100 Years of Islamia College Peshawar, Pakistan. (2013-12)

100 Years of Islamia College Peshawar Commemorative Postage Stamp May 30, 2013:- Nawab Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qaiyum Khan, hailing from Topi, district Swabi, had founded the Islamia College  in 1913. He was a reformer and educationist par excellence. He had a strong feeling of the educational backwardness of Pushtuns living in NWFP and the tribal belt surrounding it. This infused in him an religious and scientific educational disciplines under one roof.
The idea of Islamia College moved on practical track in April 1911. A supervisory committee with Sahibzada Sahib as its first honorary secretary kicked off a donations campaign. Pushtun students enrolled at the Muslim University Aligarh, had already taken lead in this noble task. In 1909, when Sahibzada Sahib and Roos Keppel had made a stopover at Aligarh, these students had collectively donated sixty odd rupees to these dignitaries. The purpose was to build a Frontier hostel at Aligarh or to erect a college in Peshawar for them.
However, the 12th of April 1911 donations collection gathering held at the residence of Abdul Karim Khan Indrabi Contractor in Mohallah Mandi-Beri, Peshawar City may be remembered as the Islamia College’s founders meeting.
The vast chunk of land on which Islamia College has been standing like a beacon of knowledge and wisdom for nearly a century, is located almost at the mouth of historic Khyber Pass. Here were the relics of a second century A.D. Buddhist monastery where knowledge seekers used to come from far off places. Incidentally, this was the same big piece of land on which the valiant Afghans under Mohammad Akbar Khan had routed the armies of Harri Singh, a military commander of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835. Khalils of Tehkal who were its owners, gave their consent for 916 Kanals and 17 marlas land to the college against Rs.39, 683 at the rate of Rs.30/- per Kanal.
Eminent freedom tighter, Haji Sahib Turangzai laid the foundation stone of the Darul Ulum and its magnificent mosque on 21st of March 1912. The Chief Commissioner, NWFP, Sir George Roos Keppel performed the inaugural ceremony of arts and science faculty building of the Islamia College the same day. A huge gathering of around 25-30 thousands people including elite and commoners, top British officials, Ulema and Afridi hill tribesmen witnessed this historic event, which put a tradition-bound warring nation on scientific education track for the first time in its thousands years old history.
The history of Islamia College as a movement would remain incomplete if it does not have some extracts from the history of freedom struggle for Pakistan. Its students played a very pivotal role in Pakistan Movement. Credit goes to Islamians for coining the name of a future Muslim state to be curved out of the British-Indian Empire in the northwest of India as “Pakistan” in March 1933.
The Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had visited Islamia College thrice. His first visit to this outpost of culture and civilization was on20th October 1936. He visited in the capacity of President, All India Muslim League. Professor R. H. Holdsworth, the Pricipal and Yusaf Khalil, President of Khyber Union greeted him in historic Roos Keppel Hall. He was honoured with life-membership of the Khyber Union. In his historic address on this occasion, he expressed optimism that one day Islamia College would achieve Al-Azher and Cordova grandeur.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s political stature was at the peak of its glory. The realization of the cherished dream of Pakistan was at hands distance when he undertook his second historic visit to this great seat of learning on 25th November 1945. Most of the students of the Islamia College were in the bodyguard contingent of Quaid. He was accorded an unprecedented and red carpet welcome at the Islamia College. The Principal, Professor Sheikh Muhammad Taimur, the President of Khyber Union, Mukhtar Ahmad and the secretary, Sarhad Muslim Students Federation, Muhammad Tehmas, affectionately known as Papa, paid rich tributes to the farsightedness, political acumen and leadership qualities of Quaid-e-Azam. The Quaid had in fact designated the Islamia College students for mustering support for Pakistan, which they successfully won.
Pakistan emerged on the map of the world as a sovereign state on 14th of August 1947. The Islamia College students fought pitched political battles for Pakistan on Quaid’s behalf in cities, towns and villages of the province and tribal territories. How Quaid could forget them. Hardly eight months after the making of Pakistan, he revisted Islamia College and the NWFP for the third and last time in his life. It was 12th of April 1948 that Quaid came to this historic institution as governor general of an independent state. His dearest sister, Miss. Fatima Jinnah accompanied him in this last visit to Frontier province taking off from Islamia College. The college Principal, Professor ACT Brotherton and Abdul Halim, an ideological homeland for the Muslims in the South Asia.
The Father of the Nation acknowledged the services of the Islamia College students towards making of Pakistan in these words:
“I am indeed very happy to be present here today and to have the privilege of addressing the students of this great Darul Ulum, who are the future builders of Pakistan. On this occasion the thing uppermost in my mind is the help that came for the movement and achievement of Pakistan from the student community, particularly from this province. May I say that you have played your part magnificently?”
The Islamia College, its Collegiate School and its mosque are a unique combination of Buddhist, Islamic and Gothic architectures. The dooms at the rooftop of the college building are on Buddhist stupa style. A large number of small, medium and large sixe minarets and arches represent Islamic architecture. While the building’s shape gives a reflection of Gothic architecture, the front view of its building is like the University of Aligarh of India. However, Islamic architecture is more visible in Islamia College’s front view. Its Islamic architecture is more close to the Gordon College, Khartoum, Sudan. The image of the main building of Islamia College is printed on the Rs. 1000 currency note.
The Islamia College put its first step on unending journey of knowledge and wisdom on 1st of October 1913, six months after the inauguration of school. Like its unique architecture, its educational curriculum was also unique. It was designed to hand down the benefits of western arts and sciences under the umbrella of Islamic precepts to the people of NWFP and its tribal areas. The Darul Ulum, in this manner, enjoined the two parallel Muslim renaissance movements of late nineteenth century – the Devband and the Aligarh. This gave birth to a new unifield movement towards Muslims reawakening in the northwestern corner of British-India. This new movement was called the Islamia College movement.
Islamia College emerged as a beacon of scientific knowledge and torchbearer of supreme ethical and religious values. Nearly a century long journey, the college has become an icon of academic par excellence. Its motto is “Rab-I-Zidni Ilma” (O Lord, enhance me in knowledge). Allah the Almighty has bestowed His special blessing on this Darul Ulum. The college, which began its educational voyage with just 33 students in 1913, after 100 years of its sailing has more than 9500 students today. It has sent to practical field more than 80,000 students so far, who are serving the country and the nation.
Modernity came hand-in-hand to this area with the establishment of Islamia College in 1913. The Indian Postal and Telegraph Department established a post-cum-telegraph office near Islamia College in early 1914. The college authorities granted two rooms to the post office in 1915 to cater the communication needs of around 300 Islamian campus residents. This post office was shifted to Khyber House in 1917, when a market was emerged here, which is commonly known today as Coffee Shop Bazaar. This post office has been lifted to the status of Post Mall today.
An institution which went on spreading enlightenment and fragrance of knowledge and wisdom in 1913 with only ten teachers, today have more than 150 teachers of whom twenty-five have Ph.D degrees while twenty-two teachers have M.Phil degrees. Twenty-four teaching departments have been accommodating more than 9500 students at intermediate, degree and post-degree level. An educational institution is a place where if any thing is most needed it is discipline. It teaches students the value of time, it infuses in them a spirit of doing things systematically and it also builds the character of individuals.
