Eve of 75th Year of Shahadat Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed (1st Nishan-E-Haider) (2023-10)

Captain Muhammad Sarwar was the first Nishan-e-Haider in the history of our great nation. He was born in village Singhori, Rawalpindi in 1910. His father, Raja Muhammad Hayat Khan served in the British Indian Army and rose to rank of Havildar. He served with distinction during World War-I and was awarded with a war medal. Along with the medal, the British Government also awarded him with three squares of agricultural land in Chak 229, Tehsil Samundri. After his retirement from the British Indian Army, Raja Muhammad Hayat Khan was also appointed as the "numberdar" of his village. He passed away on February 23, 1932.

Since his childhood, Raja Muhammad Sarwar was fond of reading and he acquired extensive religious knowledge. The people of his village named him "Sakhi (generous) Sarwar". The chief characteristic of his nature was piety and devotion. His other hobbies were horse riding, hunting, and playing football. He started his military career in the ranks as a Sepoy. He was a self-made man who finally rose to be a commissioned officer.

He joined as a recruit in Baloch Regiment on April 15, 1929 and got his initial training from the old Baloch Centre at Karachi. He served there until April 30, 1941. On April 27, 1944, he passed out as a Commissioned Officer from Indian Military Academy Dehradun and took part in World War II, where he was awarded the Burma Star.

After independence, Captain Muhammad Sarwar joined the Punjab Regiment of Pakistan Army. Captain Muhammad Sarwar was serving as a Company Commander in the Uri Sector in Kashmir when he was tasked by his Battalion Commander to undertake a very important operation that involved a pre-emptive attack on a well defended Indian position that was to serve as a base for further operations by his battalion. Indian Army had landed in Srinagar on October 27, 1947 and since then advanced upto Uri. Indians had plans to capture the remaining Kashmir. There was a need to stop Indian advance and save innocent Kashmiris. Young Captain Sarwar decided to volunteer for noble cause of defending Kashmir.

The strength of the Indian Army was more than eight Brigades in Uri Sector and they were supported by tanks and engineers. What made the task more challenging was the fact that the Indian posts were located on an uphill position and had many LMG positions and tanks in this area.

The Commanding Officer asked for a volunteer who can silence enemy tanks and guns by 'surprise attack'. Captain Muhammad Sarwar said, "Sir, I will perform this duty". Capt. Muhammad Sarwar thus planned his attack with diminutive details and the essence of his success depended upon the charge with an element of surprise. This called for highest level of leadership to lead his company by example, which he did by leading the charge himself.

By attacking a strongly fortified enemy position under heavy machine gun, grenade, and mortar fire, he not only led his Company bravely but inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. Having achieved this initial foothold, he held it against several repeated counter-attacks and finally secured it as a base of future operations. In order to provide a safe passage to his battalion, he volunteered to make way for the rest of his battalion.

On the night of July 27, 1948 at 0300 hours, he took along six men, crawled out of his bunker to cut the enemy's barbed wire barrier to make way for his battalion to move through this gap for further operations. He moved stealthily and bravely, closed up to the defensive position of the Indians and was able to cut the barbed wire for his battalion to pass through. While he was waiting to guide his comrades, he was picked up by the Indians, when he was still perched up near the gap in the barbed wire, he received a direct burst of enemy's heavy machine gun fire, and was wounded badly. He however, continued guiding his battalion despite being badly wounded and eventually embraced shahadat on the spot. By that time, the battalion was able to pass through, assemble and complete its task successfully.

In recognition for his courage, selflessness, and bravery that was beyond the call of duty, he was posthumously awarded with the first Nishan-e-Haider.

On the eve of 75th year of Shahadat Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed (1st Nishan-e-Haider), Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.75/- denomination on July 27th, 2023.

Celebrate of the Decade of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) (2023-9)

July 5, 2023, marks the successful completion of 10 years of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is a strategic principal component of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), focuses on regional integration and Socio-economic cooperation between China and Pakistan.

First Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of CPEC has been signed on 5th July 2013 by the then Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal and Chairman, National Development Reform Commission (NDRC) of People's Republic of China.

Over the decade, the two countries have developed strong bonds in diverse fields and call themselves "Iron Brothers'. CPEC effectively helped Pakistan in improving its energy security as well as transport networks from north to south and laid foundation for a resilient infrastructure including ports, airports, roads, optical fibre, and railway. In the subsequent phase both countries have strong resolve to advance cooperation in the areas of industrial development, agriculture modernization, science & information.

technologies, Socio-economic development, and people to people connectivity. To celebrate the decade of CPEC, several activities have been planned. One of the salient activity is the issuance of this 'Commemorative Postage Stamp' at the occasion of Decade of CPEC (2013-2023). The Stamp would serve as a tangible and enduring tribute to the accomplishments made through CPEC. Moreover, this Stamp will symbolize the enduring friendship and collaboration between 'Iron Brothers".

The design of the Commemorative Postage Stamp feature elements such as the flags of China and Pakistan, iconic landmarks projects (Gwadar Port, Motorway, Power Plant) along the CPEC route, and symbolize the key sectors that have thrived under this project.

The stamps aesthetic appeal and symbolic representation would capture the essence. of the successful partnership for economic cooperation between the two countries.

The commemorative stamp would serve as a reminder to reaffirm our commitment to strive together to make a community of shared future.

On the occasion of Decade of CPEC Celebrations, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 20/- denomination on 5th July, 2023.

