAKISTAN STEEL. Pakistani firms are also participating substantially in the fabrication of steel structures and non-standard equipment. Their participation in the actual implementation of the project is substantial and the over all responsibility for Project Management rests on Pakistani shoulders.
Schedule of Completion
The project is planned to be completed in two stages. The first Blast Furnace has been fired while Steel Making Plant and 800 mm Billet Mill would become operational in 1982. This will mark the completion of stage 1. The saleable products to be produced at this stage will include coke, pig iron and steel billet. The second stage is scheduled for completion in 1984. This will see the commissioning of the 1,700 mm Hot Strip Mill in 1983 and the Cold Rolling Mills, along with Galvanizing Plant, by end 1984, when flat products and formed sections will be produced, Full production level of 1.1 million ton per year is expected to be achieved in 1984—85.
Manpower
For the execution of the enormous civil and mechanical engineering works involved in the construction of the steel works, a large work force of about 34,000 has been currently deployed at the site, of which 18,487 workers are directly engaged by PAKISTAN STEEL and the rest by contractors. At the peak level of construction activity in 1981—82, the total number of personnel engaged at the Project is likely to reach 40,000.
When the plant goes into operation, 15,000 persons of all categories would be required to operate the Plant at optimum capacity.
The thousands of Pakistani managers, engineers and workers engaged on this gigantic project have displayed a high degree of motivation and remarkable aptitude in learning new technologies and undertaking complicated and complex assignments never handled in the country in the past. On completion, the Steelworks will no doubt be a monument to the high quality of Pakistani worker and his immense sense of devotion to this national project. Pakistan Steel Project is of great national importance; its real value lies in building up the economic strength of the country, in substantial foreign exchange savings, in providing basic raw materials for metallurgical and engineering industries, in providing the vital stimulus for setting up of new, high value-added industries, in creating substantial job opportunities for skilled workers and engineers, in upgrading technology and in raising the standard of living of our people.
To commemorate the inauguration of Furnace No. 1 of Pakistan Steel, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a set of two commemorative postage stamps of the values of 40 Poise & Rs. 2.00 on 30 Shawwal,1401 AN. corresponding to 31 August, 1981.

Mountain Peaks of Pakistan (August 20, 1981)

