Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib is
regarded as the greatest South Asian Poet of Urdu-a language which is widely
used and understood in entire region. He is also a Poet of Persian and a prose
writer both in Urdu and Persian with a unique and distinct style of his own. As
a Persian Poet he is well-known in Iran and Central Asia also. Actually, his
ancestors hailed from Transoxiana, a part of Central Asia and migrated to India
in the middle of the 18th Century some fifty years before his birth. Ghalib
lived in Delhi during the twilight of the Mughal rule in the Sub-Continent as a
Poet and writer was a ture and most authentic representative of the central
tradition of the literary and cultural history of the period.
As the greatest Poet of the 19th
century, Ghalib has not only been a constant subject of literary criticism in
the 20th century but has also attracted wide-spread attention of the common
reader of Urdu who loves, admires and quotes him whenever he can even without
having read or understood him thoroughly. No other Urdu Poet dominates the
literary scene in the same way and lives in the hearts and minds of people as
Ghalib. His charisma as a Poet in the literary world of the Sub-Continent is
unprecedented and unmatched.
Ghalib had a strong personality
and he was conscious of it. This consciousness was responsible for Ghalib's
urge to express himself in his own individual manner. So he deviated from the
tradition of Urdu Poets and gave expression to the thoughts and feelings of his
individual personality rather than to the thoughts and feelings of the
community in general.
Ghalib did not defy tradition but
the carved out a new and different path for himself. As a result he discovered
new realms of thoughts and feelings and endowed new dimensions to the ones
already discovered. He added new shades of meaning to words so much so that a
study of his poetry becomes a veritable exercise in appreciating meanings of
meanings. What he says is of course significant but equally significant is what
he leaves unsaid. He creates a sense of the infinite while dealing with the
finite.
In the last phase of his life
Ghalib the poet became Ghalib the letter writer. The sad music of Ghalib's soul
expressing itself in the other harmony of prose epitomizes not only his
personal mood or temper but in fact the mood and temper of a whole generation
in the period after the great upheaval of 1857 which brought an end to the
Mughal rule in the Sub-Continent.
In short Ghalib's world is a
world inhabitated by intensely human experiences of a lively and rich
personality with a new and refreshing mode of thoughts and feelings. Ghalib was
conscious of his personality but he was not a prisoner of it. He had the
breadth of vision and a catholicity of outlook which enabled him to see beyond
himself. He had a truly sensitive, free and open mind ready to perceive and
imbibe. That is why while Ghalib always remained Ghalib, he could also be you
and me and many others. Like Shake-spear he was not wedded to a particular view
of life nor did he make an attempt to systematise his thinking. He was large as
life and had a real zest for it and a rare insight into it affairs. He was
neither an optimist, nor a pessimist. He was a through-bread realist in his
personal life as well as in his poetry and prose.
On the occasion of 150th Death Anniversary of Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib (Urdu Eminent Poet). Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on February 15, 2019.
The founders of the Crescent
Group established a Not for Profit Trust named the Crescent Educational Trust
in the early 1960's to deliver high quality education to Pakistani youth. They
were of the firm belief that good quality education is crucial for Pakistan's
development into a first world country.
Four brothers, the founders of
the Crescent Group, Mian Fazal Karim, Mian Muhammad Amin, Haji Muhammad Shafi,
and Mian Muhammad Bashir donated funds to the Crescent Educational Trust,
helping establish the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School (CMS). One of the
brothers, Mian Muhammad Amin, was asked to lead this noble venture on behalf of
the family.
Other leading personalities of
Pakistani society, such as Chief Justice Muhammad Munir, Chief Justice Yaqoob
Ali, Dr. Ameer ud Din, Finance Minister Dr. Mubashar Hassan, Chief Minister
Sheikh Manzoor Elahi, and renowned journalists Mr. Hameed Nizami and Mr. Majeed
Nizami joined hands with the founders to help in this noble cause.
They made valuable contributions
with their experience and wisdom, which were instrumental in the success of the
newly born Crescent Model Higher Secondary School which in a short span of time
became a premier educational institution. A modern, high quality campus was designed
by the renowned architect Arif Hasan, and was built under the expert
supervision of Dr. Mubashar Hassan, former Finance Minister of Pakistan.
While the campus was still under
construction, the first batch of students was accommodated in a two room facility
in Gaddafi Stadium in 1968. The school shifted to its permanent campus in
Shadman Colony in 1970.
The highest standards of
education, a low fee structure, a well trained and dedicated faculty, and merit
based, need blind admission policy have always been the hallmark of the
Crescent Model Higher Secondary School. This policy opened the doors of this
high quality school to brilliant Pakistani youngsters, enabling them to compete
on equal footings with students belonging to more affluent families.
The school was fortunate to have
Sheikh Muin ud Din and Ms. Jahan Ara Khan as principal and headmistress of the
school in its early days. The institution benefited enormously from their
dedication, sagacity and wisdom. They established an institutional ethos that
helped in developing "Crescentarians" to become "Game
Changers" for Pakistan in general, and their own families in particular.
Over the last fifty years, our students have built careers in the fields of
education, academia, architecture, business, finance, defence, engineering,
public service, sports and many more.
With a rich history exceeding
fifty years, the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School is the largest not for
profit school in Pakistan. Our student body consists of 7,600 boys and girls pursuing
education following either the Matriculation or the Senior Cambridge
curriculum. We have a modern campus with three auditoriums, well designed
classrooms, science and information technology laboratories, well maintained
playgrounds, a modern swimming pool, and four gymnasiums. We have a finishing
school for girls with foreign certified faculty, a teacher training center, a
school of arts, and a school of music. We have exclusive arrangements for
teaching of Qirat and Naat.
All these facilities enable us to
provide education that helps individuals develop an economically stable life, a
passion for gratitude, compassion, integrity and responsibility. An extensive
range of opportunities and broad spectrum of curriculum provides the large
student population at CMS with a broad knowledge sharing platform, enabling
them to become well rounded responsible citizens.