7th Population & Housing Census First-Ever Digital Census in Pakistan (2023-8)

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) is the National Statistics Office mandated for the collection & compilation and dissemination of data for informed decision making by conducting Censuses & Surveys. PBS has undergone Digital Transformation and shifted from Manual to Electronic data collection through tablets for its regular surveys with online monitoring linked with Geographic Information System (GIS). PBS is adopting standard statistical procedures and adopting new technologies for meeting the future demand of potential users.

CENSUS IN PAKISTAN:- Pakistan has so far conducted six population censuses since independence i.e... 1951,1961.1972,1981, 1998, and 2017.The Government of Pakistan constitutes a census Advisory Committee comprising of renowned demographers and experts, for recommendation and adoption of the best practices for upcoming Population Census with the mandate to review the census process, data collection and field operation methodologies used for census-2017.

7TH POPULATION & HOUSING CENSUS. "FIRST-EVER DIGITAL CENSUS IN PAKISTAN":- 7th Population and Housing Census will be the first Digital Census in Pakistan. This Census will be carried out by using De-Jure method of population counting. A "de-jure" census tallies people according to their regular or legal residence, and it is completed, normally, in one to two weeks' period. After conducting this census Pakistan will become first country in South Asia that go for a Digital Census.

FEATURES OF DIGITAL CENSUS:- Swift Data collection through Tablets Central Monitoring & Management System Census Support Centers at tehsil levels

⚫ Geotagging to all structures

Data reliability

Real Time Monitoring of the field work through online Dashboard

Rapid availability of census results

ENUMERATION PROCEDURES

The following processes will be applied in the 7th Digital Census

Self-Enumeration Process

For the first time this method has been introduce in Pakistan in the Census process.

A user friendly web portal will be launched 15 days prior to the Census day.

This will allow people for the first time to submit their census information within given time using a computer or any other Web-based Devices.

⚫ This will provide an opportunity to the well informed household member to submit the census information without being interviewed.

Census through Enumerators

This process will follow after the completion of the 15 days self-enumeration process

• The census data will be collected on the tabs.

• Enumerator will complete household listing in the initial three days. In the next 10 days, census data will be collected.

While the data of leftover and homeless persons will be collected in the last two days.

ABOUT THE DIGITAL CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRES AND INDICATORS

7th Population and Housing Census Questionnaires will cover the following indicators:

• Demographic characteristics

• Gender

• Literacy

Educational attainments

Employment status

Internal and International Migration

• Disabilities

• Housing

Enumerator's Responsibilities

Attend all 5 days training.

Read and fully understand the contents of the training manual.

Prior to listing visit assigned block/blocks.

• Obtain information on the location and boundaries of the assigned block/blocks.

• Establish contact with the Head of the Household or a responsible person.

• Ensure complete enumeration of entire assigned area.

• Ensure that filled in data is submitted on daily basis.

Contact Supervisor to resolve any matter of concern.

Must abstain from entering into political and/or religious discussions.

General Statistics Act-2011, the enumerator have to ensure complete confidentiality.

CENSUS FIELD OPERATIONS:- Census Field Operation and its overall conduct/monitoring is the responsibility and mandate of the Provincial Governments and the Role of District Administration is critical for successful census preparation. Basic responsibilities of Provincial/District governments included the following:

Provision of Field Staff

• Provision of space for Census Support Center

• Provision of staff for training at tehsil level

• Provision of Training Venues at tehsil level

• Monitoring the process of census field operation

Formation of Vigilance Committee

Area Frame Verification

Holding of meetings with all stakeholders

• Maintenance of proper record of census fund

•Assurance of certification of complete coverage and data quality.

PURPOSE OF DATA COLLECTION:- The data collected through Census is used for Informed Policy making and Planning.

On occasion of the 7th Population & Housing Census "First-ever digital census in Pakistan", Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.50/- denomination.

E302- Pakistan 2017. Diamond Jubilee Aga Khan 1957-2017.

Item for sale on my online shop.            Price:-  £1.55

E300- Pakistan 2019. 550th Birthday Celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Item for sale on my online shop.            Price:-  £3.55

25 Years of Excellence of Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited (2023-7)

Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited (CDC) is considered as the backbone of Pakistan's Capital market by serving as an integral infrastructure institution for the book-keeping of securities and settlement of trades executed in the Stock Market. CDC started its operations in 1997 under the Regulatory ambit of an exclusive Act passed by the Parliament of Pakistan titled as "Central Depositories Act 1997". CDC started off as the custodial service provider for the Stock Market, and now 25 years later, CDC is providing efficient and trust worthy custodial services with assets worth almost PKR 5 trillion in its custody as the Central Depository of Securities. CDC stands tall as an infrastructure entity giving the economy the innovation to progress and utility to function by being the trusted custodian partner and operating one of the largest databases in the country's economy in a safe and secure manner using the highest standards of information security. Business Diversification

Besides being the sole depository of book-entry securities in Pakistan Capital Market, Central Depository of Pakistan has also been playing the important roles of facilitator, infrastructure architect and information sharing hub for Pakistan's financial eco-system. Today, CDC has successfully diversified its businesses in line with its vision to achieve sustainability and greater relevance through diversification and digitization and is now providing services to almost every segment of Pakistan's financial system including Mutual Funds, Insurance, Real estate, etc. In addition to its core function of being the Central Depository of securities, CDC's businesses include the following:

Investor Account Services (IAS): In 1999, CDC started offering Investor Account Services (IAS) that allows retail investors to directly open and maintain accounts in the Central Depository System (CDS) for safe custody and electronic settlement of book entry securities. Investor Accounts are under complete control of CDC and are operated on direct written instructions of the Investor Account Holders. Today, the total market capitalization of securities being maintained through IAS is worth more than PKR 3 trillion. CDC is among the very few depositories of the world who are offering this novel service.