Mountains: Mountains are irregularities in the surface of the spinning and hurtling globe of the earth. Just as an artist’s seascape freezes, and preserves for ever, a moment in an ocean storm, mountains are petrified representations of moments in the storms and upheavals which the earth underwent eons ago. The pattern of waves upon waves of high crests and low troughs in an ocean storm is repeated in the case of mountains with range after range of high ridges separated by the trough of low down valleys. And just as a point in the crest of a stormy ocean wave may rise higher than’ the high wall of the crest, a point in a mountain ridge may rise far above the ridge in a tower-ing mountain peak.
The landscape of stone and earth has changed somewhat over the ages since the primeval storms and upheavals that had shaped it. Wind, water and ice have caused erosions, and the daily or seasonal variations in temperature constantly give rise to superficial changes. Above all, the growth of vegetation, whether wild or through human effort, has given a dressing to the mountains and has added new colours to the mountain scape.
A mountain range not only physically dominates the area in which it is situated but influences it significantly in many other ways. Mountains profoundly affect climate1 rainfall and weather. They are not only the usual source of rivers but they often also function as great reservoirs of that abundant but precious liquid without which life cannot exist. From this angle the economic value of mountains in arid regions is inestimable. Where artificial irrigation is used for crops the suspended alluvium in the mountain-fed rivers is a source of fertility of the soil resulting in luxuriant growth of the crops. The bellies of mountains yield rich minerals which they pulled up with them when they rose from the bowels of the earth in the great upheaval. Where climate is favourable the lower slopes of mountains and their foothills are a rich source of timber and firewood. In a world the past history of which is dominated by wars and ambitions of individuals and nations for sway over other nations and peoples, mountains have enjoyed great strategic significance the abundance of fortresses on hilltops commanding a wide view of the area around is evidence of the use man has made of mountains for defence or warfare. Where mountain ranges are virtually impassable they serve as natural national borders, and their valleys provide sanctuaries for the culture ef the people inhabiting them.
Above all, mountains are fascinating. By their contours they give definition to a landscape and profoundly add to the viewer’s enjoyment of the scene. In the strange shapes the mountains take, in their crags, cols and buttresses one sees nature’s handiwork. The view of a peak soaring above into the skies is enthralling. The viewer is awe-struck by the majesticity with which the peak rises up and above defying gravity, and wonders at the might of the natural forces that pushed it up to such a height. In front of a majestic peak there is something in the mountain which speaks to the soul of man, and viewing the peak is a strange spiritual experience, It is no wonder that prophets of yore sought spiritual enlightenment in the solitude of mountain tops and even today recluses, anchorites and rishis seek their abode in the mountains.
Mountain peaks are not only often hidden by clouds but are also usually shrouded in mystery. Some of the mystery arises from the fact that owing to the difficulties of ascending great heights few people venture to the top, and in legend and superstition the peaks become the throne room of the gods which cannot be defiled by human feet. Part of the mystery is in the unknown which lies beyond the mountains: it might be a waterless, tree-less, burning desert, a sea of ice or a utopia! A high mountain peak viewed from a distance may appear easily approachable but when the explorer goes towards it, he discovers that it is far more distant than he thought and lies across ridges and valleys that lay concealed from view — and in this sense every high mountain peak has a mystery about it.
PEAKS OF THE KARAKORAM
7300 Meters and above
K—2; 8611M, Gasherbrum I; 8068M, Broad Peak; 8047M, Central Summit; 8000M, North Summit; 7600M, Gasherbrum II; 8035M, East Summit; 7772M, Gasherbrum III; 7952M, Gasherbrum IV; 7925 M, Distalghil Sar; 7885M, Khinyang Chish; 7852M, East Summit; 7500M, Masherbrum; 7821M, Rakhaposhi; 7788M, Batura Muztagli; 7785M, Kanjut Sar; 7760M, Saltoro Kangri; 7742M, Peak 35; 7705M, Batura Muztagh II; 7730M, Trivor; 7720M, Saser Kangri I; 7672M, Chogolisa SW (Bride Peak): 7665M,
NE Summit; 7654M, Shispare (Batura); 7619M, Skiang Kangri; 7544M, Mamostong; 7526M, Saser Kangri II; 7513M, Saser Kangri III; 7495M, Purnarikish; 7492M, K-12; 7468M, Teram Kangri I; 7463M, Malubiting W; 7452M, Sia Kangri; 7422M, West Summit; 7315M, Skillbrum; 7420M, Saser (Cloud Peak); 7415M, Teram Kangri; 7406M, Haramosh; 7406M, Mt. Ghent; 7400M, Yazghil Sar; 7400M, Rimo I; 7385M, Rimo II; 7380M, Teram Kangri III; 7381M, Sherpi Kangri; 7380M, East Summit; 7303 M, Karun Káh; 7350 M, Momhil Sar; 7342 M, Mt. Ghent NE; 7342M, Mt. Spender; 7330M, Gasherbrum V; 7321M, Ounasir I (Batura) 7318M, Dunasir II; 7320M, Baltoro Kangri I; 7312M, Golden Throne II; 7300M, Golden Throne III; 7310M, and Urdok Peak I; 7300M
Though the sublime effect that the view of a mountain peak produces is felt, perhaps, by all humans, it is only some among them who are consumed by the desire to scale it. The passion to unravel a mystery, the thrill of over-coming seemingly insurmountable obstacles and the sense of achievement felt standing on the top — all these combine to drive the climber to the peak, no matter what the expense involved, no matter what risks he exposes his life to. According to a mountaineer, in “their knowledge and understanding of the mountain environment and their personal limits, climbers find a sense of freedom and joy where the uninitiated might find only terror.
The Karakorams (literally, ‘black mountains”), lying to the north of the Western Himalayas, stretch for nearly 300 miles from the eastern-most part of Afghanistan in a south easterly direction. Having a width of 150 miles, the Karakoram consist of a group of parallel ranges with several spurs. Only the central part is a monolithic range. Sprawling nearly over 35 and 33 N latitude and lying roughly between 74 and 78 E longitude, the Karakorams are one of the highest mountain systems of the world with an average height of 20,000 feet (6100 meters). The range has over 50 peaks of 24,000 feet (7320 meters) or above, and four of them soar above 26,000 feet (7930 meters). No other mountain system has such a large number of high peaks above 7000 meters. Craggy peaks and steep slopes are characteristic of the range. The southern slope is long and very steep. Being situated beyond the Western Himalayas, the Karakorams receive very little of the monsoon from the Indian Ocean. Aridity is, therefore, the dominant climatic feature. The height of the range is responsible for the other climatic features of rarified air and intense solar radiation, which give rise to great variations of temperature and cause strong winds. Lack of vegetation and high rate of erosion exposes the rock and slate to considerable weathering, giving the viewer the impression of disintegrating granite walls all round.
In consequence one is amazed to step onto sandy deserts at a height of 8 to 10 thousand feet. Yet owing to great height there is heavy glaciating. The glaciated area spreads over 6900 square miles (17800 sq. kilometers), and in the Karakorams are found the biggest and longest glaciers on the face of the earth outside the polar regions. Of these the Baltoro with a length of 36 miles (60 kin) is the most famous as it is flanked by the giants among the high peaks of the Karakorams. Glaciation on the southern slope of the Karakorams, which is more humid than the northern (Chinese) side, begins at a height of 9400 feet (2867 meters), whereas on the northern side it occurs at a height of over 11500 feet (3508 meters). The permanent snow-line on the southern slope is at a height of 15400 feet (4697 meters) whereas on the northern side it is at a height of 19400 feet (5917 meters). Granite, gneiss’s and slates are the dominant Geological features of the Karakorams. There is considerable seismic activity; earthquakes measuring 9 on the Richter scale have been recorded. Some warm springs are also found at certain places.
The Karakorams serve as the watershed between the two river basins of the Indus and the Tarim, the Indus, after an initial westerly direction, flowing south and the Khotan tributary of the Tarim flowing north to join the Tarim. These mountains also form the boundary between China and the Northern Areas of Gilgit and Baltistan controlled by Pakistan. Because of in-accessibility, difficult terrain and hostile climate exploration of the Karakoram region was difficult and started consider-ably later than in other mountain areas of the world, and the Karakorams still hold nooks, corners and heights which have yet to be trodden by human feet. Hitherto the area was accessible from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, only through the air services to Gilgit and Skardu which remained uncertain on account of extremely variable weather conditions. The Karakoram High-way, completed only a few years ago, now links Islamabad with Gilgit via Abbottabad through a wide all-weather road of fairly good quality. Beyond Gilgit this road passes through Hunza and extends upto the Chinese border. Another all-weather road linking Gilgit with Skardu, the gateway to the Baltoro, is nearing completion and is at present open to jeeps and trucks on certain days. The area is thus being opened up and considerable interest is being evinced in scientific investigation of the area. The year 1980 saw an international expedition visit the area for detailed scientific investigation. A trip into the Karakorams takes the tourist to behold nature in the raw and to feel the sublime in experience. For there is something of the primeval in these mountains: in their savageness, in their cragginess, in their sternness, in their remarkable and numerous glaciers, in their huge ice-falls, in their raging windstorms and blizzards, and, above all, in their desolate desolation! As he treks along the tourist discovers glacier after glacier, each lined on both sides by towering peaks. Few mountain areas on earth can equal the grandeur that is revealed to the tourist travelling up Galen Rowell. The Throne Room of the Mountain Gods.
the Baltoro glacier. “This is the inner-most sanctuary of the Western Himalayas, an amphitheater of the greatest mountains on this planet. In the space of about fifteen miles .the Baltoro holds in its icy embrace ten of the world’s thirty highest peaks. They line its sides and close its eastern most end like the high priests guarding the Holiest of Holies. Sir Martin Conway . . . aptly named the peak at the eastern end “The Golden Thronel Moving up the Baltoro the tourist will first have the view of Payu Peak, one of the lesser peaks but regarded as one of the most beautiful ones in the world; then come across a fantastic view of nature’s architecture in the Baltoro Cathedrals and a number of other peaks till he reaches Concordia, a point on the glacier famous for its view of the giants of the Karakorams. Of Concordia Galen Rowel, the American mountaineer has this to say: “I awoke as the sun rose on the finest mountain scene on earth. I was at the centre of a mountain shrine, surrounded by wild peaks on a scale beyond the power of my dreams. Comparing other alpine scenes with Concordia is as futile as trying to compare a single painting to the entire Louvre collection. The greatest cluster of high peaks in the world encircles Concordia, where the 36-mile long Baltoro Glacier merges with the Godwin-Austen Glacier, which descends from the flanks of K-2 (28250 feet).
“In the giant Concordia sanctuary, several glaciers seem to pause before joining into a single stream for a plunge down a granite canyon that makes Yosemite seem like a city park.” “Above the apparent stillness of Concordia there is a feeling of motion. Photographs hide this as surely as a statue hides the gleam in a hero’s eyes; no series of photographs can ever capture the interplay of movement at Concordia. Glaciers grind slowly while ice blocks tumble down gullies. Cirrus clouds migrate across the sky while a random cloud builds in a hidden valley, suddenly putting miles of distance between a summit and a ridge that previously appeared connected. The whole scene is orchestrated by the ever changing light, for the eye sees light, not the mountains, and light makes the mountains come alive.
The sights along the glaciers of Biafo, Hispar, Chogo Lungma and Batura are only slightly less breath-taking. The row of five peaks of the Latok group and the Ogre on the Biafo are exciting for their steepness. All are “of such uncompromising steepness on all sides that it is difficult to believe that there is anything but the most gruesomely difficult route up any of them. They rise sheer from a comparatively flat glacier base for about 7000 feet. In places fearsome rows of seracs cling precariously to the faces. Going along the Hispar one sees the peaks of Kanjutsar, Pumarikish, Momhil Sar, Trivor and Distaghilsar — all over 24,000 feet (7300 meters). The Chogo Lungma, to the south of Hispar and to the west of Baltoro, has Haramosh and Malubiting, both over the 24,000 foot mark. Further west and north are the peaks of Rakhaposhi and Batura Muztagh, both above 25,000 feet (7625 Meters)
It is, however, for the bold mountaineer that the Karakoram region holds the greatest attraction. The Karakorams are unmatched in the great variety of climbing they offer, from sheer rock climbing of the Trango Towers to the high altitude climbing with its attendant challenges: ice-fall, snow field, serac, overhang, scree, “chimney” and so forth combined with the rigours of wind and weather, rarified atmosphere and fear of gigantic avalanches. There are over fifty peaks of over 24,000 feet (7320 meters) in height and there are numerous peaks of lesser height which by the climbing difficulties peculiar to each excite the climber and make his feet itch for the climb.
The monarch of the Karakorams is K-2, rising to 28,250 feet (8611 meters). Some later surveys put its height nearly 500 feet higher at 28,741 feet (8766 meters). It is the second highest peak in the world after Everest in Nepal, 29,028 feet (8848 meters). The mountain is also known by the local name of Chogori, and is also sometimes referred to as Mount Godwin Austen. This name was suggested but was not approved, and the correct official name is K-2, the identification mark given in official surveys. Fosco Mariani, the Italian mountaineer, describes K-2 as “the very Patriarch of Mountains, regal, serene, a mountain conceived on a giant scale, given the space and setting that are meet and right for a giant. In the mighty mass of the whole, each single part seems so finely wrought, each one a telling note in a mighty chord, and in the patterning of ridge, couloir, rock face and ice-fall, thrusting inexorably upwards to the peak, there is the logic of a Bach fugue. Contrasting K-2 with the neighbouring Broad Peek, he says, “By the side of K-2, Broad Peak, although it has the distinction of being over the 26,000 foot mark, looks just a gallant old Mountain mass, thrown up by chance. K-2 is architecture, Broad Peak is simply geology. K-2 is construction, definition, form. Broad Peak is one more storm-tossed wave, higher than the rest, in a land-mass in upheaval.’
*John Keay. When Men and Mountains Meet.** Galen Rowell. Baltoro Odyssey (Mountain 49) *Malcolm Howells. The Biafo Peaks (Mountain 49) ** Fasco Mariani: The Ascent of Gasherbrum IV The area south of K-2 has such abundance of high peaks in close proximity to each other that it could rightly be called the high altitude climber’s paradise. Almost east of K-2 is the Broad Peak rising to 26,400 feet (8047 meters). Almost due south and south-east of Broad Peak are the six Gasherbrums. Four of them are above the 26,000 foot mark and one above the 24,000 foot mark.
These are: Gasherbrum I, 26,470 feet (8068 meters); Gasherbrum II, 26,360 feet (8035 meters); Gasherbrum III, 26,090 (7952 meters); Gasherbrum IV, 26,000 feet (7929 meters); Gasherbrum V, 24,020 (7321 meters); and Gasherbrum VI, 23,989 feet (7008 meters). Gasherbrum I lies to the east of the others and its view from the west being obstructed by them, is also known as the Hidden Peak. Among the Gasherbrums the most challenging for the climber is Gasherbrum IV. Further south of the Gasherbrums are the Golden Throne (Baltoro Kangri), 23,989 (7317 meters); and the Bride Peak (Chogolisa), 25,110 feet (7659 meters). The names of these peaks suggest their fascinating shapes and forms. The Bride Peak has a beautiful name but it was at this mountain that Hermann Buhl, the dauntless conqueror of the Killer Mountain, Nanga Parbat (26,600 feet, 8125 meters, in the Western Himilayas), lost his life.
In other parts of the Karakorams there are many tantalizingly high Peaks for the mountaineer: Distaghil Sar, 25,850 feet (7885 meters); Masherbrum, 25660 feet (7821 meters); Rakaposhi, 25,550 feet (7788 meters); Batura Muztagh, 25,540 feet (7785 meters); Kanjutsar, 25,460 feet (7760 meters); Saltoro Kangri, 25,400 feet (7672 meters). Teram Kangri, 24,490 feet (7463 meters); Malubiting, 24,451 feet (7452 meters); Haramosh, 24,299 feet (7406 meters); to name only a few of the highest. However, a detailed list of the peaks above 24,000 feet (7300 meters) is appended alongwith a sketch map of the Karakorams to indicate what a vast opportunity for climbing these mountains offer for the intrepid mountaineer. The golden age of the Karakorams is just beginning, according to Galen Rowell. Many minor peaks have not been climbed and the giant ones have been climbed by the easiest routes. The Karakorams will continue to be a challenge for generations to come. For, in the words of Mariani, “these mountains of Asia, ii their very vastness and remoteness, imprint themselves on the soul of the man who once sets foot on them, because they touch him at every human level; they bring him a mystic ecstasy at one moment, they remind him of his animal nature at the next. And through them he comes to know everything from nameless terror to the joys of scientific discovery.
In order to focus national and international attention on the vast potential for mountaineering that Pakistan has, the Pakistan post office proposes to bring out a series of postage stamps on mountains. A set of four double stamps, depicting the peaks of K—2, Haramosh, Malubiting W and K~6 of the Karakorams, is being issued on 20th August, 1981 as the first attempt in this regard. Some other .peaks of the Karakorams as well as of the Western Himalayas (Nanga Parbat, 26,600 feet) and the Hindukush (Trichmir, 25,290 feet) will be included in future sets. In each double stamp of the first set there is a panoramic view on one stamp with a close-up of the peak on the other.