As a whole, the school has been
providing quality, affordable and accessible education to the community for
over fifty years, preparing both men and women alike to experience economic
growth and a purposeful life. With the "no child left behind" policy,
the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School has graduated agents of positive
change who have helped reduce inequities within our society. Our resolve is
stronger than ever before to meet the challenges of these turbulent times, with
confidence.
On 50 Years of Crescent Model Higher Secondary School, Lahore, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 26, 2018.
Genesis
1. The Genesis of Ghulam Ishaq
Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology goes back to the early
50's when Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan, during his close association with the Water
and Power Development Authority and the Pakistan Industrial Development
Corporation, became acutely aware of Pakistan's dependence on foreign expertise
and imported technology. His frequent interaction with foreign and local
experts led to the idea of a centre of excellence in engineering sciences and
production technology whose standards of education would be comparable to those
of its counterparts in the advanced countries. The transformation of this idea
into a practical proposition took place in December 1985 when the Benevolent
Community Care and Infaq Foundation donated Rs. 50 million for setting up an
Institute, and the Khyber Pakhtun Khwa Government donated 218 acres of land for
its campus.
2. A milestone in the evolution
of the Institute was the registration, in June 1988, of its parent body, namely
the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Sciences and Technology in
Pakistan (SOPREST). Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan, the then President of the Islamic
Republic of Pakistan, was elected President of the Society for life and Mr. H.
U.Baig appointed its honorary Executive Director.
3.The task of conceiving and
formulating the basic form and features of the Institute was entrusted to a
group of eminent scientists and engineers. Civil works at the campus site
started in early 1990. An interim office of the Institute was set up in August
1992 where experienced professionals worked on the educational aims and
philosophy of the Institute, its curricula and details of equipment for its
laboratories and workshops. The ordinance for the establishment of the
Institute was promulgated by the then North Western Frontier Province (Now
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) in March 1993 and the first batch of students entered its
portals in October 1993. It is the first not-for-profit, non-governmental
Institute of its kind in the country and is dedicated to bringing our
engineering education at par with that of advanced countries.
Aims and Objectives
4.The aim of the Institute is to
pursue excellence in education and research by developing appropriate curricula
and teaching practices, acquiring talented faculty and providing an environment
conducive to teaching and learning. Its graduates are expected to possess high
professional competence combined with the humanistic and moral values envisaged
in its Profile of the Graduates. The educational philosophy of the Institute
lays emphasis on training of the mind rather than stuffing it with an inert
body of facts; on expanding the scientific imagination of the students rather
than making them tread well-worn and outmoded grooves of thought. Guided by
such convictions, the Institute educates its students by confronting them with
real-life problems, and inculcating in them a problem-solving approach. They
are encouraged to explore and solve problems, to break new grounds and to
cultivate leadership qualities. Pakistan is on the threshold of a major
breakthrough in the techno industrial fields and needs professionals with
ability and vision to lead the way. The Institute aims at producing such
professionals with a strong base of engineering education and research. It
strives to produce graduates who can upgrade existing technological activities
in the country and in whom professional excellence is inseparable from a
commitment to the national ideals.
5. The Institute has a Board of
Govemors which sits at the apex of the statutory pyramid of the Institute and
its composition is the same as that of the General Council of SOPREST. It has
overall control of the Institute, the powers to create new components of the
Institute such as a school, faculty or any other teaching or research unit, and
to change the constitution of its Executive Committee and Governing Council.
Engr, Shams ul Mulk, HI, Ph.D (hon), D.Sc (Hon), Former Chairman, Water and
Power Development Authority and Former, Chief Minister of NWFP (Now Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa) is the President of the Board. The members consist of eminent
scientists, scholars, engineers and industrialists as founding members.
Chairman, Higher Education Commission, Chairman, Water and Power Development
Authority, Executive Director SOPREST, Secretary Finance Division, Govt. of
Pakistan, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Secretary Law, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa are Ex-officio Members of the Board.
On Silver Jubilee of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, (1993-2018) a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 24, 2018.
1. International Anti-Corruption
day is commemorated on 9th December every year all over the world. It signifies
the day when United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was first
opened for signing at Merida, Mexico in 2003. It is a major milestone in the
global efforts to combat corruption and provides a unique opportunity to create
public awareness against corruption. The day is observed to highlight the
adverse impacts of corruption on humanity.
2. International Anti-Corruption
Day i.e 9th December is gaining more impetus with each passing year as our
society is becoming more aware to the plethora of problems our nation is facing
due to rampant corruption. The recent crusade of the apex court against
corruption and widespread debates and coverage from the media has sensitized
the whole society to the disastrous impacts it has on the development of our
country. The present government is taking bold steps to serve as an example by
practicing good governance, transparency, accountability on economic and
development issues so that we, as Pakistanis start believing in the government.
The improvements in governance will not occur automatically as the development
process unfolds; no virtuous circle will suddenly begin to operate.
3. NAB has intensified its
efforts for raising awareness in the masses in fighting against corruption. The
Bureau is the forerunner in the drive for a corruption free society through
adoption of a holistic three pronged strategy of Awareness, Prevention &
Enforcement. NAB has recovered over Rs. 297 billion since inception and its
efforts have helped Pakistan in moving up the ladder in the (Transparency
International) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) from 126th to 117th (latest
index as of year 2017) position in the community of nations during the last
four years.
4. Pakistan is a developing
country, and it is quintessential that all resources including national kitty
are utilized strictly in accordance with rules and regulations in fair and
transparent manner. NAB is following and advocating policy of zero tolerance
and practicing self-accountability in eradicating Corruption in the country.