Trustee & Custodial services for the Asset Management Industry: CDC is also the trusted custodial service partner of the Asset Management Industry with more than 96% of assets under its custody.

Share Registrar Services: Additionally, CDC has been successfully providing

Share Registrar Services through its subsidiary and is the number 1 Registrar

Service Provider in the Capital Market.

BPO Services: CDC is providing back office outsourcing services of fund accounting and administration to the asset management industry through its subsidiary ITMinds Limited.

Solutions for the Insurance Industry: CDC has been providing novel solutions to the Insurance Industry for Cross-Industry Information sharing to enhance risk mitigation and improve underwriting.

Digitization for Ease of Doing Business:

As part of its digitization initiatives and to help increase investor convenience, CDC has a full-fledged Customer Service Portal (CSP) CDC Access which includes consolidated portfolio tracking, digital account opening, online transactions, eDividend Repository with details of dividends and corporate, elPO facility for online subscriptions and payments for securities offered via the Initial Public Offering (IPOs), Investor Portfolio Services (IPS) facilities for investment in Government Securities, etc.

Additionally, CDC has introduced many novel solutions for effecting ease of doing business, including eVoting, eMeeting & eProxy solutions for issuers and shareholders, Zakat Repository for centralized access of Zakat affidavits and Emlaak Financials which is a unique digital aggregator platform for mutual funds with digital account opening in AMCs, online transaction and consolidated portfolio tracking across the entire mutual fund industry of Pakistan.

CDC has also been the trusted implementation partner of State Bank for important national level projects. CDC plays a pivotal role in channelizing investments in Stock market by overseas Pakistanis through RDA by acting as the information. hub between Banks and Stock Market participants for the Roshan Equity Investment project, CDC was also SBP's first implementation partner for Raast micro-payment gateway in CDC's use case of Dividend Disbursement. CDC has recently successfully executed the Shared KYC Project by facilitating information sharing among banking institutions and capital market entities for Stock Market account- opening.

Number of Shares in CDS

Value of Shares in CDS

Total Number of Sub-Accounts (Individual & Corporate)

Total Number of IAS Accounts (Individual, RDA & Corporate)

No of Securities

Value of Assets under Trusteeship

No. of companies for which CDC is performing Registrar function 250

Value of Assets with ITMinds

Number of Insurance policies in Insurance Repository

Key Strengths & Capabilities

180.54 billion

PKR 4.918 trillion

314,872

72,742

1,084

PKR 1.45 trillion

PKR 167 billion

3.5 million

IT Infrastructure: All of CDC's systems are backed by a highly advanced IT infrastructure which is established in accordance with global & industry best practices for security, scalability and ITGC (IT General Controls), as CDC systems have cross institutional users, such as retail investors, AMCs, banks, brokerage houses, registrars/transfer agents, share issuing companies and insurance companies. Information Security: All businesses of CDC are certified against the globally accepted ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standard, demonstrating its commitment and focus to safeguard the information critical to the functioning of Pakistan Capital Market. CDC's enterprise wide security policy includes regular risk assessments, continuous: IT audits and drills, awareness sessions, real-time SOC monitoring, secure SDLC, regular penetration testing and regular compliance audits for certifications. Business Continuity Management/Disaster Recovery: CDC holds the unique privilege to be among the very few organizations across the globe, few international depositories and the very first organization in Pakistan to achieve the ISO/IEC 22301:2012 for its Business Continuity Program. BCP at CDC is benchmarked with the best practices taken from across the globe like maintaining two back-up sites / data centers, regular BCP drills, etc.

Implementation of ERM Framework: CDC has implemented an Enterprise-wide Risk Management framework based on the internationally accepted COSO framework to ensure risk identification, mitigation and management of related systems and internal controls to safeguard assets, resources, reputation and interests of the company and shareholders.

International affiliations:

Asia-Pacific Central Securities Depository Group (ACG): CDC is a member of ACG, which is an international organization facilitating the exchange of information, promoting mutual assistance among member securities depositories and clearing organizations in the Asia Pacific region. In 2013, Mr. Muhammad Hanif Jakhura, CEO-CDC was elected as the Executive Committee Chairman of ACG for the term of 2014-2016. By virtue of this election, CDC was elected as the ACG Secretariat for the term of 2014-2016. Mr. Aftab Ahmed Diwan, CEO-CDC (2017-2018) served as the Vice Chairman of ACG Executive Committee. CDC hosted ACG's 10th Annual General Meeting in 2006 in Karachi, Pakistan, which was attended by around 60 delegates from 18 regional countries.

CDC has also introduced the "Risk and Recovery Management Task Force" in ACG whose objective is to promote Risk Management culture among ACG members and to develop an effective Risk Management Framework. CDC was elected as the convener of the same.

World Forum of CSDs (WFC): Mr. Aftab Ahmed Diwan, CEO-CDC (2017-2018), while serving as the Vice Chairman of ACG Executive Committee, represented the Asia Pacific region on the board of World Forum of CSDS (WFC) which is a group of five regional CSD associations that include Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East, the Americas, Eurasia and Europe.