Palestine Commemoration (July 25, 1981)

The Seventh Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held at Istanbul in May, 1976, recommended that member States of the Islamic Conference may issue a special stamp bearing the name ‘Palestine Stamp’ to project the Palestine cause and to provide assistance to the families of the fighters and martyrs of the Palestine cause through its sale proceeds. This resolution has been reiterated by the subsequent sessions of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.
Pakistan had consistently been supporting the Arab and Palestinian causes, the fundamental elements of which are restoration of Jerusalem to Arab-Muslim sovereignty, full exercise of the right of self-determination of the Palestinians, including the right of setting up of their own independent homeland, total Israeli withdrawal from all the occupied lands in accordance with the UN Resolutions and the decisions of the Arab and Islamic Summits.
In December, 1973, Pakistan became one of the first non-Arab countries to permit the Palestine Liberation Organisation to open a full fledged diplomatic mission in Pakistan. Pakistan has played a vital role in securing greater international recognition for the PLO. At the Second Islamic Summit held at Lahore in February, 1974, Pakistan spearheaded the move for the recognition of the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian nation.
The issuance of the Palestine Stamp is yet another demonstration of the close ties of Islam which bind the people of Palestine and Pakistan.
Pakistan Post Office is issuing one Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 2/-denomination on Palestine on the 25th July, 1981.