5. NAB under section 33C (a) of
NAO 1999 is mandated to educate and advise public authorities, holders of
public office and the community at large on measures to combat corruption and
corrupt practices The Bureau is actively engaging with other public sector
departments and intelligentsia for reforming their systems and regulations in
order to curb the menace of corruption and corrupt practices through the mode
of Prevention Committees. Awareness is aimed at correcting ill habits of
Society through Education and Character Building so as to build public opinion
and will to eradicate Corruption and Corrupt Practices. The major object of
awareness is to transform the social attitude from indifference to abhorrence
against corruption; building anti-corruption coalition; and putting to lime
light various aspects and dimensions of the menace of corruption by raising
awareness and building requisite character traits.
6. NAB as an institution has
played a central role in galvanizing anti-corruption efforts all over the
country, it has become a focal point for people frustrated with our public
sector institutions. The Bureau has developed and introduced an on line
complaint registration system along with dedicated telephone lines for
assistance of general public and complainants, where the grievances of the
citizens are listened very carefully. The Chairman NAB holds public hearings on
the last Thursday of every month wherein he personally hears the complaints of
the public and issues necessary directions for the redressal of their grivances
as law. The Regional Bureaus also hold public hearings for the convenience of
the public on the same pattern as per the advice of the Chairman NAB for
reaching out to the public.
7. The issuance of this
Commemorative Stamp with the support of Pakistan Post on the eve of
International Anticorruption day i.e. December 09, 2018 carrying the message
"United against Corruption for a Prosperous Pakistan" is a step
forward to renew the pledge and commitment of the government against corruption
and for raising awareness of general public about its ill effects and will also
help in the prevention of corruption.
8. Silence perpetuates
corruption; when we have information that can help prevent loss of resources
through corruption or that can assist to bring perpetrators to book. We must
collectively fight, to destroy this cancer that eats deeper into the moral
fabric of our society.
9. Let’s join together, as a
nation, on the eve of International Anti-Corruption day i.e. 9th December, 2018
for renewal of our vows and dedication to the cause of eradication of
corruption from our beloved country so that we leave for our future generations
a better and prosperous Pakistan.
On International Anti-Corruption
Day with the message "United Against Corruption for a Prosperous
Pakistan", a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/-denomination is being
issued by Pakistan Post on December 09, 2018.
International Defence Exhibition
and Seminar (IDEAS) is one of the mega regional events, biennially organized by
Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) under the auspicious of Ministry
of Defence Production of Pakistan. A continuous success story since year 2000,
IDEAS is now an established rendezvous of international defence exhibitors,
high level delegations, security analysts and top ranking policy planners.
Besides exhibiting latest innovations in defence technologies; it is also an
international forum for analytical evaluation of defence and security outlook
of the future through a series of conferences and a capstone seminar.
The history of international
defence exhibitions in Pakistan dates back to 1999 when Pakistan Navy organized
an International Naval Defence Show from 22-25 February 1999 at Karachi. The
event received an overwhelming response and was largely participated by
national and international defence manufacturers and exhibitors. The event
provided an impetus and government of Pakistan decided to organize
International Defence Exhibition and Seminar as "IDEAS" biennially
and the first edition of IDEAS was held in year 2000 at Karachi Expo Centre.
Through exponential year on year growth, both in terms of number of exhibitors
and participating countries, today IDEAS has iconic standing on the canvas of
global defence exhibitions.
While serving as an international
platform for showcasing latest innovations in defense and technologies of the
future, IDEAS is a regional gateway for international manufacturers and
suppliers to explore new avenues of defence cooperation through joint ventures,
outsourcing and collaboration. On the other hand while reinforcing our
diplomatic efforts in the realm of defence diplomacy; it manifests Pakistan's
deeply embedded and mutually beneficial relations with the international
fraternity. In fact, the IDEAS is a shared vision for global peace, stability
and harmony. The IDEAS slogan, "Arms for Peace" truly reflects
Pakistan's principled stance on peace within and peace without.
Today marks the 10th successful conduct of IDEAS in Pakistan. On the 10th edition of IDEAS, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 10/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 27, 2018, showcasing the IDEAS logo which is well renowned in the defence exhibitions worldwide
Educated at the Doon School,
Dehra Dun, and Forman Christian College, Lahore, Graduated as a Gold Medalist
with an Honors Degree in Economics from the University of the Punjab.
DIPLOMATIC CAREER:- Appointed as Ambassador of Pakistan in 1965,
and since served continuously abroad in that capacity in eleven different
capitals, with concurrent accreditation to a further nine countries.
September 2004 to December 2007:- Ambassador at Large, Government
of Pakistan
July 2000 to December 2004:- Special adviser to the Secretary
General, United Nations, for East Timor, with the rank of Under Secretary
General.
February 1997 to Jun 2000:- Personal Representative of the
Secretary General, United Nations, for East Timor, with the rank of Under
Secretary General. Conducted negotiations, as representative of the United
Nations, with the governments of Indonesia and Portugal, with East Timorese leaders,
which led to the successful referendum in August 1999, enabling the eventual
independence of East Timor.
May 1995 to December 1996:- Member, Efficiency Board, the United
Nations, New York.
September 1995 to June 2004:- Diplomat in residence, Eckerd
College, St. Petersburg Florida. Director in various corporations in Pakistan.
September 1990 to March 1995:- Ambassador and Permanent
Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, New York. Chairman of the
Group of 77 for 1992. Led negotiations on behalf of the Group of 77 (consisting
of 128 developing countries) the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro, June 1992. Permanent Representative of
Pakistan, Member of the Security Council, January 1993 to December 1994.
President of the UN Security Council, April 1993. President of the UN Security
Council, July 1994.
July 1989 to August 1990:- Distinguished Fellow, the United States
institute of Peace, Washington D.C. Diplomat in Residence, Eckerd College, St.
Petersburg, Florida. Director of business corporations in Pakistan.