Association of National Numbering Agencies (ANNA):CDC, along with the depositories around the world, serves as a member to the Association of National

Numbering Agencies (ANNA), a global representative of numbering agencies operating around the world where member companies regulate identification of local securities for trading locally and internationally.

Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with International Depositories:CDC has also signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with international depositories to gain benefits of cross-border cooperation, explore avenues of mutual assistance and enhance coordination. Investor protection measures

CDC has been continuously implementing, reviewing and ensuring various measures for investor protection, including the following:

IVR/SMS/WEB ACCESS/E-ALERTS

eStatements for Sub-Accounts and IAS account holders

Unique Identification Number (UIN)

Pre-defined reason codes for execution of transaction in CDS

Transfer of securities against market trades directly from the respective

account of investors

Restriction on overnight parking of securities in Main Account

⚫ Limit on Assets under Custody

Daily Compliance

⚫ Periodic investor awareness session programs

⚫ Online portal

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

CDC has developed a carefully charted plan to establish itself as the champion of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) development in Pakistan and fully acknowledges its role as a good corporate citizen and strives for the betterment of society through CSR Funds to pave the way for ESG development in Pakistan.

Some important initiatives undertaken by CDC in this regard include programs aimed at protecting rights of minorities, environmental related projects like reduction. of carbon footprint, tree plantation drives, etc., collaborations with NGOS for various CSR related activities and contributions, supporting youth and startups, etc.

On the occasion of CDC's Silver Jubilee Anniversary marking 25 Years of Excellence by the Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited, the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on May 23rd, 2023.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Punjab Medical College Faisalabad (2023-6)

Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad (PMC) is a public sector Medical College established in 1973 with the mission of imparting professional education and training to produce medical graduates who would serve the society with commitment and dedication.

Prof. Dr. M. H. Toosi, Ex. Health Secretary Govt. of the Punjab was appointed as first Principal of this college. The classes of first batch started in the campus of Agriculture University. Faisalabad. In 1982 college shifted to a purpose built campus located on Sargodha Road, Faisalabad which is spread over an area of 158 acres. This is the most beautiful and well planned public sector medical college in whole of the Punjab.

In 2017 Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad (FMU) was established in the premises of PMC and subsequently this College was declared as its constituent Medical College. Since then medical students of PMC are registered and examined by FMU. It is worth mentioning that approximately 350 students of MBBS/BDS graduate from this institution every year, who go forth to provide Medical Healthcare Services all over Pakistan and abroad. Approximately 20,000 students have graduated from Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad since its inception. This institution is providing quality education to the undergraduate and postgraduate students in basic and clinical sciences. Faculty of this college is highly qualified, dedicated and posses excellent teaching and clinical abilities. Its laboratories are well established and well equipped. The College library is having a huge and diverse collection of references books on medical sciences. In addition a state of the art digital library is also available for the students.

A large number of foreign students from different countries like Turkiye, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Indian occupied

Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Jordan, Yemen, Uzbekistan & Azerbaijan have graduated from this institution and are providing healthcare services in their homelands. Punjab Medical College, has three affiliated teaching hospitals namely Allied, DHQ and Govt. General Hospital, Ghulam Muhammad Abad to provide 24 hours healthcare facilities to the poor and needy patients of not only District Faisalabad but also cater for the patients from other districts like Chiniot, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Gojra and Jaranwala. The aim of institution is to provide safe, cutting edge medical care services and higher level of medical education to masses motivated by human ethos. The faculty, Alumni and students of PMC are fortunate to celebrate the golden jubilee of this prestigious institution. In this regard various healthcare symposia, seminars, training workshops, Alumni moots are being organized to celebrate and commemorate this great landmark in the history of Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad.

On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Punjab Medical College Faisalabad (1973-2023), the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 50/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on May 16th, 2023.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations of National Engineering Services Pakistan (PVT.) Limited (NESPAK 1973-2023) (2023-5)

National Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited (NESPAK) established in 1973, is one of the leading Consulting Engineering firm in the world with more than 4,000 permanent employees. It is the largest consulting firm in Pakistan, owned by the Government of Pakistan. It is a financially sound, self-sustainable and professionally run Organization with average gross annual revenue of USD 60 million (Rs. 9.0 billion).

NESPAK is a product of the national renaissance of the early 1970s in Pakistan. The idea was to attain self-reliance in engineering consultancy at national level and to reduce dependence on foreign consulting firms by developing an indigenous talent pool, which culminated in creation of a private limited company in 1973, aptly named as the "National Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited". In March 2023, NESPAK achieves a major milestone in its history as the Company is celebrating its 50th anniversary. NESPAK's 50 years successful journey is marked with numerous achievements as well as its indispensable contribution to the national development in the form of exemplary engineering consultancy services for projects of national importance.

Over a period of time NESPAK has grown both in Business and Technical expertise now a total staff strength of 4,683 employees, of which over 3,400 are qualified professionals, More than 600 of them have Master's and Doctoral degrees from reputed international universities. Around 110 employees are posted in the Overseas Offices in eight countries. It has expertise in master planning, feasibility studies, detailed engineering design, and construction supervision of multi-disciplinary projects in all engineering, architectural and town planning disciplines. NESPAK is on the approved panel of consultants with over 17 international donor agencies. It has carried out 396 projects for the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, JICA, USAID, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations, United Nations Development Program.