Libraries are treasurers and storehouses of knowledge and wisdom. The new portion hosts most modern books on a large number of subjects. The Islamia College library has seen a steady growth in its collection of books. Around 1930, its oriental collection of books multiplied many times when a handsome amount of thirty thousand rupees was sanctioned. In 1963-64, the collection of books rose to forty thousand. The total number of books in this library went up to seventy-five thousands in 1988. Today, the library houses more than eighty-five thousand books.
At present, Islamia College library is among the finest libraries of this region after burning down and theft of libraries in Kabul because of civil war in Afghanistan. However, a good number of books on Afghanistan, NWFP and its tribal belt, with their first editions, both printed in Great Britain and Kabul, are available in the Islamia College library.
Like academics, the performance of Islamia College students in sports has always been superb. The college gave two captains to Pakistan National Hockey Team. Its Brigadier Hameedi steered Pakistan to victory against India in Hockey in the Rome Olympics 1960. Late Qazi Mohib also remained the captain of Pakistan national squad in Hockey for many years in 1980’s.
Khyber Union Hall is the epicenter of co-curricular activities on Islamia College campus. It had now become a relic of students’ union days. The Islamians elected body used to be called Khyber Union and it continued to  function from 1921 to 1983 until the students unions elections were declared illegal in the educational institutions.
The Khyber Union has so far granted honorary life-membership to a number of distinguished personalities in different fields of life. They are Sir Mian Mohammad Shafi (1922), Nawab Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qaiyum Khan (1922), Sir Shuja-ul-Mulk, Mether of Chitral (1924), Khan Bahadur Mian FAzli Hussain, education minister, government of India (1925), Shah Wali Khan, Afghan Ambassador to Great Britain (1929), Prince Azam Jah of Hyderabad Deccan, India (1930), Shahzada Muazzam Jah of Deccan (1930), Sir Ralph Griffith, governor of NWFP (1934), Khalida Adeeb Khanum, a prolific writer of Turkey (1935), Sir Abdur Rahim, president of legislative assembly (1935), Muhammad Ali Jinnah, President of All India Muslim League (1936), Jawaher Lal Nahru, President of Indian National Congress (1937), Mahatama Gandhi (1938), His Highness Muhammad Nasirul Mulk, Mehter of Chitral (1938), Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1939), Sir Akbar Hydari (1940), His Highness Nawab Hamidullah Khan, Nawab of Bhopal (1942), Sir George Cunningham, governor of NWFP (1943), Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, communication minister, government of India (1947), Alhaj Khawja Nazimuddinn, governor-general of Pakistan (1948), FAzlur Rehman, education minister, government of Pakistan (1949), Dr. Mahud Hussain, education advisor, government of Pakistan (1949), His Majesty Mohammad Raza Shah Pehlvi of Iran (1950), Mir Laiq Ali, former prime minister, Hyderabad Deccan (1951), Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt (1952), Sardar Abdur Rashid Khan, chief minister of NWFP (1954), Qurban Ali Khan, governor of NWFP (1955), Khan Abdul Qayyum Khan, chief minister NWFP (1956), Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah (1962) and Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, Pakistan’s nuclear scientist (2002).
The students and teachers of Islamia College have always felt themselves indebted to their alma mater. The first tribute to the dignified building of Islamia College came from Mrs. Tipping, the wife of British Principal of the college, Professor. L. Tipping in 1913. An oil painting made by her of this college is a masterpiece of painting today. The photograph/CD of this is being sent for issue of commemorative stamp.
The lush green Campus of Islamia College is virtually like a paradise. The barren piece of land on which Islamia College was established in 1913 has turned into a grassy and flowery garden on a 300 acres area in the course of time. When breeze blows across Islamia College, it spreads fragrance all around of knowledge, enlightenment and affection. Its tall trees kissing the forehead of skies tell the story of those who dedicated their lives in turning a desert into an oasis. A few yards away along the western gate of Islamia College are standing two giant trees of Salmalia (Sumbul). Therse are the forerunners of a queue of lofty Pistacia, Plantanus (Chinar), Ficus Relgiosa (Peepal) and Shesham trees on Islamia campus. The vast grassy grounds with multiple coloures eye-catching flower lanes at their boundaries lend Islamia College landscape a touch of heaven.
Islamia College is proud to have a galaxy of old guards who take keen interest in the well being of the college, its academics and other kinds of co-curricular activities. This gamut of former students is called Senior Alumni Association of Islamia College. It reorganized its work in the year 2000. More than 650 former students of the college are its members. The Senior Alumni is playing a very important and serious role in financially assisting the deserving and academically outstanding students in the pursuit of knowledge. It grants 150 scholarships from its NWFP and Islamabad chapter resources annually since 2000. Alot a total of Rs.4428000 has so for been contributed by SAA towards students welfare. The Senior Alumni is also working on compiling a comprehensive history of the Islamia College Peshawar to be published on centenary celebrations of Islamia College in 2013. Some of the illustrious personalities of ICP are one president Ghulam Ishaq Khan to Islamic Republic of Pakistan and 9 Governors to Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. Such as Col Khurshid Sahibzada, Mr. Aslam Khattak, Mr. Hayat Muhammad Khan Sherpao, Arbab Sikandar Khan Khalil, Maj Gen (R). Khurshid Ali Khan, Comdr Khalil ur Rehman, Lt Gen (R). Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai and Lt Gen (R). Imranullah Khan Ex Governor Balochistan.
It was the heartiest desire of Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qaiyum Khan – the Sir Syed of Sarhad – that the Darul Ulum should become a university one day. He expressed this desire while welcoming the new NWFP Governor Sir Hamilton Grant on 20th December 1919 on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the College. No authentic historical record is available to answer as to why this desire of Nawazada S. A. Qaiyum remained unfulfilled. However, after the creation of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Islamia College for the last time in his life in April 1948. He promised a university here. His trusted lieutenant, Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan fulfilled this promise by inaugurating University of Peshawar in October 1950. The government of Pakistan kept intact the historic status of Islamia College and allocated university in its immediate neighborhood.
However, the Islamians – both old and new boys and teachers, continued their struggle for up gradation of their college to university level so as to pay homage and tribute to its founders who also thought of a university on the ICP campus. Their efforts, particularly, of Senior Alumni, bore fruit on December 4, 2007, when after 94 years of the establishment of Islamia College, found the status of a public sector university.
The former NWFP governor, Lt.-Gen. (retired) Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai and the then provincial caretaker chief minister, Engineer Shamsul Mulk, both old Islamians, deserve special thanks for taking up seriously the matter of upgrading ICP to university level. The groundwork in the direction of turning ICP into ICUP was carried out during the Principalship of Professor Dr. Nisar Muhammad Nisar, who also deserves equal appreciation from Islamians.
The Islamia College Peshawar came up to its age in September 2007 with the launching of its girls section under the administrative and academic competence of Professor Nisar Muhammad Nisar. The introduction of female education on a campus which remained reserved for males for around a century was certainly an uphill task. But the efforts of a century for enlightenment in a traditions-bound society anyhow made inroads.
On Completion of 100 years of Islamia College Peshawar, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs..8/- denomination on May 30, 2013.