Wildlife- Green Turtle (June 20, 1981)

Seven species of sea turtles are found in the tropical and sub-tropical seas of the World. Of these, Green Turtle is found on the beaches of Karachi coast. The Green Turtle is one of the severely ‘endangered species’ and is listed in the Red Data Book of the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of the Nature and Natural Resources).
The Marine Turtles date back in evolutionary terms to the period when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and their anatomical and physiological features have undergone little change since then. They live to the age of hundred years or more and, when fully grown, can weigh from 200 to 600 pounds, depending on age.
The Green Turtle is a reptile of the Order Testudinata, so-called because of the bonny plates (Scutes) on the outer surface of the body. These bonny plates are so fused as to form an outer shell which is known dorsally as carapace and ventrally as plastron. This outer shell is light to dark brown in colour with a tinge of olive, and the four pairs of lateral scutes are distinguishing features of the green turtle, as is the single claw on each paddle shaped flipper.
The nesting season of Green Turtle starts from September and goes on to November, although the turtles do come up in fewer numbers all through the year to nest. The number of eggs laid, on any one occasion, is approximately one hundred. The entire nesting process takes around five hours, starting from the emergence of the turtle from the sea onto the beach, her search for a suitable nesting site, the excavation of the nest, laying the eggs, covering up the nest and camouflaging it, and then, finally walk back to the sea.
The incubation period for the eggs averages between forty to fortyfive days and the number of hatchlings varies according to the season and climatic conditions. Once the hatchlings emerge from eggs they must walk from the nest to the sea. This is the most hazardous stage of their life-cycle because they are easily attackable by birds, dogs and other predators. The hatchlings reach maturity between eight to thirteen years, when they return to the beaches to lay eggs. The males are, however, seldom seen as they spend almost all of their lives in the water.
The Sind Wildlife Management Board in collaboration with the WWF/IUCN has started a ‘protection and research programme for the marine turtles. It is a part of the ‘programme’ to make public aware of the threats to the existence of these completely harmless and vulnerable creatures which are struggling for survival. The turtles should not be disturbed or harassed during the nesting cycle and the eggs should be allowed to hatch without damage to the nest by dogs or poaching humans.
The potential for developing the spectacle of nesting and hatching of the turtles, as a tourist attraction is considerable, and the economic advantages of such a move make the conservation of green turtle really worthwhile.
Pakistan Post Office is issuing a stamp of 40 paisa denomination depicting a rare variety of marine turtle(Green Turtle—Chelonia mydas), on the 20th June, 1981. It is a part of series of Wildlife stamps being issued by Pakistan Post Office to focus world attention on preservation of Wildlife. Earlier issues on Wildlife include a set of two stamps each on (i) Black Partridge (30th September, 1975), (ii) Urial (31st December, 1975), (iii) Peacock (31st March, 1976), (iv) lbex (12th July, 1976) and (v) a set of four stamps depicting four rare varieties of Pheasants, namely Monal, White crested Kalij, Koklas and Cheer (17th June, 1979).

Birth Centenary of Mustafa Kamal Ataturk (May 19, 1981)

Mustafa Kemal, also called Mustafa Kemal Pasha was born in a family of humble origins in 1881 at Salonika. Greece. He graduated from the Military Academy at Istanbul in 1902 and joined the Army. After World War I he was posted in the Ministry of War. He supported the idea of an independent Turkey. He consequently resigned from the Army and was chosen President of National Congress. In 1920 when the British formally occupied Turkey and dissolved the Chamber of Deputies, he opened the first Grand National Assembly of Turkey; the Assembly then assumed National sovereignty with Mustafa Kemal as President and Prime Minister of the state. After militarily consolidating his control of Anatolia, Mustafa Kemal proclaimed a republic and was elected its first President (1922). The peace treaty of 1923 established Turkey’s complete independence. In 1924 Mustafa Kemal abolished the caliphate, and started his programme of sweeping reforms in Turkish politics, law and culture.
Mustafa Kemal is known as a soldier, statesman, reformer, founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. He modernized the legal and educational systems and raised the status of women. In 1933 the name of Ataturk (Father of Turks) was conferred on him in recognition of his services for the Turkish nation. Mustafa Kemal, died in Istanbul on 10th of November. 1938. Pakistan Post Office is issuing one postage stamp of Rupee one denomination on the 19th May, 1981, to commemorate the Birth centenary of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk falling in May, 1981.

Third Islamic Summit Conference (April 20, 1981)

The third Islamic Conference was held at Makka Mukkarama from 19-22 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1401H (corresponding to 25-28 January,1981 AD), as a part of the world programme of Hijra Centenary Celebrations. The Summit Conference addressed itself to all major issues of common concern to the Muslim world in the political, economic and cultural fields. One of the foremost among them was the situation in Afghanistan
The Summit Conference reviewed the situation in Afghanistan especially in the light of the resolution adopted by the 35th Session of the U.N. General Assembly, which inter-alia expresses the hope that the U.N. Secretary General will “continue to extend assistance includ-ing the appointment of a Special Representative with a view to promoting a political solution” of the Afghan problem. Pakistan fervently hopes that the Afghan refugees would soon be in a position to return to their homes in safety and honour, and to this end is endeavouring for an early political solution of the Afghan crises.
The Summit adopted a comprehensive plan of action for the liberation of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the restoration of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people includ-ing evacuation of the occupied Arab and Palestinian lands.
The Summit also deliberated upon the situation in the Middle East, the Iran - Iraq War, Muslim minorities and all round collaboration among Islamic countries in economic and cultural fields. A Plan of Action for determining the course of economic, technical, commercial and industrial cooperation among Islamic countries, was also approved by the Summit Confe-rence. The Third Islamic Summit Conference, apart from demonstrating to the whole world the solidarity of Islamic countries, was an occasion for fostering greater awareness for the unity and brotherhood in ranks of Islamic Ummah. On the political plan, participation in the Summit was an act of dedication by member states to the objectives and principles of the Organisation of Islamic Conference.
The Third Islamic Summit Conference will remain an important landmark in the Islamic Ummah’s quest for united striving towards peace and prosperity of the entire world.
To commemorate the Third Islamic Summit Conference, Pakistan Post Off ice has already issued first series of five stamps (in three designs) on the 29th March, 1981, focusing attention on the Afghan Refugees. The second series of four commemorative stamps (in two designs) will issue on the 20th April. 1981.