Starting from services on Tarbela Tunnel 4 Project, NESPAK now offers a broad specturm of expert Consultancy Services ranging from conception to completion and operation of development projects. The scope of these services covers master planning, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, surveying and mapping, investigations, design, teater and contract documentation, construction/installation supervision, contract management/evaluation and post-construction services.

The areas of expertise at inception have grown to provision of specialized services in Architecture & Planning, Urban Planning & Development, Rural Development, Energy (Thermal, Hydel, Solar, Wind etc.) Water Resources, Agriculture, Communications, Roads/Highways/Motorways, Railways, Airports, Ports & Harbors, Environmental & Public Health Engineering, Engineering for Industry, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning, Information Technology and Geographical Information, Systems, Disaster Risk Management, Geological Studies/ Investigations and Oil & Gas Sectors. Overall, NESPAK has so far undertaken 4,391 projects in 39 countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros Island, Dominica, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Republic of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE and Uzbekistan.

NESPAK is headquartered in Lahore, with regional offices in Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Internationally, NESPAK has permanent Offices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Afghanistan. On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of National Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited (NESPAK 1973-2023), Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 20/- denomination on 10th May, 2023.

B023- British Colony Penrhyn 2008 Birds WWF W.W.F 4 sheets.

Item for sale on my online shop.            Price:-  £4.80

Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 Constitution - Guarantor of Rights (2023-4)

April 10, 2023 marks the completion of 50 years of the unanimous approval of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973. The Constitution - the supreme law of the country. drafted during the first democratically elected Government of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, with the meaningful participation of all political forces of the country, was passed by the National Assembly of Pakistan on the 10th April 1973 and assented by the President on 12th April 1973. It was promulgated on August 14, 1973. Ever since, this sacred Constitution is intended to guide Pakistan's law and its political culture, and system.

The Parliament of Pakistan, through the Constitution, determines the basic ideology of Pakistan which is based on faimess, fraternity and social justice. It provides a roadmap for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan which makes it essential to abide by the priceless principles of democracy, liberty and fundamental rights.

The Constitution of Pakistan, being the vanguard of the individuals' rights, dignity and freedoms, reflects the true aspirations of the people while also ensuring that those who make decisions on behalf of the people fairly represent public opinion. Therefore, it is essential to uphold and promote constitutional values and protect its sanctity.

In the same spirit, the National Assembly of Pakistan has planned month-long Golden Jubilee celebrations to commemorate 50 years of the Constitution, 1973 to begin on 10th April 2023 and culminate in a befitting manner on 10th May 2023. These celebrations have been planned and overseen by an 18-member Parliamentary Advisory Committee constituted by Honorable Speaker National Assembly, Raja Pervez Ashraf and headed by Honorable Senator, Mian Raza Rabbani.

To mark the event, a number of events and activities had been planned. One of the salient activities was the issuance of this commemorative stamp at the occasion of Golden Jubilee of Constitution, 1973 the design of which was deliberated and approved by the Advisory Committee. The Stamp on one side shows the participants of the historic Constitutional Convention and on the other side represents the current Assembly Hall of the Parliament House Building in Islamabad.

This commemorative stamp would serve as a reminder to reaffirm our commitment to strive together to make Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's vision of a parliamentary and democratic Pakistan an instant reality.

On the occasion of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan1973, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 50/- denomination on 10th April, 2023.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Senate of Pakistan (2023-3)

The Senate of Pakistan is celebrating 50 years of its advent, remembering and rejoicing its pivotal role in strengthening the parliamentary system and promoting a free and fair democratic rule of law. Bringing balance into the system, the Senate's role has been to carefully guide Pakistan out of any challenging deadlocks and ensuring that no rights of any federating units are being violated in the legislative, oversight and representative processes.

To commemorate this historic occasion, the Senate of Pakistan is convening a historic three-day special session at the Parliament House in the Federal Capital. The special session of Senate scheduled for 15th, 16th and 17th of March 2023 - envisages rejoicing, accentuating and reflecting upon a truly monumental and path-defining journey that the Upper House of Pakistan Parliament embarked upon 50 years ago.

The special session will be graced inter alia by sitting and former senators, parliamentary leadership, Chief Ministers, Governors, and provincial ministers, diplomats, representatives of Chambers, Media Houses, and office-bearers of bar councils etc. In this respect, the issuance of commemorative postal stamps is one of the many initiatives to celebrate the 50 years anniversary of the Senate in a memorable and befitting manner. The core objective is to celebrate this unique juncture in our parliamentary history in a way so as to renew, reaffirm and re-energize federal-provincial harmony and connectivity being a sine qua non for a robust, strong and homogenous federation. This tradition of commemorative stamps all around the world aims to put on record the legacies forged by various state institutions that merit a celebratory acknowledgement.

The year 1973 will remain emblazoned in Pakistan's parliamentary history for having marked a constitutional epoch in the form of 1973 Constitution that inter alia provided for a bicameral parliament designating Senate as the Upper House mandated to mainstreaming and institutionalizing federating units into the federal parliamentary quotient to empower provinces through effective and equal representation and devolution of powers.