September 1986 to June 1989:- Ambassador of Pakistan to the United
State of America, with concurrent accreditation to Jamaica. Maintained close
co-ordination with the U.S. Administration and Congress on a number of
important issues Including negotiations over the Soviet military withdrawal
from Afghanistan. (Please see article in the New York Times, 1 September 1988,
attached).
1982 to1986 :- Ambassador of Pakistan to France, with concurrent
accreditation to Ireland Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Paris.
Negotiated credit agreements in
defense purchases, training and technology. transfer. Close political contacts
on the Afghan issue. Travelled extensively in the country on speaking engagements.
Maintained personal ties with important personalities at the Elysee, the
Matignon, Quald'Orsay and the National Assembly.
1980 to 1982 :- Ambassador of Pakistan to the Federal Republic of
Germany. Negotiated credit agreements. Maintained close contacts on the
Afghanistan issue, including the organization of refugee aid and assistance.
Travelled extensively in the country.
1979 to 1980 :- Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Pakistan
to the European Office of the United Nations in Geneva.
Represented Pakistan on the
Committee on Disarmament, the Council for the General Agreement on Trade and
Tariffs (GATT), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD), as well as the UN Specialized Agencies based in Geneva, ILO, WHO,
WMO, WIPO, UNHCR, Chaired a number of committees, particularly in the
Disarmament Committee, specializing in nuclear issues, and in UNCTAD,
specializing in financial issues and the problems of international debt.
1976 to 1978 :- Ambassador of Pakistan to Japan. Negotiated two
annual yen credits, and numerous joint ventures in the private sector.
1973 to 1976 :- Ambassador of Pakistan to the German Democratic
Republic, with concurrent accreditation to Iceland. Opened the Pakistan Embassy
in East Berlin, negotiated trade and aviation agreements with the G.D.R.
1972 to 1973 :- Ambassador of Pakistan to Canada, with concurrent
accreditation to Guyana, Trindad & Tobago.
1969 to 1972:- Ambassador of Pakistan to the U.S.S.R., with
concurrent accreditation to Finland. Negotiated the agreement for the
establishment of the only steel mill in Pakistan. Travelled extensively in the
Soviet Union, organized the state visits of President Yahya Khan to the Soviet
Union in 1970, and of President Bhutto in 1972, Participated in frequent and
extensive diplomatic negotiations in the Kremlin, particularly with Prime
Minister Alexel Kosygin, during the crisis leading to the emergence of
Bangladesh.
Negotiated with the East German
diplomats in Moscow for the establishment of diplomatic relations with the
German Democratic Republic.
1967 to 1969:- Ambassador of Pakistan to Romania, with concurrent
accreditation to Bulgaria. Organized the state visit of President Ayub Khan to
Romania in 1967.
1965 to 1967:- High Commissioner of Pakistan to Ghana, with
concurrent accreditation as Ambassador to Guinea and Mali. Travelled
extensively throughout West Africa, and expanded relations between Pakistan and
the newly independent Anglophone and Francophone West African nations, from the
diplomatic field to cooperation in commercial, economic, cultural and military
affairs.
MULTILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS:- Apart from duties as Permanent
Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, was
also a member of the Pakistan delegation to the General Assembly of the United
Nations on a number of occasions, was also a member of the Pakistan delegation
to the Non Aligned Movement Conference in Havana in 1979, and to the
organization of the Islamic Conference in Islamabad in 1980.
While based in Geneva, Paris and
Washington, was closely involved with the negotiations which led to the Genva
Accord 1988, and the subsequent withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan.
Member of an unofficial group of
experts assembled by the Arms Control Association and the Carnegie Endowment
for International Peace at Divonne, France, in September 1974, which produced a
report entitled "N.P.T. Paradoxes and Problems".
Appointed by the Secretary
General, United Nations, to a group of experts on a Comprehensive Study on
Nulear Weapons, vide General Assembly Resolution 33/91 D of 16 December 1978.
Co-author of the Report dated 12 July 1980 Entitled * Nuclear Weapons: Report
to the Secretary General".
BUSINESS CAREER
1946 to 1965:- Joined the family business in 1946 in Quetta,
Balouchistan and Karachi, Sindh, and became a director of a number of
corporations which included shipping, pharmaceuticals, banking and insurance.
Took an active interest in industrial labour relations, and was a member of the
Pakistan delegation to several conferences of the International Labour Organization,
Geneva. Was also a well known radio cricket commentator in Pakistan.
1942 to 1945:- Served in the Royal India Navy in World War II in
convoy escort duties, commanded a magnetic minesweeper, and look part in
combined operations in Burma. Served as a Group Testing Officer on the Naval
Selection Board.
AWARDS.
Service Awards:- 1939/45 Star, Burma Star, War Service Medal.
Civil Awards:-
Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam by the
Government of Pakistan, 1971.
Madarski Konnik by the Government
of Bulgaria, 1986.
Grand Officer dei Order de Merit,
by the Government of France, 1986.
Order of San Carios in the Degree
of the Great Cross, by the Government of Columbia, 1993.
Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the Government
of Pakistan, 2004.
Married to Diana Dinshaw (expired
1979), and Amaz Minwalla. Two daughters, Niloufer Marker Reifler and Feroza
Marker (expired 2001).
Interests and occupations include
music and opera, literature, sports and art, especially contemporary Pakistani
paintings. One of the early circket commantators for Radio Pakistan.
Languages: Urdu, Gujarati,
English, French, German and Russian.
PUBLICATIONS
East Timor. A Memoir of the
Negotations for Independance. Mc Farland & Co. Jefferson. North Carolina.
Quiet Diplomacy. Memoirs of an
Ambassador of Pakistan. Oxford University Press, Karachi.
The American Papers. Co-authored
with Roedad Khan. Oxford University Press Karachi. Coverpoint. Impressions of
Leadership in Pakistan.
On Jamsheed Markar, Ex Ambassador
of Pakistan (1922-2018), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination
is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 24, 2018.