Men of Letters Series Syed Zamir Jafri (1916-1999) 2013-11

Men of Letters Series Syed Zamir Jafri (1916 – 1999) Commemorative Postage Stamp May 29, 2013:- Syed Zamir Jafri (1^st January 1916-12 May 1999) was born in Chak Abdul Khaliq near Dina, district Jhelum. He was a legendary poet with unique poetic diction and fresh ideas. A scholar and trendsetter in humorous poetry in tandem with serious poetry. He was a true patriot who effectively made his pen a source of preaching the message of peace and love for mankind. His writing are a valuable asset of Urdu literature. He has on his credit over 70 published books of poetry and prose, which represent a varied range of creative works.

Syed Zamir Jafri was a renowned humorist, columnist, broadcaster and telecaster wrote in Urdu, Punjabi and English. In addition to original works, he also translated into Urdu verse “Malay Folk Lore” (Pantuns) of Malaysia, along with a few poems from Nazar-ul-Islam (Bangali) and translations from the monumental Punjabi classic, the “Saif-ul-Malook”. As a humorist, he had his stamp of his own, making him the most sought after poet in poet recitals (Mushiara) within the country and abroad. As a Co-Editor, he was responsible for production of the “Urdu Punch” the most sophisticated and esteemed journal of Urdu humour. After graduating from Islamia College Lahore, he started his career as a journalist in Lahore but soon after joined the Royal Indian Army War Propaganda Directorate when the Second World War started. After serving at the headquarters in Delhi he was posted in the Far East. After independence, he continued to serve in the Education Corps of Pakistan Army and participated in the 1948 Kashmir liberation and 1965 Indo-Pak War. He held various staff and field assignments including Pakistan Military Academy and Inter Service Public Relations Directorate. In 1965 he retired from the Army as a Major and thereafter, was appointed as the first Director Public Relations of Capital Development Authority (CDA). He remained on this post for over fifteen years and had the honour of naming the roads and residential / commercial sectors of the new capital. He then served on contract assignments as the Deputy Director General of Pakistan National Centre and then as Advisor to the Chief Commissioner Afghan Refugees and lastly as the Chief Editor in Academy of Letters.

Syed Zamir Jafri wrote serious and humorous poetry, but his letter form of writing gained more popularity and recognition. He had knack of combining serious and even grim facts with humour. He seldom used irony, burlesque or horse laughter in his writings; but brought within its level of pure humour, apparently non serious, and some time nonsensical as defined in literary criticism. His poetic process can be seen at its best in his most popular collection “Mafiz-Zamir”. This anthology presents Syed Zamir Jafri as a cultured and sophisticated humourist.

Syed Zamir Jafri paints environment from an objective point of view, which reflects his subjective response to it. His inspiration by his passion for reform is evident but his satire is not very loud. This is illustrated in the poetic journey he traversed from 1947 to 1974. During this period, he had become a very popular poet who was invited to Mushairas in Pakistan and abroad – to India, countries of Europe, Middle East and North America. He was awarded with the Tamgha-e-Quaid-e-Azam in 1967 and the President’s Pride of Performance in 1985 in recognitions of his services in the field of Urdu literature.