Bringing balance into the system, the Senate's role has been crucial towards carefully guiding the nation out of any challenging deadlocks while safeguardingrights and interests of federating units in the legislative, oversight and representative processes. Going a step further, the Upper House of Pakistan Parliament has always been forthcoming and instrumental in maintaining our national trajectory on our democratic, socio-economic, strategic, security, foreign policy, domestic and international fronts. Pakistan Senate's Golden Jubilee marks a crucial milestone in our national quest spanned over five decades as a united, harmonious and well-integrated federation. As a bastion of provincial harmony and equal rights, the Senate convincingly nurtured a spirit of equality and inclusivity as the very bedrock of robust democracy and pluralistic federalism. Leading from the front with proactive legislation, astute oversight, and effective public and provincial representation, Pakistan Senate painstakingly crocheted the cross stitch of 'unity in diversity' through our socio-political fabric not as buzzwords. but as our core democratic convictions and principles.

This ongoing journey of Senate has been, and continues to be, a quintessentially perpetual endeavour to hem together and strengthen the federation, ensure national cohesion and unity, and promote an inclusive, representative and balanced parliamentary system through participatory federalism. Most importantly, the Senate came forth as the guardian of the rights and interests of Pakistan's federating units, strengthening their stance on issues of provincial and national importance.

The Senate itself continues to evolve and set higher standards for its own performance to create an equitable parliamentary environment that is reliable and effective. Since its advent, the Senate of Pakistan has also progressed leaps and bounds to strengthen democracy. parliament, and international relations. All the while the Senate of Pakistan was busy augmenting national unity and cohesion, it made unprecedented endeavours in internationalizing Pakistan's vision and agenda of peace, democracy, friendship, cooperation and people's welfare through proactive Parliamentary diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral forums.

The Upper House also continues to host parliamentary and political leadership from around the world, forging closer and stronger bilateral relationships. Augmenting trade, commerce, investment and political cooperation has been the hallmark of these exchanges, which contributes to raising the bar of business and trade potential. These efforts positively impact the growth of Pakistan and are also instrumental in establishing cooperative partnerships on a regional and international scale.

On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Senate of Pakistan, the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 20/- denomination and Souvenir Sheet (Value of Rs. 50/- + 2 Perforated Commemorative Stamps of Rs.20/- each) are being issued by Pakistan Post on March 15th, 2023.

International Women's Day (2023-2)

NCSW observes the 16 Days of Activism every year, an international campaign was launched in 1991 against gender-based violence. It starts from the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women on the 25th of November up until Human Rights Day on December 10th. The Campaign's main objective is to raise awareness of the violence and abuse faced by women and create pathways of change to rid society of this plight. At the extremity of violence against women lies femicide: the murder of a woman because of their gender. One of the key events organized by the NCSW this year, in collaboration with the PNCA, was the Poster Competition in which students from all over Islamabad created artwork revolving around this year's theme of 16 Days of Activism. This stamp has been designed to symbolize breaking the chains of the violence against women which is entrenched within society. The caption, which is written in Urdu states: 'End Violence Against Women Now!'. Violence against women has taken the lives of a large number of women and girls, not just within Pakistan but across the world. Speaking up. spreading awareness and breaking barriers are essential to moving towards a society that is peaceful and tolerant.

On the "Occasions of International Women's Day", Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.20/- denomination on 8th March, 2023.

E250- Gibraltar 2002 World Cup History Football Soccer. The Bobby Moore Fund.

Item for sale on my online shop.            Price:-  £2.50

40 Years of Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Islamabad (1983-2023) (2023-1)

The institution of the Wafaqi Mohtasib was established in January, 1983 and has continued functioning till date. The success of this institution in addressingills of maladministration is reflected in the fact that not only have Ombudsman's Offices been created in the provincial government but also a range of such offices has been created in different specific sectors of federal government like tax, banking. insurance and protection of women against harassment at work pace etc. As more and more people got aware of the functioning of this easily accessible institution for expeditious and cost free resolution of their grievances against government agencies, the number of complaints grew with the consequential increase in the redressal of the grievances. Over the years, 17 Regional Offices of the WMS have been created which are redressing the grievances of the complainants by using latest information technology tools. Besides, systemic reforms have been undertaken to address the root causes of the complaints and a number of initiatives have been taken for the betterment of the aggrieved citizens. The WMS has also contributed meaningfully for promotion of Ombudsmanship at international level and currently the Wafaqi Mohtasib is the President of the Asian Ombudsman Association.

In order to analyze the evolution process of the WMS, the entire period of 40 years has been divided in three time slots for the purpose of having a broad view of the significant aspects of the evolution process. The details of these significant aspects are as follows:

1983 to the year 2000:- In the formative phase, it was initially in 1985 that the then Wafaqi Mohtasib highlighted the need to add a new dimension to the institution's conceptual and operational framework in the context of eradication of maladministration. He also made a number of other recommendations for enhancing efficiency and responsiveness in the government functioning in general as well as specific aspects of administration.

The establishment of regional offices of the WMS in the provincial capitals was notified in January, 1983 and with the support of the government, a regional office each was actually established at Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta in the years 1984-85 which enabled the WMS to start working with full force.

In the year 1986 the then President Gen. Muhammad Zia UI Haq visited the WMS and indicated that he had urged upon the provincial governments to establish this worthwhile and useful institution which had proved its efficacy, effectiveness and relevance for the welfare of the people and dispensation of justice.

Earlier in the year 1990, President Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan issued a directive to all Agencies exhorting them to promptly implement the recommendations of the Wafaqi Mohtasib and extend their full cooperation to him.

In 1995, the then Prime Minister directed all the Federal Agencies to ensure compliance promptly in respect of the cases involving pension, gratuities or other benefits arising on retirement; for giving preference in employment to the widow or children of deceased/retired employees in grade 1 to 11 as per relevant recruitment rules; for appointment of women against their reserved quota; medical expenses; insurance claims; utility bills; compensation or remission allowed to widows, orphans, invalids or incapacitated persons where the amount was not more than Rs.5 lac in an individual case and was permissible under the law.