Third Islamic Summit Conference at Makkah (March 29, 1981)

The Third Islamic Summit Conference was held at Makkah Al Mukarramah from 19—22 Rabi-ul-Awwal, 1401 H (corresponding to 25—28 January, 1981 AD), as a part of the world programme of Hijra Centenary Celebrations, The Summit Conference addressed itself to all major issues of common concern to the Muslim world in the political, economic and cultural fields. One of the foremost among them was the situation in Afghanistan.
It would be recalled that a violent change in Afghanistan in April 1978 had brought a Marxist regime in power through a bloody coup d’etat. The resultant internal strife forced many Afghans to seek refuge in Pakistan. A second coup in September 1 979 developed the trickle of refugees into a major influx. In the closing days of 1979, as a result of foreign military intervention in Afghanistan, Babrak Karmal was placed at the helm of affairs supplanting the government in power. This further accelerated the already heavy influx of refugees into Pakistan. Their present total exceeds 1 .5 million. Most of the refugees are old men, women and little children who usually arrive in Pakistan as destitute, in extreme misery and want. Pakistan. as a neighbouring country with close ties of history and religion with Afghan-istan, is morally bound to accept the Afghan refugees on humanitarian grounds. Motivated by the sense of Islamic solidarity, the Government of Pakistan is providing to the Afghan refugees the basic amenities of life such as food, shelter, medicines and a small maintenance allowance for their daily needs.
The Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, held in Islamabad in January 1980, was convened specifically to deliberate upon the situation in Afghanistan consequent to armed foreign intervention there. The membership of Afghanistan in the Islamic Conference was suspended and the Islamic Foreign Ministers called for immediate and uncond-itional withdrawal of all Soviet troops stationed on Afghan territories. The Eleventh Islamic Confe-rence of Foreign Ministers held in Islamabad in May 1980 reiterated the resolution of the Extra-ordinary Session and decided to establish a committee comprising of the Secretary General of OIC and the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Iran to seek ways and means for a comprehensive solution of the crisis in Afghanistan. The membership of the Committee has since been enlarged to include Guinea and Tunisia. The Islamic Summit Conference reaffirmed the determination of the Islamic countries to seek a political solution of the Afghan crisis and recommended to the Committee to cooperate with the Secretary General of the United Nations and his Special Represe-ntative in their endeavours to resolve the situation in Afghanistan. Pakistan fervently hopes that the Afghan refugees would soon be in a position to return to their homes in safety and honour, and to this end is endeavoring for an early political solution of the Afghan crisis.
The Summit Conference also adopted a comprehensive Plan of Action for liberation of AI-Quds Al-Sharif and restoration of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people. It also reviewed and took important decisions in respect of the Middle East, the Iran-Iraq war, Muslim minorities and all round collaboration among Islamic countries. A Plan of Action for determining the course of economic, technical, commercial and industrial cooperation among Islamic countries was also approved.
The Third Islamic Summit Conference was a convincing demonstration of the inherent unity and solidarity of the Islamic world. It will remain an important landmark in the Islamic Ummah’s quest for united striving towards peace and prosperity of the entire world.
To commemorate the Third Islamic Summit Conference, Pakistan Post Office will issue two series of stamps. The first series consists of 5 stamps in three designs and will be released on the 29th March, 1981 highlighting AFGHAN REFUGEES. The second series will consist of 4 stamps in two different designs on the Third Islamic Summit and will be released in April, 1981.

Advent of 1500th Century Hijra (March 7, 1981)

The Advent of 15th Century Hijra is being celebrated throughout the Muslim world with zeal and fervour. Pakistan Post Office had issued three commemorative postage stamps of Paisa 40, Rs. 2/- and Rs. 3/- denominations and a souvenir sheet of Rs.4/-denomination on 1st Moharramul Haram, 1401 Hijra, corresponding to 10th November, 1 980. The fourth Hijra stamp in the design approved by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference is now being issued by the Pakistan Post Office on 29th Rabi-us-Sani, 1401 Hijra, corresponding to 7th March, 1981.
The auspicious event of Hijra reminds us of the supreme sacrifice offered by the Prophet of Islam for. the fulfillment of his mission of disseminating the divine message to mankind. He had to leave all his worldly belongings, even his kith and kin and had to undertake an arduous journey to a distant and unfamiliar land in order to fulfil his mission. This event has served for the succeeding generations of Muslims as stimulus to transcend their petty and personal gains with a view to working for a higher divine purpose. The message of Hijra lies in preparing the Muslims to give up every thing that they have, even their contact with hearth and home or with their kith and kin for the achievement of the objectives set forth by the divine message.
The end of one century of the Hijra calendar and the beginning of another is an occasion for the renewal of our commitment to the fundamental beliefs, tenets and concepts of Islam, to the strengthening of the unity of the Ummah and to the re-emergence of a dynamic Muslim civilization in order to promote true equality, justice, universal peace, progress and happiness of all mankind. The commemoration of the occasion will help to create among Muslims a sense of history together with a sense of destiny which proclaims that, despite the recent past, the next phase of history will witness the reemergence of Islam as a living, dynamic and growing civilization. “Let us”, as exhorted by President Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq in his address to the nation on 19th November, 1979, “on the advent 5th Century Hijra, resolve to dedicate our lives to the glory and greatness of Islam. We should create a society where social justice prevails, where there is no poverty and ignorance, where honesty and hard work are pursued and where research and a spirit of enquiry prevail. Let us all turn to Allah and pray that He may bless our efforts with success.
The issuance of the Hijra commemorative stamp on 29th Rabi-us-Sani, correspon-ding to the 7th March, 1981, completes the series of stamps issued by the Pakistan Post Office to commemorate the advent of 1 5th Century Hijra.

Fifty Years of Airmail Service (February 15, 1981)

After the World War 1 (1914-18) significant developments took place in the field of civil aviation. The Post played a prominent part in its progress as the freight charges paid by the Post to the airlines were in those days their major source of income. These payments are even today among the main sources of revenue for both small and big air companies. Rapid development in air transport continued at a greater pace after the World War 11(1939-45). Bigger, stronger and ever faster aircraft were developed and put into service. The greatly increased capacity of modern wide-bodied aircraft has been utilized for the conveyance of air mail on a much larger scale.
The Hague Conference (1927) of the Universal Postal Union proposed the first airmail provisions, which were finalised at the London Congress of 1929. The regulations formulated at this Congress were put into effect in 1930.
In the Indo-Pak sub-continent mails were occasionally carried in aircraft between 1919 and 1 928. A significant event of this period was an experiment in 1920 of flying mail between Karachi and Bombay. Several flights were operated from each end, from 23rd January to 11th March. In the 12 flights which were successful, about 3000 articles were carried. A number of R.A.F. aircraft flights in 1 925 were instrumental in carrying mails between Risalpur-Calcutta-Quetta-Hindubagh (now Muslimbagh) and Quetta-Simla. In 1926, a flight carried letters from Karachi to Risalpur. Yet another carried letters from Karachi to Delhi in 1927.
However, it was in 1929 that a regular airmail service between the pre-independence India and England was established. In the same year, inland airmail service was established between Karachi and Delhi and in 1933 Karachi was connected with Calcutta.
With the progress of civil aviation after Independence, Pakistan Post Office made full use of the air services and utilised all the available services for conveyance of air mail. In 1959 “All-Up Airmail Scheme” was introduced under which all letters were given airlift between stations on the air network if this ensured speedier delivery. Later, in 1968 post cards were also included in this scheme. A prominent feature of this scheme was that no air surcharge was levied for the air lift. In 1972 Pakistan Post office went a step further and all letter mail articles were given airlift. The aim is speedier transmission and delivery of mails and to avoid their accumulation. Other classes of mail (printed papers, registered letters and parcels etc.) are also conveyed by air if air surcharge is prepaid on them.
Today Pakistan maintains airmail communication with almost all the countries of the world by means of direct mail exchanges or through intermediary countries.
To commemorate the 50 years of Airmail service, Pakistan Post Office is issuing one postage stamp of Re. 1/- denomination on the 15th February, 1981.