April 2018 marks the centenary of
The Mama Parsi Girls' Secondary School. The school's history and development
reflects the contribution of the Parsi community to the city's civil life,
offering a paradigm of the community spirit.
In 1917, there were few schools,
particularly for girls, and very few girls went to school. As early as 1903,
Seth Eduljee Dinshaw proposed the establishment of a High School for Parsi
Girls. However, the funds raised then, were insufficient. The school was
finally established in 1918 due to the foresight and acumen of Jamshed
Nusserwanji Mehta, who brought together the community minded sprit and
philantrophy of Khan bahadur Ardeshir Hormusjee Mama, Khan Bahadur Nusserwanji
Mehta and Nadirshaw Eduljee Dinshaw. Shehryarji Contractor, Director of Public
Education, Bombay Presidency, provided expert guidance. Since Khan Bahadur
Ardeshir Hormusjee Mama was the largest donor, the school was named The Mama
School in memory of his parents.
The school started in the BVS
School premises, then moved to the Mama Mansions and finally settled down in
its present location in 1920, with the capacity to accomodate 250 Parsi girls.
In 1947, after partition, at the personal request of the Quaid-e-Azam,
admission was opened to girls of all communities.
Starting with about 50 Parsi
girls, we now have 2130 girls! The Founder's motto was to provide the best
possible education to every child entering the portals of this school. Moving
with the times, many things have changed but our motto has remained unchanged.
We have surged ahead with the growth in numbers - our beautiful old buildings
still stands, with several new structures added on new programmes and
curriculum have been introduced. We now work in two shifts morning and
afternoon. Computer Studies was introduced in 1985. The Matriculation System of
the Sindh Board was changed to the SSC Examinations of the Aga Khan University
Education Board. Co curricular activities have increase, with Urdu &
English Literary & Dramatic societies, Red Crescent, Mama Cadets & Girl
Guides also being added on and of course we are very proud of our girls' School
Band.
Remaining true to our motto, our
aim is not only to impact knowledge but to develop informed, ethical and
reasonable individuals who are prepared for life-long learning, to lead and to
serve.
We now have many Mamaians in
different parts of the world, who are living, working and positively
contributing to their cities and communities. We are indeed proud of them!
We thank God Almighty for the
school's successful century and pray for His Blessings for many many more years
to come.
On 100 Years of Mama Parsi Girls' Secondary School Karachi (1918-2018), Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 8/- denomination on July 24, 2018.
1. 13th July is the milestone in the
history of Kashmir struggle for freedom. On this day 21 Kashmiris had
sacrificed their lives for the supreme cause of freedom of Kashmir from the
clutches of despotic Dogra rulers.
2. On 19th April 1931, the Dogra
DIG Chowdry Ram Chand stopped Imam Munshi Muhammad Ishaq from giving Eid Khutba
(Sermon) in the Municipal Park of Jammu. The incident sparked off widespread
protest demonstrations in Jammu city. Ban on Eid Khutba in Jammu was followed
by desecration of the Holy Quran at the hands of Dogra troops, in Jammu, which
further aggravated the situation throughout the state. In Srinagar, people
gathered in Jamia Masjid Srinagar to denounce desecration act and demand severe
punishment to the culprits. To demand their religious rights and to protest, a
large number of personal gathered in Khankah-e-Mualla Srinagar, where while
listening to speeches of Kashmiri leaders a youth Abdul Qadeer pointed his
finger to the Maharaja's palace and raised full-throated slogans "destroy
its every brick". He was arrested instantly on the charges of sedition.
Abdul Qadeer was to be tried in the court but due to possible public reaction
the court was shifted to Central Jail Srinagar. On 12th July, violent public
demonstrations were held throughout the city against the shifting of the court
to the Central Jail, Srinagar.
3. On 13th July, thousands of
people thronged the central jail Srinagar to witness the in-camera trial of
Abdul Qadeer. At Zuhar time, one of the youth stood up and started reciting
"Azan" for Zuhar prayer. He was killed by Dogra soldiers; next youth
started the 'Azan' where it was left by the martyred youth. He was also killed
and in process of completing the 'Azan' 21 youth were killed one after the
other. This incident is a black chapter in the history of Dogra regime. The
people carried the dead and the injured with them, formed a procession and
paraded the highways and streets of Srinagar, chanting slogans Dogra
brutalities. Complete strike was observed in the city, which followed weeklong
mourning. This incident shook the whole state and the traffic from Srinagar to
Rawalpindi and Srinagar to Jammu came to halt from 13th to 26th July. Since
then, the day is observed as Kashmir Martyr's Day.
4. It was the result of the above
episode that Kashmiri leadership realized the need to form a political party
i.e. Muslim Conference (MC) with a view to wage struggle for their freedom.
Later in 1934, State's first elections were held and Muslim Conference won 16
out of 21 seats and after two years in 1936 it succeeded in getting 19 out of
21 seats. Indian Congress was upset with this result and tried to create
division in the ranks of Kashmiri leadership. On 19th July 1947, MC after
considering geographical proximity, Majority of Muslim population (80%)
religion, language and cultural relations, passed a resolution to merge Kashmir
with Pakistan.
5. It's heart-moving to observe
that despite a period of 80 years, the Kashmiris are still struggling and
sacrificing to achieve their alienable right under UNSC resolutions for the
plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir Valley is one of the most heavily
militarized regions in the world with 7 Lakh armed security forces, who indulge
in indiscriminate killing, forced disappearances, rapes and maiming innocent
youth and women. The present history is witness to continued inhuman tactics of
India to suppress Kashmiris.