Syed Zamir Jafri was also famous for his serious poetry. His collection titled, “Kalyan” comprises ghazals and short poems. They deal with the experiences of love and personal relations, besides th social and class relationships. His greatest contribution in serious poetry consists of national songs (Tranas), which he wrote at different national occasions. He was thus looked upon as an important poet who is patriotic and loyal to the country. He declined the acceptance of the “Akbar Allahabadi Cash Award” announced by India in 1990 as a protest against Indian atrocities in the Indian-held Kashmir. He also wrote some prose books but most of all, the prized ones were his diaries written from his student days till his demise. He thus followed old poetic models, with almost perfect command over the Urdu language. He developed a catholic taste for poetry of various kinds and different poetic rhythms in numerous forms. Syed Zamir Jafri died on 12 May 1999 in New York, USA, leaving behind his unmatched work for lovers of Urdu literature. His services in blending the art of serious and humorous poetry in Urdu language will always be remembered. “Syed Zamir Jafri Foundation” was formed soon after his death to preserve and promote his literary works.

On Men of Letters Series Syed Zamir Jafri, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on May 29, 2013.

Pioneers of Freedom Series Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V. (1904-1966) 2013-10

Pioneers Of Freedom Series Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V (1904 – 1966) Commemorative Postage Stamp May 24, 2013:- General Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V 29, September 1904 – 24 May 1966) was the Nawab, and later Amir, of Bahawalpur State from 1907 to 1966. He became the Nawab on the death of his father, when he was only three years old. A Council of Regency, with Sir Rahim Bakhsh as its President, ruled on his behalf until 1924. The Nawab served as an officer with the Indian Army, fighting in the Third Afghan War (1919) and commanding forces in the Middle East during the Second World War. In August 1947, the Nawab received the title of Amir of Bahawalpur, acceding his State to the Dominion of Pakistan a month later. In 1955, the Amir was promoted to General in the Pakistan Army and merged his state into West Pakistan. He died in 1966, aged 61. Under his rule Bahawalpur State comprised an area larger than Denmark or Belgium. By 1947 Bahawalpur State’s institutions, largely set up by successive British advisors with support from the rulers, consisted of departments run by trained civil servants; there was a Ministerial Cabinet headed by a Prime Minister; the State Bank was the Bank of Bahawalpur with branches outside the State also, including Karachi; there was a high court and lower courts; a trained police force and an army commanded by officers trained at the Royal Indian Military Academy Dehra Dhoon. Nawab had a keen interest in education, which was free till A-level and the State’s Government provided scholarships of merit for higher education not only for its own citizens but also brilliant Muslim students of whole India. In 1951, the Nawab donated 450 acres in Bahawalpur for the construction of Sadiq Public School. Nawab was known for his relationship with the Quaid-i-Azam, Founder of Pakistan.

Early Life:- Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi was born at Doulat Khan, Bahawalpur on 29 September 1904, the only son and heir of Haji Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi V, Nawab of the state of Bahawalpur. When only two and a helf, his father fell ill and died while at sea off the Adencoast, on 15 February 1907, leaving Sadiq as ruler of Bahawalpur. He was educated at Aitchision College, Lahore. At the age of 15, Sadiq fought in the Third Afghan War in 1919, was knighted in 1922 when he reached his majority and was invested with the throne two years later by Lord Reading. In 1929 he visited Egypt and was a guest of the King. Very fond of cars, he bought a Rolls Royce Phantom car, one of the two Cars on display at the Cairo Show. Here he contracted a marriage with an Ottoman princess, divorcing one of his previous wives. He signed the Muslim marriage certificate (Niqahu) on 6 October 1929. Sadiq valued education and cultural sophistication in women, but Princess Hamide Nermin Nezahat Sultan lacked these. She had receivd no formal education but was skilled in needlework and liked playing card games. She could read and write, but only in Turkish and French. Princess Hamide Nermin Nezahat Sultan was considered gentle, virtuous, and docile, that made her a suitable candidate for Sadiq. After the first meeting, Sadiq was extremely disappointed with his new bride. He found HIH Princess Hamide Nermin Nezahat Sultan humorless and boring. After two years, the marriage ended in divorce.

Ruler of Bahawalpur:- The Bahawalpur State under his rule was considered to be an important sovereign state in Sub Continent. The Bahawalpur State had a special privilege as it was larger than some states of the present time like Lebanon, Kuwait, Israel and Denmark in respect of area. Its population was two times more than the total population of United Arab Emirates. Its rulers also enjoyed special protocol and titles conferred by the British since 1866 as they were accorded 17 canons salute and had special access to the Viceroy  of British India Bahawalpur state also had a separate mint to cast coins for its public and the facility remained intact until 1940. The British Government extablished a Regency Council under the supervision of Maulvi Sir Rahim Bakhsh until the minor Nawab grew up as a young man. This Council was responsible for state administration. Special attention was paid to the education and upbringing of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan (V). He started his education from Atchison College, Lahore and completed in England. He had an aptitude for military affairs and achieved several military titles, conferred on him by the British Empire. The Viceroy of India, Reading awarded total authority of the state administration to Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan (V) on March 8, 1924.

Sir Sadiq continued his military career in the British Indian Army, which he had begun as a Lieutenant in 1921; by 1932 he was a Major, by 1941 a Lieutenant Colonel, commanding troops in the Middle East during the Second World War. Since 1921, he had also been a Member of the Chamber of Princes, and since 1940, a member of the Indian Defance Council. Promoted to Major-General in 1946, the following year, on 15 August 1947, Sir Sadiq was promoted to the title of Amir of Bahawalpur. He accepted to the Dominion of Pakistan a month later.