In 1996, Pakistan had the unique honour of successfully pioneering the formation of the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA). It was a great privilege to have an international organization established with its secretariat in the Office of the Wafaqi Mohatasib at Islamabad. The Wafaqi Mohtasib of Pakistan became the first President of the AOA and continued to hold this prestigious position till the year 2013 when there was a gap in appointment of regular Mohtasib. Pakistan has not only been hosting the meeting of the Board of Directors of the AOA at Islamabad but has ever since been contributing a lot in promotion of the concept of Ombudsmanship internationally.

In 1999, the first draft of the Regulations for Investigation and Disposal of Complaints was prepared. The draft was based on the consolidated circulars issued in 1987 and actual investigation practice evolved over the years. Most of the investigation procedures were introduced by Pakistan's first Mohtasib, Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Iqbal. The Regulations were approved and circulated among all the Investigation Officers in October, 1999. These Regulations were subsequently amended slightly in the years 2003 and 2013 to bring in greater clarity.

It was in the year 2000 that the then Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf visited the WMS and directed the concerned authorities of the Govt. to look into the proposal for grant greater financial and administrative autonomy to WMS and establishment of its regional offices. Consequently, 4 new regional offices were establishment at Sukkur, Multan, Faisalabad and D.I Khan in June, 2000.

2001 to the year 2016:- This period reflects a rapid transformation of the WMS in the context of institutional reforms, expansion of its scope of activities, enhanced ability to deal with public complaints, lot better office accommodation facilities, availability of modern technology for registration and monitoring the processing and disposal of complaints. New mechanisms were introduced to provide for expeditious disposal of public complaints. Great emphasis was placed on implementation of the decisions of the Mohtasib and the Implementation wing was strengthened. Revolutionizing the complaint processing mechanism, a Complaint Management Information System (CMIS) was conceived by the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat (WMS) in the year 2005 and was formally launched in July 2007, under the Access to Justice Program. This is a state-of-the-art system, which is palpably contributing towards the efficient functioning of the WMS.

In the years 2015 & 2016, the Wafaqi Mohtasib constituted a number of committees of experts and professionals to look into the root causes of persistent complaints against various agencies and to suggest remedial measures. The committees undertook exhaustive studies and submitted their reports which were forwarded to the government for further consideration and implementation of the recommendations contained in the reports.

2017 to the year 2022:- In this period the focus of attention of the WMS remained on resolving maximum number of complaints and pursuing the implementation of the recommendations of the reports prepared in the context of systemic reforms. Greater than ever reliance was placed on the use of latest information technology tools for registration, processing and disposal of complaints as well as monitoring the implementation of the recommendations / decisions of the Wafaqi Mohtasib. Besides, focused attention was paid on enhancement of public awareness about the functions of the WMS and the results turned out to be very positive.

During the period, the WMS has evolved and grown into a premier organization of administrative accountability. He has tried to live up to its mandate and has continuously stove to improve its functioning and standards over the years.

Interestingly, greater use of information technology during this period has remarkably increased the outreach of the WMS further and has made it easily accessible to the public to a far greater extent. The initiatives taken by it to carry out systemic reforms and to facilitate the general public further enhanced the stature and clout of this institution in this period. at September 23, 2023 No comments:

75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relation Between Pakistan and The United States (2022-11)

 

Pakistan established diplomatic relations with the United States following its independence in 1947. The year 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the U.S. In August 1947 message to then Governor General Muhammad Ali Jinnah, President Truman pledged the firm friendship and good will of the United States, saying, "The American people anticipate a long history of close and cordial relations with your country". In the seventy-five years since. Pakistan and the U.S. have worked closely together to advance our mutual interests of stability, security, and economic development in Pakistan, the region, and beyond.

Pakistan and the United States have a long-standing and broad-based relationship. Over the past 75 years, the Pakistan and United States have built a relationship based on mutual respect, mutual interest, shared goals, and people-to-people ties. Cooperation has been in a wide array of areas ranging from trade and investment, health, education, energy and climate change.

Robust economic and cultural cooperation complement the strategic underpinnings of the Pakistan-U.S. relationship. The United States has been one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Pakistan and remains Pakistan's largest export market. Trade and investment relations between the United States and Pakistan continue to grow, and both countries seek to deepen commercial ties.

This pivotal anniversary of diplomatic relations offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the breadth and depth of the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and the United States and highlights our many joint accomplishments.

The commemorative stamps show flags and used colors of the two countries green, white, red and blue. The stamps project important national monuments including the Minar-e-Pakistan, the statue of Liberty.

Minar-e-Pakistan is considered the national emblem of Pakistan, and an expression of national identity. Minar-e-Pakistan is a national monument built between 1960 and 1968 to mark the spot where the All-India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution on 23 March 1940. The resolution (later known as the Pakistan Resolution) eventually helped lead to the emergence of an independent Pakistan state in 1947.

The tower of Minar-e-Pakistan reflects a blend of Mughal/Islamic and modern architecture. the structure uses the imagery of crescents and stars, signs that symbolize the culture of Pakistan, similarly seen in the

National Flag. At the base, there are floral inscriptions on ten converging white marble commemorative plaques. The inscriptions include the text of the Lahore Resolution. On different plaques, Quranic verses and 99 names of Allah are inscribed in Arabic calligraphy. Other important inscriptions included on the monument are the National Anthem of Pakistan, excerpts from the speeches of Muhammad Ali Jinnah; and a few couplets written by Allama Iqbal.