150th Birth Anniversary of Heinrich Von Stephan (January 7, 1981)

It was not until the 1 6th century that the Post began to extend beyond national frontiers and regular postal communication between various countries of the world was established. At that time international postal communication was governed by bilateral agreements which answered the particular needs of the two countries. Development of steam navigation and Railway brought the nations of the world so close to each other that the postal administrations started feeling the inadequacy of the bilateral arrangement to cope with the ever growing international postal traffic. Lack of uniformity of postage rates as well as units of weight and high cost of conveyance of international mail were the main impediments in the way. Resultantly need for an international framework to regulate international postal communication was felt all over the world.
It was against this background that Heinrich Von Stephan, son of a simple Artisan, (born at Stolp in Pomerania on 7th January 1831) entered the Prussian Postal Service at the age of 17 and quickly passed through the lower grades of his chosen profession. From 1851 to 1855 he worked at Cologne which was the metropolis of the Rhine provinces and the most important place for the postal service between Germany, Western Europe and transmarine countries. It was during these years that the idea of a Universal Postal Union first shaped itself in his mind. In 1 869 the Government of the North German Federation had, at Stephan’s instance, entered into negotiations with the French Government for the summoning of a Universal Postal Congress of European States. Finally on September 15, 1874, the congress having representatives of 22 states of both hemispheres, met in Berne and appointed Stephan as the President of the Commission which was set-up to examine the draft of the Convention presented by Germany. Thanks to the fertile imagination and the spirit of conciliation and accommodation shown by Stephan, on 9th October, 1874, after only 24 days’ work and in the face of tremendous difficulties, the General Postal Convention was signed and the “General Postal Union” was founded on 9th October, 1874. It later came to be known as “Universal Postal Union”. The Fundamental rules introduced by the 1874 Bernc Convention were embodied in the acts of the Universal Postal Union.
Thereafter, Heinrich von Stephan devoted his life to the extension and perfection of the Union. He attended the Postal Congress held in Paris and Vienna in 1878 and 1891 respectively. His wish to attend the next congress at Washington, as the first delegate of Germany, could not, however, come true as he died on the 8th of April 1897, after a long and serious illness. Today the Universal Postal Union is a specialised agency of the United Nations and has a membership of 160 countries including Pakistan. The aim of the Universal Postal Union is to ensure the improvement of Postal Service and to encourage the development of Postal Communication between Nations. One has, therefore, to remember that the facilities of sending and receiving mail, books and other items of merchandise which one so freely enjoys today would not have been possible had the Universal Postal Union not been founded through the efforts of Heinrich von Stephan whose 1 50th birth anniversary is being celebrated on 7th January 1981.
To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Heinrich von Stephan, Pakistan Post Office is issuing one postage stamp of Re. 1/- denomination on the 7th January, 1981.

75th Anniversary of the Scout Movement 1982 (December 23, 1982)

Scouting’ originated in England in 1907, based upon Lord Baden-Powell’s ideas contained in his book “Scouting for Boys” which proved to have great appeal for youngs-ters the world over. While purpose, promise and law of Scouting are universal, its pro-gramme is adaptable W needs of the youth wherever they live.
Scouting is an educational movement for young people and contributes to their personal and social development. It is a voluntary, non-political and democratic movement which is open to all. Today there are more than 16 million Scouts in the world. About 200 million people have been Scouts during their lifetime, including many prominent personalities.
The success of the book produced a Movement that quickly adopted the name of “Boy Scouts” and necessitated the establishment of a headquarter to administer it. By 1909 the Movement had taken firm roots as evident from the fact that a Scout Rally in London attracted more than 11,000 Scouts. The book “Scouting for Boys” had been translated into five languages.
The first world jamboree took place in 1920 in London and proved that young people of different nations could meet to share common interests and ideals. Since then there had been 13 World Jamborees at various places.
Between the two World Wars Scouting Movement continued to flourish almost in all parts of the world. Today scouting is a growing Movement with members in nearly every country in the free world.
In Pakistan scouting was founded soon after the country came into existence in August, 1947. It has rendered invaluable services in evacuation of marooned people, collection and distribution of clothes and food during floods, providing First Aid in refugee camps and giving inoculations against small pox end cholera during epidemics in the country. The purpose and principles of Scouting in Pakistan are as follows:—
Motto: Almustaid (Be Prepared). Promise: To do my duty to God and my Country, to help other people at all times, to obey the Scout Law. Law (1) A Scout’s honour is to be trusted. (2) A Scout is loyal to his country, his Scouters, his Parents, his emplo-yers end to those under him. (3) A Scout’s duty is to be useful and to help others. (4) A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout, no matter to what country, class or creed the other may belong. (5) -A Scout is courteous. (6) A Scout is kind to animals. (7) A Scout obeys his parents and Petrol Leaders without question.
(B) A Scout smiles under all difficulties. (9) A Scout is thrifty. (10) A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.
In order to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Scout Movement in 1982 and the 125th birthday of its founder Lard Baden-Powell of Gilwell the year 1992 has been declared “the Year of Scouting”. Pakistan Post Office is issuing a stamp of the denomination of Rs. 2/- on 23rd December 1982 to Commemorate the occasion.