Later Life and Death:- After Partition of Sub Continent Nawab proved to be very helpful and generous to the government of Pakistan. He gave seventy million rupees to the government and the salaries of all the government departments for one month were also drawn from the treasury of Bahawalpur State. He gifted his private property to the University of the Punjab, King Edward Medical College and the Mosque of Aitchison College, Lahore. At the time of partition all the princely states of the subcontinent were given a choice to join either Pakistan or India. For convincing Nawab to join India, Pandit Nehru went to him while he was in London and offered various incentives in this regard but he didn’t accept them. On 5^th October 1947 he signed an agreement with the Government of Pakistan according to which Bahawalpur State joined Pakistan. Thus the State of Bahawalpur was the first state that joined Pakistan. The main factor was of course the Islamic sentiments of the Muslims who were in majority in the Bahawalpur State. Moreover, Nawab and Quaid-i-Azam were close friends and they had great respect for each other even before the creation of Pakistan. The Ameer of Bahawalpur Refugee Relief and Rehabilitation Fund was instituted in 1947 for providing a central organization for the relief of the refugees. The Quaid acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Bahawalpur State for the rehabilitation of the refugees.

Nawab Sadiq was a visionary and had clear strategies for the development of economy and human resource in his state. Sutlej valley projected was one of the greatest gift by NawabSir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbassi to the State of Bahawalpur. In 1921 Sectetary of the State suggested the Sultlej valley project. The great Sutlej Valley Project brought under plough a very large area of Cholistan desert. Nawab was liberal in grant of land and educational scholarships to Muslims from other parts of India which brought instant benefits to the state as well as the Indian population at large in their dark days of backwardness in British India.

In 1953, Sir Sadiq represented Pakistan at the installation of Faisal II of Iraq and at the coronation of Elizabeth II. In 1955 an accord was signed between Nawab sadiq Muhammad and Govornor General Ghulam Muhammad Malik according to which Bahawalpur State became the part of the province of West Pakistan and de facto Nawab began to receive yearly stipend of 32 lakh rupees, maintained the title of Nawab and protocol inside and outside Pakistan. In May 1966 Nawab Sadiq died in London which ended his 59 years long reign. His dead body was brought to Bahawalpur and was buried in his ancestral graveyard of Derawer Fort. His eldest son Haji Muhammad Abbas Khan Abbasi Bahadur succeeded his title of Nawab of Bahawalpur, but with none administrative power.

On Pioneers of Freedom Series Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on May 24, 2013.

Pakistan General Election 2013 (2013-09)

General Election – 2013 Commemorative Postage Stamp May 11, 2013:- Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows eligible citizens to participate equally – either directly or through elected representatives in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. The nature of democracy is that elected officials are accountable to the people, and they must return to the voters at prescribed intervals to seek their mandate to continue in office. For that reason most democratic constitutions provide that elections are held at fixed regular intervals. An election is a formal decision making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office. Electoral systems are the detailed constitutional arrangements and voting systems that convert the vote into political decision.

2.            A critical element in maintaining election integrity is sound management of elections by a credible election management body. To be credible, the electoral administration has to be impartial and have the institutional capacity to hold free and fair elections. In a well-entrenched democracy, the institution that administers elections is usually taken for granted. It is universally accredited fact that an election is not only  the largest and most complex logistical operation that a country ever undertakes in peacetime, but also one that may affect the nature of the government and society at a fundamental level. An operation of such magnitude requires both professional managers and skilled technicians.

3.            In view of the above, it is worth mentioning here that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is fully cognizant of its constitutional obligations towards conduct of free, fair and transparent elections and in this regard, ECP is determined to take each and every step to achieve this goal. ECP has introduced many reforms in the electoral process because electoral reform describes the process of introducing fair electoral systems where they are not in place, or improving the fairness or effectiveness of existing systems. ECP has taken the initiative and decided to efficaciously plan various phases of elections right from the preparation of electoral rolls up to the introduction of state of the art electoral technologies in the electoral process. This decision is, without any exaggeration, a right step at right time in the right direction with Right leadership at the helm of affairs.

4.            After the dissolution of assemblies, the ECP issued schedule for the General Elections 2013 according to which polling will be held on 11-05-2013. After the promulgation of 18^th Amendments, permanent independent Election Commission was constituted and General Elections-2013 is the first election which is being conducted by permanent Election Commission. ECP has taken a number of steps for the conduct of free and fair elections in the country and forthcoming elections will be unique in many aspects and nation is going to witness tangible change in the electioneering process in the country, a brief epitome of which is as under:

a.       Issuance of various unprecedented directives amply depicts the resolve of ECP for the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections.

b.      Availability of an authentic and credible voters’ list is one of the pre-requisites for holding free, fair and transparent elections in Ge-2013, first time in the history of Pakistan, fully computerized electoral rolls with photograph will be used.

c.       With the consultant of all stakeholders, ECP has finalized Code of Conduct for the political parties and contesting candidates.

d.      First time in the history of Pakistan, Result Management System has been  introduced which is being used by all Returning Officers.

e.      ECP has launched SMS service whereby voter’s information including name, serial number at which his/her name is written in the electoral rolls and the name and location of the polling station will be provided to voters. This voting information can be obtained by each voter by sending his/her CNIC number on “8300”.

f.        The Judicial Officers have been appointed as District Returning Officers / Returning Officers.

g.       Two-members monitoring team in each national assembly constituency and its corresponding provincial assembly constituencies have been deployed with a mandate to report to the DRO / RO regarding violation of code of conduct and teams will also assess the election expenses in respect of each contesting candidate during campaign period.

h.      The DROs/ROs have been invested with special powers of Magistrate First Class enabling them to consider and initiate action on the reports of the monitoring teams, fix the responsibility and impose appropriate penalty on the violators through summary trials.

i.         Allowing observation of election process by national and International observers enhances the transparency in the election process. ECP has welcomed National and International observers to observe the campaign period, polling day proceedings and post-poll election process.

j.        Identification cards with photograph are being issued to the presiding officer of each polling station which he will be obliged to wear on his chest during the polling process.

k.       ECP has decided to use ‘Tamper-evident bag’ for sending result of count at the polling station on Form-XIV by the Presiding Officer to the Returning Officer and for transmitting the consolidated result in Form-XVI and XVII to the ECP by the Returning Officer.