6. Indian savage and ruthless
forces left no stone unturned to crush their popular struggle and martyred
thousands of Kashmiris during last 27 years. These brutal troops have
victimized Kashmiri masses irrespective of their age and gender. They let loose
reign of terror and applied Chankian tactics of curfew, cordon off, crackdowns,
siege and search operations. Indiscriminate firing, fake encounters, murder,
mass killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, illegal detention, abduction,
disappearances, extra-judicial killings. custodial deaths, molestation,
victimization of school going children and arson were the main characteristics
of Indian State terrorism.
7. Indian cruel, inhuman,
ruthless, merciless and brutal troops killed, tortured, kidnapped, molested,
and disgraced thousands of innocent Kashmiri women. Even innocent female
children are not spared. They are tortured, orphaned maimed, handicapped,
deprived of their fathers and brothers and left wailing for their near and dear
ones with ocean of tears.
8. Indiscriminate firing on women
folk, baton charge, tear gas and pepper gas shelling. use of lethal weapons,
pellet shelling and pepper gun grenade throwing have become the daily routine
of Indian malicious forces. Thousands of women are arrested and jailed.
Thousands of them martyred, thousands half widowed, thousands widowed,
thousands molested, thousands left unsafe/ shelter less, and almost every women
of kashmir mentally tortured and deprived of their sons and brothers.
9. Indian evil forces have
butchered, martyred, tortured, disabled and abducted the Kashmiri youngsters.
These ruthless forces kidnapped them from their homes or streets and then threw
their bullet riddled bodies in rivers and open localities. These brutal troops
equipped with heavy weapons kill these Kashmiri youth anywhere and anytime in a
bid to suppress the popular struggle of Kashmiris.
10. 94888 Kashmiris have been
martyred by Indian security forces in custody, extrajudicial executions and
enforced disappearances and these human right violations are carried out by
Indian security forces under total impunity. Indian occupation forces martyred
thousands of Kashmiris in various massacres.
11. In Jammu Massacre on 6th
November 1947, the Maharaja Hari Singh's army, Hindu terrorist organization RSS
activists martyred nearly 500'000 Muslims in jammu and forced more than 1
million to migrate to Pakistan. It is a horrendous, unforgivable and
unacceptable crime against humanity; and a dark blot on the history of mankind.
12. Gawakadal Massacre. On 21
January 1990, 51 civilians were killed by CRPF troopers during protests against
earlier raids in which wanton arrests and molestation of women were conducted
by CRPF troops.
13. Handwara Massacre. On January
25, 1990, two BSF patrolling parties in Handwara indiscriminately fired at
peaceful protesters and killed 25 people. Many people were injured.
14. Zakoora and Tengpora
Massacre, Indian forces killed 33 protesters and injured 47 on 1 March 1990 at
Zakoora Crossing and Tengpora Bypass Road in Srinagar. The killers were not
punished.
15. Hawal Massacre. At the
funeral of Mirwaiz Muhammad Farooq on May 21, 1990 over 60 civilians were
killed by paramilitary forces and hundreds injured in the indiscriminate firing
on the funeral procession.
16. Sopore Massacre. On 6 January
1993 Indian troops killed 55 civilians in the town of Sopore and set fire to
many homes and buildings.
17. Bijbehara Massacre. On 22
October 1993 the Indian Army killed 51 civilians during protests over the siege
of the Hazratbal Mosque, 25 of those killed were students None of the accused
were punished.
18. Kupwara Massacre. On 27
January 1994 the Indian Army fired at and killed 27 civilians, mainly traders,
in Kupwara district. Survivors say that the soldiers carried out the massacre
to punish people for observing shutdown on January 26.
19. Chattisinghpora Massacre. On
20 March 2000, 15-17 gunmen, entered the village of Chattisinghpora. They
ordered all of the Sikhs to assemble at the village Gurdawara and
systematically shot and killed 34 of them.
20. Nadimarg Massacre. On night
of 23 March 2003 the terrorists entered at Nadimarg village near Shopian and
dragged the Hindus out from their homes, lined them and shot them by automatic
weapons. At least 24 Hindus including 11 women and 2 children were killed. The
killers disfigured the bodies of the victims, looted their houses and took away
the ornaments from bodies of the dead women.
21. Torture in Custody. Indian
occupation forces torture innocent Kashmiris to suppress their demand for
freedom. There are thousands of torture cases in Kashmir. The entire Kashmir is
at risk of arbitrary detention, torture or even death. Indian forces are used
to torture Kashmiris during crack down, search operation and raids on homes.
22. Rape as a weapon of war. Rape
is an active strategy of the security forces to humiliate and intimidate the
Kashmiri population, Rape is used as a weapon of war by India soldiers, 11036
women are molested by Indian occupation forces.
23. Custodial Killing. The
custodial killings are a routine in Kashmir. According to human rights
defenders around 7099 Kashmiris are martyred in custody during the past
twenty-seven years.
24. Enforced Disappearance.
Indian occupation forces are involved in forced disappearances of thousands of
Kashmiris. The extent of male disappearances has been so large that a new term
half widows has been created for their wives who end up with no information of
their husbands' whereabouts. Human right activists estimate the number of
disappeared to be over 10000, last seen in government detention.
25. Arson and Destruction. India
occupation forces have used every type of brutal tactic to suppress the freedom
struggle of Kashmiris. These ruthless forces have set ablaze the residential
houses, go downs and crops of Kashmiris. Property worth billions of US dollars
have been destroyed, 108,596 structures are arsoned.
26. Victimization of Children.
Indian troops did not spare even innocent children of Kashmir. Their parents
are martyred; even the children are tortured and martyred. 107676 children are
orphaned.
27. Killings of Youth. Indian
evil forces have butchered, martyred, tortured, disabled and abducted Kashmiri
youngsters. These ruthless forces kidnapped them from their homes or streets
and then threw their bullet riddled bodies in rivers and open localities. These
brutal troops equipped with heavy weapons kill these Kashmiri youth anywhere
and anytime in a bid to suppress the popular struggle of Kashmiris. According
to confirmed sources 56000 Kashmiri youth have been abducted by Indian army and
paramilitary forces and only some of them returned home alive. And those who
were lucky to survive are living miserable life with mental and physical
disorder.