100 Years of The University of The Punjab (October 14, 1982)

The University of the Punjab has completed one hundred years of its inception in October, 1982. It is the oldest and the biggest University of Pakistan and was the fourth to be established in the sub-continent in the 19th century. Its well-established reputation and traditions enjoy national and international recognition. Other universities of British India were set up on the model of the London University, which was only an examining body and did not impart instructions. The University of the Punjab was the first institution of higher learning which offered teaching facilities from the day of its establishment. The University of the Punjab has greatly influenced the pattern and character of higher education in Pakistan. All other universities of the country have followed its academic and organizational precedents. Its history is in fact the history of the growth of education in Pakistan. Interestingly, the man who most enthusiastically campaigned for this University was an English Orientals, Dr. Leitner, who founded the Anjuman-i-Punjab in January, 1865 to promote oriental languages and literature. He made ceaseless efforts to mobilize public opinion for which he got the assistance of other influential people. He also made representations to the Governors and the Viceroys for the same purpose. Dr. Leitner succeeded in making the British Government realize the urgent need of establishing a new university in this part of the sub-continent. The Government of India was unwilling to open a new university immediately but agreed to establish the Punjab University College, which was set up on 8th December, 1869 and practically laid the foundations of the University. The College had the authority to grant Certificates and Sanads, but not Degrees. To the chagrin of the promoters of higher education in this region, a dual system of examinations persisted for quite some time. Every student had to take one examination of the Punjab University College to get a scholarship and another of the Calcutta University to obtain a degree. This irrational practice turned out to be unbearable for the students and its adverse effects could not be wiped out even with the adjustment of courses of reading and text books. However, it made the need of the University more acutely felt.
At last the University of the Punjab was established on 14th October, 1882; As a result of a dedicated struggle for 17 years by influential people of the Punjab, it was established in Lahore in view of the great intellectual, cultural and literary traditions of that City. The University inherited the two institutions from the Punjab University College, namely, the Oriental College and the Law College. While the Law College conducted law courses, the Oriental College carried out teaching of oriental languages and literature, native medicine and general science. In the succeeding years these two institutions introduced higher degree courses. The Oriental College made provision for research, translations and publications. After the Indian Universities Act of 1904,the period of re-organization, expansion and construction of buildings started and the development of the University made rapid progress. The number of affiliated colleges also grew larger. The University was also an advisory body for the supervision of education at all levels in the areas extending from Delhi to Peshawar and from Kashmir to Bahawalpur.
The University of the Punjab founded its third institution, the Halley College Of Commerce in 1927 to promote the education of Commerce and Trade. In view of the growing importance of Science the University established the Institute of Chemistry in 1922-23 with well-equipped laboratories and qualified staff. The number of affiliated colleges, for which the University prescribes courses of reading and conducts examinations, has now gone up to about 122. The University had set up the Departments of History, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, Economics, Geography, Statistics and Astronomy in the pre-independence period. However, after the creation of Pakistan when the educational and developmental needs expanded, new Departments of Geology, Applied Psychology, Physics, Solid State Physics and Pharmacy were opened, the Departments of Statistics, Chemical Engineering and Technology and Geology were elevated to the status of Institutes and the Department of Pharmacy to the status of a Faculty. Similarly, the Departments of Islamic Studies, Social Work, Sociology, English, Literary History of the Muslims of the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent, Public Administration, Business Administration, Library Science, Urdu Encyclopaedia of Islam, Taleef-o-Tarjuma and Punjabi, were established in the post-independence period. In view of the importance of “lqbal-Studies” a department of ‘lqbaliat has been set up recently. Centers for South Asian Studies and the Social Sciences Research have been established to undertake research in these important fields. More recently the Institutes of Molecular Biology and High Energy Physics have been established to promote research in these rapidly developing fields. The University has also made available facilities for the teaching of some European and Asian Languages, such as German, French, Spanish, Russian, Hindi, Japanese, Chinese, Turkish, etc.
In the beginning the University of the Punjab had only one building, the Senate Hall, built in 1876, with the donation of the Nawab of Bahawalpur. The Law and the Oriental Colleges had been housed in rented buildings. The University Hall was constructed in 1905. Extensions were made to its building later to accommodate a number of departments. A site with a modest building was purchased in 1914 to accommodate the Law and Oriental Colleges. New buildings for the Law College was completed in 1922 and for the Oriental College in 1925. The present observatory was built in 1921. the building of the Institute of Chemistry in 1922-23 and the Halley Hall in 1926. After the Punjab University Act of 1954, the needs of the Punjab University were examined and a decision was made to construct a ‘University Town outside the city of Lahore for the expanding educational needs.
The plan of the ‘New Campus’ was approved in 1957 and the first building of the Institute Of Education and Research was constructed. As new buildings were constructed, a number of Departments shifted to the New Campus. In the recent past, the Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, the Law College and the Hailey College have been shifted to their new spacious buildings. With the construction of new buildings the remaining Departments will be shifted to the New Campus.
The University has one main library besides smaller Departmental libraries. It has a collection of about three hundred thousand books and more than five thousand rare and valuable manuscripts. To promote research, eighteen research journals are published by the University, which are internationally recognized.
The number of students on rolls of the University is about 8000. External candidates, taking University examinations, are larger in number. There are 431 regular members of the academic staff and a number of distinguished scholars also participate in teaching on a part-time-basis. Being such a huge organization, the University has 2480 employees of all cadres. In its early phase, the University of the Punjab exercised jurisdiction over vast areas from Delhi to the remote western and southern parts of Pakistan. With the passage of time new universities were opened to lighten pressure on the University of the Punjab. The University of Delhi was established in 1922 in the pre-independence-period, and after the creation of Pakistan, other universities at Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera lsmail Khan, Islamabad, Karachi, Hyderabad and Quetta were set up.
The remarkable role of the Punjab University in the expansion of education in Pakistan can be appreciated from the fact that the new universities have adopted its academic traditions and administrative pattern, which gives it the status of a venerated pioneer in the field of education in Pakistan.
To commemorate hundred years of the university of the Punjab Lahore. Pakistan Post Office is issuing a postage stamp of 40 Paisa value on 14th October 1982.

RICCIONE- 1982 (August 28, 1982)

Riccione is the name of stamp exhibition held in Italy from time to time. No country issues stamp to commemorate this event so frequently as do Pakistan. Official delegation attend the show and Pakistan Post Office exhibit stamps there.
To mark RICCIONE –82, Pakistan issued a commemorative stamp on August 28. The Sukkur Barrage Re-1 value was accordingly overprinted to serve the purpose.

Anniversary of Independence (August 14, 1982)