l.         In each district, a contingency plan has been prepared by the District Police Officer by categorizing polling stations in category-A (most sensitive), category-B (sensitive) and category-C (normal). Police efforts of maintaining law and order in teach constituency will be reinforced by deploying Rangers / FC at sensitive polling stations. In addition, the army personnel will also be deployed at the polling stations wherever required.

m.    In order to ensure quick disposal of election petitions in accordance with law, retired District & Sessions Judges have been appointed as Election Tribunals who will dispose of election petitions by hearing the same on day to day basis.

n.      Effective and transparent mechanisms for dealing with complaints promote the accountability of the electoral management body and can assists in enhancing the acceptability of election outcomes by political participants and the public in general. Hence, ECP has devised complaint managements systems through which complaints are being managed on fast track basis.

o.      In context of alleged complaints of bogus voting in the polling stations during previous elections, the ECP has decided that the electoral rolls with photographs will be used during General Elections 2013.These electoral rolls will be provided to the presiding officers and voters will also be required to put their thumb impression in the blank column adjacent to their photograph.

p.      For the purpose of imposing thumb impressions, magnetized ink will be used which is well known for its security features and clarity of thumb impressions. The electoral rolls with photograph and thumb impressions will help facilitate smooth conduct of poll and it will also help the election tribunals to resolve the election disputes regarding bogus voting at the polling stations as these electoral rolls can be used for Automatic Fingerprint Analysis System (AFIS).

On the occasion of General Election-2013, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on May 11, 2013.

Recipients of Nishan-e-Haider & Hilal-e-Kashmir (2013-8)

Commemorative Postage Stamps on Recipients of Nishan-E-Haider and Hilal-I-Kashmir April 2013:- Captain Karnal Sher Khan (Shaheed) Nishan-E-Haider 5 July 1999:- Captain Karnal Sher Khan was born on 1 January 1970 in Faujoon Abad, a small village of Nawan Kali district Swabi. His grandfather had a dream that Sher Khan would be an Army officer, so he used to call him ‘Karnal’ which later on became part of his name. He started his military career in 1987 as an Airman in Pakistan Air Force and served there for five years. He was commissioned in Pakistan Army in October 1994. After receiving training at Pakistan Military academy, Kakul, he was posted to 27 Sind Regiment. During his deputation to Northern Light Infantry (NLI) he volunteered for the defence of his motherland, therefore, he was posted to the Line of Control (LOC) for two years. Before ‘Kargil Operation’ he established military posts on the snow hidden peaks of Gultary, some 15,000-17,000 feet above sea level. The enemy attacked his post eight times and he inflicted severe casualties upon them every time. On 5 July 1999, the enemy launched a two pronged attack on his post and fired approximately 12,500 round of ammunition. Captain Karnal Sher Khan was not only a valiant soldier but also an intelligent commander. He created an impression of a Brigade’s presence by making use of small contingents of soldiers. He himself took an active part in the battle when enemy captured a part of his post. Despite sheer shortage of ammunition and men, Captain Karnal Sher Khan repulsed the enemy back to their territory. He was hit in the chest by a burst of enemy machine-gun and embraced ‘Shahadat’ in action. In recognition of his unbending determination and valour he was awarded Nishan-e-Haider posthumously.

Havildar Lalak Jan (Shaheed Nishan-e-Haider 7 July 1999:- Havildar Lalak Jan was born at village Hindur in Yasin Valley of Gilgit in 1967. He joined Northern Light Infantry (NLI) as a Sepoy. Lalak Jan set an example of gallantry and unwavering determination during Kargil crises. In May 1999 the enemy was preparing for a major ground attack. At that time Lalak Jan, while serving in the NLI Headquarters, volunteered to fight on the front. During the last week of June 1999 enemy launched a powerful battalion size night attack on his post. During fighting he displayed extremely brave behavior thus raising the morale of his colleagues. The action forced the enemy to retreat leaving behind heaps of carcasses. The next night, the enemy again attacked but was made ineffective. On 7 July 1999 the enemy kept on firing with artillery throughout the day and launched a three pronged attack at night on his post. He along with his colleagues withstood this attack despite sustaining severe injuries and repulsed it. Finally he embraced ‘Shahadat’ while fighting on his post. In recognition of his exemplary gallantry and passion for ‘Shahadat’ he was awarded Nishan-e-Haider posthumously.

Naik Saif Ali Janjua (Shaheed) Hilal-I-Kashmir 26 October 1948:- Number 68275 Naik Saif Ali Janjua was born in 1922 at Village Khandar, Post Office Nakyal, Kashmir. He was enrolled in the army on 18 March 1941. Naik Saif Ali Janjua was commanding an isolated platoon of 18 Azad Kashmir at Pir Kaleva (Mendhar Sector) on 26 October 1948 and was holding a vital position. The enemy put in an attack with approximately one Infantry Brigade supported by tanks, artillery and air force. This brave Non Commissioned Officer with his handful of men held the position against very heavy fire power with outstanding and dauntless courage. Despite being isolated, he was determined to fight till last man and last bullet. His personal example and personality kept the other men clining to the position till he was finally blown to pieces by a direct shell from the enemy artillery. Naik Saif Ali Shaheed was awarded Hilal-i-Kashmir (highest Azad Jammu and Kashmir operational award) posthumously on 2 March 1949. The same was equated with Nishan-e-Haider by Government of Pakistan vide gazette notification No. 1/18/D/25/91 of 30 Nov 1995.

To Commemorate the recipients of Nishan-e-Haider and Hilal-i-Kashmir, Pakistan Post is issuing Three Commemorative Postage Stamps each of Rs. 8/- denomination on April 30, 2013.

Inauguration of Pak Army Museum. (2013-7)

Inauguration of Pak Army Museum: Commemorative Postage Stamp April 30, 2013:- The Army Museum was established in 1961 in an improvised warehouse near General Headquarters for preserving and chronicling Pakistan Army’s history. Construction of a new museum building in the existing location on Iftikhar Janjua Road, Rawalpindi, was completed in December 1993. Over a period of time, a need was felt to renovate and refurbish the museum for depicting our military history in a yet more chronological manner while making the displays more attractive and interesting for visitors. Renovation and refurbishment activity commenced in 2010 and the project his pecently been completed.