28. Fake Encounters. To crush the
popular struggle of Kashmiris and to target Kashmiri youth, fake encounter is
one of the techniques of Indian state terrorism. A fake encounter is an
unlawful execution with a dramatic component. Indian ruthless forces stage
these dramas for gallantry or cash awards or for professional advancement that
is out of tum promotions. Out of 94888 Kashmiris more than 8000 are killed in
fake encounters.
29. From July 8, 2016 after the
martyrdom of Burhan Wani, India used pellet gun which was meant to kill animals
on innocent Kashmiris. Due to Indian pellet shelling 8353 have been injured, 73
youth lost complete eye-sight, 207 lost one eye sight,974 are at the verge of
losing eye sight, 1863 youth are those whose eyesight is partially damaged.
30. According to reliable sources
from January 1989 to 31th December 2017, 94,888 Kashmiris are martyred 7099 are
martyred in custody, 143,048 Kashmiris arrested, 108,596 structures arsoned, 22.862
women widowed, 107676 children orphaned, 11036 women molested.
31. Indian used every type of
brutal tactics to suppress popular struggle of Kashmir by force. Even after
losing their precious lives these Kashmiri have moral advantage upon Indian ruthless
forces. Their demand is crystal clear and that is right of self-determination.
They are not ready to compromise their freedom though at the cost of their
lives. It is time for International community, Human rights activists and peace
loving nation to be a part of suppressed people and pressurize oppressors to
stop genocide, otherwise history never forgives any one.
32. The date on atrocities by
Indian security forces from January 1989 to 30 April 2018 is as under:-
a. Total killings 94,874
b. Custodial killings
7,099
C. Arrests
142,851
d. Structures destroyed/damaged 108,471
e. Women widowed
22.862
f. Children orphaned
107,674
g. Women gang-raped/molested 11,026
On Kashmir Martyr's Day
(atrocities in 10K), the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/-each
At the time of partition of the sub-continent
in 1947, it was agreed that the Reserve Bank of India would continue to
function as the currency and banking authority in Pakistan till 30th September,
1948. This arrangement, embodied in the Pakistan Monetary System and Reserve
Bank Order, 1947, was considered necessary. However, soon after the
establishment of Pakistan it become evident that in the best interests of the
country, it should have a central banking, institution of its own.
It was considered expedient to
model the proposed institution on the line of the Reserve Bank of India and
draft legislation for the purpose was issued in the form of the State Bank of
Pakistan Order, 1948 on 12th May 1948 The functions, duties and powers of the
State Bank were to be broadly similar to those of the Reserve Bank of India.
The State Bank was charged with the responsibility of "regulating the
issue of barnk notes and keeping of reserves with a view to securing monetary
stability in Pakistan and generally to operate the currency and credit system
of the country to its advantage", the 1956 Act which with subsequent
amendments constitutes the current charter of the Bank requires it "to
regulate the monetary and credit system of Pakistan and foster its growth in
the best hational interests with a view to securing monetary stability and
fuller utillization of the country's productive resources".
Simultaneously with the task of
withdrawing the India notes and replacing them with Pakistan currency, the
state bank had to revive and rehabilitate the banking system in the country
which had virtually collapsed in the wake of partition of the Sub continent.
Prior to independence (August, 1947) there were 46 scheduled bank offices in
Pakistan dwindled from 631 to 195.
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1949, the State bank initiated scheme for setting up a commercial bank
which-would have a broader outlook and would be in a position to launch a bold
branch expansion programe in the country.
One of the primary
responsibilities assigned to the State Bank under its Charter is to regulate
the monetary and credit system of Pakistan with a view to securing monetary
stability in the country. Monetary stability signifies the avoidance of
inflationary or deflationary pressures and maintenance of equilibrium in the
balances of payments.
State Bank of Pakistan Role & Functions
Role:
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP),
from the time of its establishment on 1st July 1948, in addition to the
traditional Central Banking functions has also been entrusted with the
additional task of instituting a sound Banking System in the newly established
country.
Objectives
The princple objective of SBP as
envisaged in the SBP Act 1956 is to promote monetary and financial stability
and foster a sound and dynamic financialsystem so as to achieve sustained and
equitable economic growth and prosperity in Pakistan.
Primary Functions
· Sole Authority to Issue Notes
· Monetary Management
· Exchange Rate Management
· Regulationton Supervision of the
Financial System
· Efficient Payment Systems
· Lender of the Last Resort
Secondary Functions:
· Public Debt Management
· Advisor to Government
· Liasioning with International
Financial Institutions
· Bankers. Bank
· Banker to Government
Developmental Functions:
· Development of financial framework
· Providing credit to priority sectors/
specialized financial institutions ect'
· Development of Islamic Banking System
· Providing training to banking sector
On occasion of 70 years of excellence State Bank of Pakistan, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issue by Pakistan Post on July 01, 2018.
Urdu Dictionary Board (Formerly
Urdu Development Board) was established in 1958. It was created through a
Resolution of the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan, dated 14th of
June, 1958, which stated that Urdu Development Board would compile and publish
a comprehensive dictionary of Urdu on historical principles, on the pattern of
Greater Oxford Dictionary. The Board was also asked to undertake a number of
other tasks for the development of Urdu.
Founded by Baba-e-Urdu Maulvi
Abdul Haq who was the first Chief Editor of the organization, it was honored
over the years by close and active association of great scholars and
litterateurs of their times such as Josh Malihabadi, Begum Shaista Ikramullah,
Dr. Abdul Lais Siddiqui, Mr. Mumtaz Hasan (Governor State Bank of Pakistan);
Shaukat Subzwari, Dr. G. Allana and many others. One of the oldest scholarly
institutions of Pakistan, it has a prestige that has no rival.