Pakistan, it has been observed, is the first attempt in modern times to create a country on the basis of common religious beliefs. It is the result of a long strife of the Muslims of the sub-continent for the establishment of a separate homeland where they could lead their lives in accordance with the tenets of Islam and perpetuate their identity and ideology as a distinct nation. Doubts were expressed, both in India and abroad, as to the Muslim claim to separate nationhood to which Quaid-i-Azam replied in the following words:—
“We maintain that Muslims and Hindus are two major nations by any definition or test as a nation. We are a nation of a hundred million, and what is more, we are a nation with our own distinctive culture and civilization, language and literature, art and architecture, names and nomenclature, sense of values and proportion, legal laws and moral codes, customs and calendar, history and traditions, aptitude and ambitions; in short, we have our own distinctive outlook on life and of life. By all the canons of International Law we are a nation”.
The culmination of the idea of Muslims being a separate nation found expression in the famous Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940 adopted at the Lahore Session of the Muslim League. From 1940 to 1947 every effort was made at various levels to keep India united but all these attempts failed to make the Quaid give up the idea of Pakistan. The election of 1946 gave the League a resounding electoral victory which silenced or swept away those ‘Muslim groups which still hoped to reach a compromise with the Hindus and made the Congress and the British to concede partition and independence. Failing to bring about a consensus of opinion between the League and the Congress, Mr. Attlee, the British Prime Minister declared in Feb. 1947 that His Majesty’s Government lntended to take necessary steps to effect the transference of power to responsible Indian hands not later than June 1948. Lord Mountbatten who had been appointed the Viceroy and Governor General, however, declared in his plan of June 3, 1947 that independence would be granted on 14th August, 1947, that is, within 75 days. This haste to grant independence did not affect India much but Pakistan had to start from scratch in order to establish a new capital, a new government and a new secretariat at Karachi without proper housing accommodation for the new government, without proper equipment and without adequate financial resources.
Besides this on account of the communal riots Pakistan was confronted with the problem of accommodating huge number of refugees which constituted nearly 1/10th of the total population. It may be added that nearly 65 lac Muslims migrated from India and 55 lac Hindus and Sikhs left Pakistan. On the establishment of Pakistan the Quaid-i-Azam declared in his Presidential Address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan as follows:—
“You are free: you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed; that has nothing to do with the fundamental principle that we are all citizens and equal citizens of one State”.
On 14th August, 1982, the nation is observing 35th anniversary of independence in an atmosphere of enthusiasm for the enforcement of Shariat Laws in the country. The present Government under the President and Chief Martial Law Administrator, General Muhammad Ziaul-Haq have already introduced Zakaat, Usher and interest-free banking system in the country. The establishment of “the Federal Shariat Court” and “The Council of Islamic Ideology” are concrete steps towards Islamisation of the laws. It has been observed that for the first time in the history of the country progress has been made to achieve the purpose for which the country came into being. Let us endeavor to achieve the objective laid down by the Quaid in his broadcast to the nation on 30th October, 1947.
“Now is the time, chance and opportunity for every Mussalman to make his or her fullest and best contribution and make the greatest sacrifice and work ceaselessly in the service of our nation and make Pakistan one of the greatest nations of the world\"
To commemorate this auspicious occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a set of two stamps of 85 paisa and 40 paisa denominations on 14th August1982.

Sukkur Barrage Golden Jubilee 1932-1982 (July 17, 1982)

Sukkur Barrage has the distinction of being the first major hydraulic structure on the river Indus. In its concept dimensions and scope the Sukkur Barrage remains unique even after 50 years of its completion. It services approximately 25% of the 320 million acres of cultivable land under canal irrigation in Pakistan, and provides food and fiber to millions of people residing in the lower Indus Basin.
The idea of Sukkur Barrage was first conceived in 1868. Later in 1903 a proposal was made to construct a weir across the river Indus at Sukkur, but it was not considered necessary at that time. It was in March 1908, however, that the then Bombay Govern-ment on the recommendations of an Experts’ Committee ordered the preparation of plans and estimates for a Barrage at Sukkur.
The Sukkur Barrage and the Canal Project as they exist today were finally sanctioned on 9th June 1923. The work on this project was started on 1st July 1923. Construction of the canals started in January 1925 and that of the lied Works was taken up in October 1929. The canals were opened on 13th January 1932 to provide assured irrigation to an area of 76 million acres. The seven major canals with a discharge-carrying capacity from 2000 to 16000 cusecs have been instrumental in bringing prosperity to the Province of Sind. The cultivated area being serviced by the Sukkur Barrage today is about 18% more than the area for which the Barrage was originally designed. The Sukkur Barrage and its allied works have brought about revolutionary changes in flora and fauna in the Province of Sind. The landscape in the river basin has changed from scorching arid land into well-spread green farms with the farming community organising itself into permanent settlements. The benefits derived from this project have been enormous. The Sind Government was in a position to repay the loans obtained for the construction of the Barrage from the Central Government about 10 years earlier than scheduled. It can, therefore, be said that land of the Province of Sind owes its fertility to the Sukkur Barrage which celebrated its Golden Jubilee on 30 March 1982.
Pakistan Post Office is issuing a special postage stamp of the denomination of Re. 1 on 17 July 1982 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Sukkur Barrage.

Space Exploration and Peaceful uses of Outer Space (June 7, 1982)

The orbiting of first artificial earth satellite in 1957 was given due cognizance by the United Nations which noted the potential significance of this giant step toward exploration of space. Consequently the General Assembly of the United Nations set up an ad-hoc Committee to deal with the new ‘frontier of knowledge’ and immense potential opened up by Man’s ability to enter the outer space. The ad-hoc Committee was later on replaced by a regular committee of the General Assembly under the title of “Committee on the peaceful uses of Outer Space.” The membership of this committee was expended from time to time to accommodate the increasing interest and also the larger number of member states joining the United Nations (the current membership of the Committee is 53) The Committee provides a ‘focal point’ for international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of Outer Space in accordance with General Assembly resolutions.
After about ten years of space exploration the United Nations, upon the recommendations of the Outer Space Committee, held the first world conference on the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space in Vienna in 1968. Although this conference did serve a useful purpose in high-lighting the potential of Man’s access to space and in disseminating the scientific results and applications derived in the first decade of space exploration, it failed to produced substantial follow-up action. It, however, succeeded in the creation of a modest programme of space applications and appointment of an Expert for this programme within the Outer Space Affairs Division of the UN Secretariat.
With the Passage of another ten years from the First World Conference, and some twenty years from the orbiting of first artificial earth satellite, the Outer Space Committee recommended to the Thirty-third General Assembly to convene the Second world conference in order to facilitate a global examination of the issues and opportunities offered by the advances made in space research and space-technology applications. The General Assembly agreed to this recommendation.
The Second United Nations Conference on the exploration and peaceful uses of Outer Space (UN ISPACE 82) will take place in Vienna, Austria from 9 to 20 August, 1982. Plans for the conference originated in the meetings of the UN Committee on the peaceful Uses of Outer Space, which is one of the permanent Committees of the United Nations General Assembly. The Conference has been convened to discuss and assess the progress which has been made in the peaceful uses of space technology since the convening of the first United Nations Conference on Space in 1968. It will provide a forum for assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of the existing institutional and co-operative arrangements for realizing the benefits of space technology for the good of man everywhere.
Participants of the conference include all member states of the United Nations, representatives of United Nations Organisations, specialized agencies and relevant inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations.
The second conference has the following three main areas of interest, as reflected in its agenda —
a) State of space science and technology.
b) Applications of space science and technology.
c) International Co-operation and the role of the United Nations.
The outcome of UNISPACE 82 will undoubtedly bear upon the future role and work of the United Nations in the space exploration and peaceful uses of outer space. It will also hopefully contribute in particular towards ensuring adequate utilization of space technology for socio-economic advancement of the developing countries.
In Pakistan also, a modest programme was initiated making its mark with the first launching of a scientific rocket on 7th June, 1962, from the Sonmiani Rocket Range. Recently (May 1981) a fully autonomous Commission has been established in Pakistan for the promotion of peaceful uses and applications of space.
Pakistan Post Office is issuing a special postage stamp on 7th June, 1982, of the denomination of Re. 1/-to focus attention on UNISPACE 82 and on Pakistan’s own space programme. The date of issue of this stamp coincides with the 20th anniversary of the first rocket launching carried out by Pakistan from its Sonmiani Rocket Range.