The theme of Pakistan Army Museum is to tell the story of the Pakistan Army with reference to its historical background, birth, reconstitution and re-organization, wars, alarms and excursions and peace time services to the nation.

The museum’s first floor lobby takes the visitor through a Time Line covering important happenings and personalities of the past. Pakistan Army’s command structure is depicted through General Headquarters, field formations and paramilitary forces’ insignias, formation signs and flags. Brief histories of these institutions including raising details, original order of battle, areas of responsibility, particulars of commanders besides decorative displays relating to these personalities and their activities give an insight to visitors regarding the army’s composition.

The drawn of Independence on 14 August 1947 and the birth of Pakistan Army are also depicted in the lobby. Transformation from Headquarters Northern Command (Army in India) to General Headquarters (Pakistan Army), evacuation and management of refugees, Quaid-e-Azam’s interaction with Pakistan Army and Indo-Pak Kashmir War of October 1947 – January 1949 have been covered through map enlargements, photographs, archival documents, gazetteers, orders, instructions and table models.

Border violations, skirmishes and 1965 Indo-Pakistan War are covered in the western two galleries. Prominent depictions include Nishan-e-Haider awardees Major Muhammad Tufail Shaheed and Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed’s actions and martyrdom. Major operations covered are of Rann of Kutch, battles of Chhamb, Lahore, Khem Karan and Sialkot including destruction of Indian armour at the battle of Chawinda, and Rajasthan Sector.

The southern gallery is devoted to the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, Lipa Valley action, Siachin and Kargil operations. Computer generated special effects, paintings, map enlargements and photographs of Shuhda, fabrications and models give a scintillating portrayal of Nishan-e-Haider awardees Major Muhammad Akram, Captain karnal Sher Khan, Havaldar Lalak Jan, Naik Mahfooz and Sowar Muhammad Hussain actions, and Lt Col Raja Muhammad Akram Hilal-e-Jurat’s action on Bara Pind. Lipa Valley action, battle of Zafarwal, attack and capture of Chammb are also depicted here. War on the roof of the world covering heliborne operations, beating back enemy infantry attacks on Kargil peaks, downing of enemy fighter aircrafts in that treacherous terrain and battling the forces of nature while in an igloo are also included in this gallery.

War on terror, Army in aid of civil power, disaster management, nation building & United Nations Peace Keeping operations are the subject matter of the next gallery. Operations in Swat, Malakand and South Waziristan are depicted through maps, photographs, captured equipment and weapons. Pakistan Army’s contribution and actions in United Nations peace keeping operations and during major disasters such as Earthquake of 2005, floods in various parts of the country and air crashes, development of infrastructure through organizations like National Logistic Cell, Frontier Works Organization, Special Communication Organization, Fauji Foundation, Heavy Industries Taxila, Pakistan Ordancnce Factories etcetera are also reflected through photographs and displays.

A Celestial Galaxy of Gallantry Awardees is the theme of another gallery in which displays in galaxy format of portraits, citations and personal effects of Nishan-e-Haider awardees, photographs, citations and gallantry awards recipients down to Tamgha-e-Basalat have been laid out.

Two galleries are dedicated to Firearms Collection which includes displays muskets, rifles, hand guns, regulation rifles, sub machine guns, medium machine guns, heavy machine guns, light and heavy mortars, anti-tank rocket launchers and anti-tank guided missiles etcetera.

Researchers can also avail the facilities of an Archives / Research Room.

A thrilling band display takes place on selected days in the museum’s court yard.

The first floor of the museum has been dedicated to Regiments and Corps displays.

The verandahs and open spaces also have on display assorted displays of paintings, portraits, photos, sculptures, artifacts, old regimental signs and insignias and kiosks for guidance of visitors.

A chronologically laid out outdoor display of armoured fighting vehicles from the first tank of Pakistan Army till to date i.e. Ferret Scout Car to M4 Stuart to M4A1 Sherman to M48 etcetera, field and anti-aircraft guns, howitzers, engineers equipment and jeeps, some of which are captured war trophies, adorn the western and rear area of the museum.

On the occasion of inauguration of Pakistan Army Museum, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 15/- denomination on April 30, 2013.

Men of Letters Series "Sufi Barkat Ali" (1911-1997) 2013-06

Men of Letters Series: Sufi Barkat Ali (1911 – 1997) Commemorative Postage Stamp April 27, 2013:- Birth And Bay’at-e-Tareeqat:- Name of the great saint is Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A Rehma-ulla Alain). The filial appellation is “Abu Anees” (father of Anees – his daughter).

He was born on 27^th Rabi-ul-Sani 1329^th HIjra Thursday, (27^th April 1911) at Barhami District Ludhiana. He belongs to Dhariwal, jat family. His honourable father’s name is Hazrat Nigahi Baksh (R.A) and respected mother’s name is Hazrat Jannat Bibi (R.A). His father served in the British Army. He took his bay’at at the hands of Shah-e-Walayat, Hakeem Ameer-ul-Hasan Saharanpuri (R.A).

Childhood:- Since childhood, Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A) was inclined towards virtue. By nature, he was a sober person and he loved solitude. He learnt the Holy Quran in his own village and, afterwards, went to Halwara for his formal education. He had the distinction of building the first mosque in his village.

Selection in Army:- Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A) joined the army and became an officer as per the desire of his father. He got recruitment in the British army on 9^th April 1930. After passing the Indian Army special education course, he was selected as a Y-Cadet. His Corps Commander Genral Veitch, was a great admirer of him because of his sterling qualities, modest nature and graceful personality. He treated him as a friend. Even amongst the common youth he was known for his graceful personality. He often quoted the example of his noble character and disposition to other officers. He treated him with respect and dignity, so much that he abstained from eating and drinking during the holy month of Ramdan in order to show respect to him.