UDB has a library comprising of
rare books and manuscripts, a large number of which was rescued and brought to
Karachi in trunks by Maulvi Abdul Haq from the office of
Anjuman-e-Taraqui-e-Urdu in Delhi after it was ransacked in communal riots in
1947.
Through a Resolution of Ministry
of Education dated 27th of March, 1982 the Board was re-named as Urdu
Dictionary Board and was assigned the task of compiling and publishing a
comprehensive dictionary of Urdu keeping in view the standard of Greater Oxford
Dictionary. It was also given the task of preparing an abridged /concise
Edition as well as other dictionaries of technical & scientific terms. The
Board was asked to perform such other functions too, as assigned to it by the
Government from time to time.
In 1986 another Resolution dated
31st March 1986, was passed by the Ministry of Education but the main function
of the Board remained almost unchanged and it continued preparing and
publishing the Lughat as its main task.
Federal Education Minister
governs the affairs of the Board while the Chief Editor supervises working of
the Board. The Chief Editor who has all the administrative and financial
powers.
Urdu Dictionary Board was
declared Sub-Ordinate office of the Ministry of Education, Government of
Pakistan in November 2007. After the devolution of Ministry of Education, Urdu
Dictionary Board was placed under control of the Cabinet Division, Government
of Pakistan after that it became the sub-ordinate office of Ministry of
Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, and w.e.f. 5th January 2016 it
is working under National History and Literary Heritage Division, Ministry of
IB & NH, Government of Pakistan.
The basic objective of the
organization has been to prepare dictionaries. This entity has prepared Greater
Urdu Lughat (from volume 1 to 22) comprising 22000 pages and 264000 entries at
the pattern of Greater Oxford Dictionary. This greater Lughat was completed in
2010 after the great efforts of 52 years.
Because of this greater Lughat,
Urdu has been accepted the third language of the world who has made dictionary
at philological principle. Before this, same nature of work has been done by
United Kingdom and Germany.
Recently Urdu Dictionary Board
has completed a project regarding "Computerization of Urdu Dictionary,
Software Development for Mobile Phone, Web Hosting and establishment of Server
Room" in this project Urdu Dictionary Board has computerized (volume No.1
to 22) that are available at website www.udb.gov.pk moreover mobile apps are
also available to get utility from this greater dictionary.
After completion of greater
Lughat, Urdu Dictionary Board Karachi has been preparing concise and children's
dictionaries, these dictionaries are going to be completed soon and it will be
ready for publication.
On 60th Anniversary of Urdu
Dictionary Board, the commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is
being issued by Pakistan Post on June 14, 2018.
On the eve of Qingdao Summit SCO
Member States are issuing a commemorating stamp marking the occasion of the
18th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of Shanghai Cooperation
Organization which will be held in Qingdao China on 09-10 June, 2018.
The summit marks a year since
Pakistan joined SCO as full Member This is the first Heads of State Summit
being attended by Pakistan as a Full Member. SCO currently has 8 member States
which are India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, "Tajikistan
and Uzbekistan. Heads of State of Member States who will attend the summit
ficlude:
· Prime Minister of the Republic of
India H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi,
· President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. N. A. Nazarbayev,
· Chairman of the People's Republic of
China H.E. Mr. XI Jinping, President of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. S. Sh.
Zheenbekov,
· President of the Russian Federation
H.E. Mr. V. V. Putin,
· President of the Republic of
Tajikistan H.E. Mr. E.Rahmon
· President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
A númber of documents/MOUs and
Agreements will be signed during the conference which reflects high level of
mutual trust and cooperation amongst the Member States.
H.EMr Xi Jinping, President of
the People's Republic of China will Chair the meeting being the host of the
CHS. The Council of Heads of State is the supreme decision-making body in the
SCO. It meets once a year and adopts decisions and guidelines on all important
matters of the organization.
The Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental organization which is
successor to the Shanghai Five, a security mechanism initially established to
deal with the border problems between China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
SCO has evolved into a
multi-faceted regional organization working for regional economic cooperation.
It is based on "Shanghai Spirit" which is defined as mutual trust,
mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and
pursuit of common development. SCO also adheres to the principles of
non-alignment, non-targeting any third country, and openness.
Pakistan became an Observer State
of SCO in 2005 and following due process Pakistan became a member of SCO in
2017 at Astana Summit. Our membership fulfills a key foreign policy goal,
inspired by a vision of a peaceful neighborhood and connectivity. Pakistan
shares with SCO and its Members, deep rooted historical and cultural links and
strong economic and strategic complementarities. Our interests and objectives
intersect across a wide range of areas and issues.
Pakistan sees SCO as an important
forum for regional cooperation. It includes our major development and strategic
partners. We believe that it has a vital role in safeguarding peace and
security in the region and its socio economic development. It promotes
multifaceted cooperation in the region in a wide array of fields. It allows us
to share perspectives, coordinate positions and develop practical and concrete
cooperation with these important countries.
Pakistan is committed to
enhancing our relations with all SCO members on the basis of its core values an
enunciated in the Charter and the Shanghai Spirit.
Pakistan also sees SCO-RATS as an
important and useful forum for cooperation against the common enemy of
terrorism. Pakistan has been able to successfully combat terrorism on our soil
and are ready to share our experiences in tackling the menace of terrorism
through the SCO-RATS.
The initiatives of SCO on
investment promotion, trade facilitation, customs cooperation, E-commerce,
small and medium enterprises, rail and road connectivity and tourism
cooperation will improve the living standards of our people and enhance peace
and prosperity in the region.
SCO can be a major vehicle for
cooperation under the belt & road initiative. All SCO countries are
connected through the ancient Silk Route.
On 18th meeting of the council of
head of state of Shabghai Cooperation Organization Qingdao Summit, 2018, the
commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 10/- denominations being issued by Pakistan
Post on June 09, 2018.