The U.S. Statue of Liberty is a figure of Libertas, a robed Roman liberty goddess. She holds a torch above her head with her right hand, and in her left hand carries a tabula ansata inscribed JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals), the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. A broken shackle and chain lie at her feet as she walks forward, commemorating the U.S. national abolition of slavery. After its dedication, the statue became an icon of freedom and of the United States, seen as a symbol of welcome to immigrants arriving by sea.

On occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and the United states, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.20/- denomination on December 27th, 2022.

Celebrate 100 Years of IDA Rieu for Service Schools for the Blind & Deaf Children (1922-2022) (2022-10)

 

The Ida Rieu Welfare Association (IRWA) established in 1922, runs the oldest educational facility for the Blind and Deaf in Pakistan. In the year 2022 we will be celebrating one hundred years of our dedicated services to people with visual and hearing impairment. Lady Ida Augusta Rieu was the wife of Mr. J L Rieu Commissioner in Sindh of the British Raj who was appointed here in 1919. She devoted her life to the service of the poor and the deprived. Ida Rieu actively provided care and comfort to the blind, deaf and homeless people. Upon her passing away in 1921 the civic leaders of Sindh resolved to honour her memory by setting up an association in her name ensuring the continuation of good works she had initiated.

Over the last one hundred years, thousands of Blind and Deaf students have completed their education at Ida Rieu and greatly improved the quality of their lives and their social interactions. There are many Ida Rieu graduates successfully engaged in teaching, computer operations, music, sports, dressmaking, painting, industrial plant operations and many other respectable professions. IRWA Centenary is a tribute to all those who made it possible to empower our blind and deaf children and played a role in securing a better future for them.

What is Blindness?

Complete blindness is the inability to see anything including light while partial blindness may be a condition of cloudy vision, an inability to see shapes, seeing shadows only or having a tunnel vision. Extent of blindness varies from person to person. Common causes of blindness are birth defects and eye injuries while diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, optic neuritis, retinitis pigmentosa and tumors can also cause blindness.

What Is Deafness?

Profound deafness is the inability to hear anything even when sound is amplified. There are four levels of hearing loss: mild, moderate, severe and profound. Sensorineural deafness is a nerve damage due to which the cochlea does not work and Conductive deafness means that sound does not pass through the outer and middle ear into the inner ear. Common causes of deafness are hereditary or genetic disorders, trauma and diseases like mumps, cytomegalovirus, chickenpox, meningitis and Meniere's disease. Hearing loss hinders development of speech and language and in turn language deficit causes learning problems.

Our academic program ranges from Montessori up to Masters level. We are affiliated with the University of Karachi for our graduate and post graduate studies. On skill development we provide Auto Cad, Dressmaking, Needlework, Painting, Book Binding, Music and similar trainings. In the area of Sports we encourage our students to fully participate in all forms of sporting events. Ida Rieu's Blind

Cricket Team is well known in Pakistan for its outstanding performance over decades. Our students perform well in Martial arts such as Judo and Karate and have earned many Gold Medals. They participate with great enthusiasm in Scouting camps and annual Jamborees.

Responding to the growing need for providing education to children with visual impairment in interior Sindh Ida Rieu started a School for the Blind at Rashidabad near Tando Allah Yar in 2015. This spacious purpose-built school provides free education, boarding and lodging to children with visual impairment from all over Sindh.

To Celebrate 100 years of Ida Rieu for service Schools for the Blind & Deaf Children (1922-2022), Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.20 denomination on 23rd November, 2022.

75 Years Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Australia (2022-9)

To celebrate 75 years of the establishment of Pakistan-Australia diplomatic relations, the High Commission for Pakistan, Canberra, Australia in collaboration with Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Stamp.

The stamp depicts the Parliaments of Pakistan (Islamabad) and of Australia (Canberra) which are symbols of highly dignified and esteemed democracies of the two countries. Pakistan and Australia have a long history of friendship and cooperation The diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Australia were established soon after Pakistan gained independence in 1947. Australia established its resident diplomatic Mission in Pakistan in 1948. The relations between the two countries have grown in all areas during the past 75 years.

The bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Australia extends to the fields of politics, economies, trade and investment, defence and security, technology, social and economic development, education, and tourism. The two countries have established institutional mechanisms to discuss ongoing and explore new avenues of cooperation. The common passion for cricket and the presence of over 100,000 strong Pakistani Diaspora in Australia acts as a strong bridge between the two countries and their peoples.

Furthermore, the two countries work closely at multilateral foras. They have been extending support for each other's candidatures at important regional and international organizations. The Pakistan-Australia bilateral trade in goods and services is worth $1.84 billion. Major exports from Pakistan to Australia are textiles, petroleum, rice, spices, surgical instrument, and leather goods. The export of IT-related services from Pakistan to Australia is on the rise.

Australia's major goods exports to Pakistan are pulses and oilseed, along with fertilizer and scrap metals. Education services exports forms the majority of Australia's $880 million services exports to Pakistan.

Pakistan appreciates its friendly ties with Australia and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation in all areas of mutual interests including Information Technology, Infrastructure, Climate Change, Education, Agriculture, and Water Management.

Long live Pakistan-Australia Friendship!

On 75 Years Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Australia, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on 15th November, 2022.