Resignation from the Army:- If Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali had stayed in the army, he would have been promoted to the rank of a genral. However, he preferred to be a FAqeer (a dervish) of Allah by sacrificing everything. To commence his journey towards the auspicious and righteous path of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) he resigned from the army on 22^nd June 1945 911 Rajab-ul-Murajjab 1364 A.H.

He discarded his army uniform, wore simple sufi tunic and declared: “I am no more an employee of the British Government but am a servant of Allah.

Three Main Objectives:- As soon as Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A) was released from the army, he renounced the world and what it contained and announced to spend the rest of his life for achieving the following three holy objectives for the sake of Allah the Almighty”.

·         Constant Zikr of Allah the Almight.

·         The invitation to and the spread of Islam.

·         Selfless service of humanity.

Migration to Pakistan:- He migrated to Pakistan on the 14^th of August 1947. He finally arrived at Salar Wala, where he was allotted a piece of land (in lieu of his ancestral agricultural land left in India). This piece of land was located near Salar Wala railway station. He put in nearly forty years of continuous struggle to transform this place into a heavenly complex consisting of a huge beautiful mosque, a Quran-e-Kareem Mahal, a hospital, a library and a minaret as a monument to the momory of Asahab-e-Babar.

Final Migration to Camp Dar-ul-Ehsan:- Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A) migrated to camp Dar-ul-Ehsan in 1984 from his abode at Salar Wala. The place was soon transformed into something that looked like a land of peace. Quran Kareem mahal, offices of Dar-ul-Ehsan library, almshouse (Langar) and medical centre were constructed rapidly. He named this place as “Almustafeez Dar-ul-Ehsan” and “Camp Dar-ul-Ehsan”. He chose to stay here for the rest of his life and after demise.

Zikr-e-Ellahi and Preaching of Islam:- Thousands of his followers are spreading the light of Islam throughout the world. These volunteers are organized into preaching teams / centers. Around six hundred preaching centers have been established in various cities and towns for Zikr-e-liahi and preaching of Islam. Sufi Barkat Ali wrote letters to some of the non-Muslims word leaders inviting them to the fold of Islam. By doing so he revived the Sunnah of Holy Profit (S.A.W).

Service of Humanity:- Hazrat Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A) did full justice with service of humanity besides remembrance of Allah and invitation to and spread of Islam. He gave monthly stipends to the disabled, the deprived, widows, and the poor and needy students. He made special arrangements for the marriage of poor girls. He took special care of prisoners and lepers; and distributed bedding, flour and clothes among the sick and needy at their doorsteps. In addition to these services, he set a peerless example of selfless service to the humanity through the platform of Dar-ul-Hikmat.

The first free ey camp was organized in 1976 and the practice has continued ever since without a break. Unit March 2013, seventy four free eye camps had been organized. 417334 patients had their vision restored through operations. 656952 patients were treated without surgery and 1732 born-blinds also regained vision with his prayers and attention.

Quran-e-Karim Mahal:- His devotion to Allah and his Holy Prophet (S.A.W) is the splendid edifice in the shape of elegant and graceful buildings of Quran-e-Karim Mahal. Old, worn out and musty copies of the Holy Quran are re-bound and preserved in a beautiful manner in the Quran Mahal. Preservation of some very rare and precious handwritten copies are a true and everlasting manifestation of his love for the Holy Quran.

Writings and Compilations:- He was a treasure of knowledge and wisdom. His book “Kitab-ul-Amal bil Sunnah” is a beautiful compilation of authentic “Ahadees”. This voluminous compilation has a high standard of calligraphy and printing. When this book was presented to some of the international leaders on the occasion of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Pakistan in 1974, they expressed their admiration for its high literary value and elegant printing. Learned intellectuals and research scholars are benefiting from this book available in the libraries the world wide.

He wrote hundreds of books which are a precious treasure of knowledge, wisdom and interpretation of Islamic Law. These books are distributed worldwide free of charge. His publications indlude:

·         Makshoofat Manazal-e-Ehsan, 5 volumes

·         Kitab-ul-Amal Bis-Sunnah, 5 volumes

·         Asma-un-Nabi-ul-Kareem, 6 volumes

·         Maqalat-e-Hikmat 30 volumes

·         Zikr-e-Elahi

·         Yusaloona-alan-Nabi

·         Altobato Wal Astaghfar

·         Al-Sammat, 1 volume

·         Jism-ul-wojood Al Barkat Ali

Love for Pakistan:- Sufi Barkat Ali was an ardent follower of Allama Iqbal and a great lover of Pakistan. Always hopeful for the prosperity of Pakistan he had prognosticated great achievement for Pakistan.

Demise and Burial:- No doubt he was deeply immersed in the remembrance of Allah day and night. In this state of meditation, remembrance and gratitude his time to depart from this mortal world to the eternal world came on the 16^th of Ramdhan Ul Mubarik 1417 (26 January 1997) at the time of Zuhar prayers. “Inna Lillah-e-eWa Inna IIaihi Rajioon” (Undoubtedly, we are sent by Allah and have to return to him).

He was buried in the hut of Sabir Sahib (R.A) according to his will. The atmosphere of his mausoleum is illuminated with the auspiciousness of Zikr-e-IIahi and immersed in the fragrance of flowers of Darood-o-Salam (Salutations to the Holy Prophet S.A.W) all the time. The doors of the Darbar of this Faqir are open to all and sundry.

Urs Mubarak:- The Urs Mubarak of Hadrat Abu Anees Sufi Muhammad Barkat Ali Al-Ludhianwi (QSA) is held every year on the 16^th of Ramdan-ul-Mubarak at Camp Dar-ul-Ehsan Chak 242 RB (Faisalabad, Pakistan) with attendance in the tens of thousands.

On Men of Letters Sufi Barkat Ali (1911 – 1997), Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination on April 27, 2013.