30TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND BELARUS (1994-2024) February 03, 2024 (2024-2)

This Commemorative Stamp marks 30 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Belarus, spanning from 1994 to 2024. It prominently features two iconic landmarks that represent the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Pakistan and Belarus. Dominating the foreground is the majestic Miner-e-Pakistan, a symbol of Pakistani nation's struggle for independence and sovereignty. In harmony with this, the Victory Monument of Belarus stands tall, signifying the resilience and triumph of the Belarusian spirit.

The Miner-e-Pakistan and Victory Monument serve as powerful symbols of national pride, history, and cultural identity. By featuring these landmarks the stamp pays homage to the shared values and aspirations that have forged a lasting bond between Pakistan and Belarus.

Interwoven into the stamp's intricate design are the state emblems of both nations: The National Coat of Arms of the Republic of Belarus serves as a symbol of the country's sovereignty, reflecting various facets of its identity, history, and aspirations Meanwhile, the coat of arms, or state emblem of Pakistan, adopted in 1954, embodies the nation's ideological underpinnings, economic foundation, cultural heritage, and guiding principles.

The 30th anniversary logo, with its meticulously chosen colours, reflects the harmony and respect that characterize the diplomatic relationship between the two nationa The number '3' is adorned with the vibrant colours of the Pakistani flag in a harmonious juxtaposition, the number '0' is elegantly shaded in the colours of the Belarusian flag. The logo also incorporates the state emblems of both countries and their respective flags, encapsulating the essence of this significant milestone in diplomatic history

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Belarus Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 30/- on 3rd of February, 2024

SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF PUNJAB MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY (1998-2023) (2024-1)

The Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC), a pivotal technical entity under Punjab's Local Government & Community Development Department, marks a significant milestone in its history the celebration of its 25th Anniversary the Silver Jubilee This commemoration stands as a testament to PMDFC's remarkable joumey. its manifold accomplishments, and its indispensable role in bolstering municipal services infrastructure and local government capacity across Punjab.

Established in 1998 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 and registered with SECP on 08/10/1998, PMDFC was conceived to aid Punjab's local governments in surmounting capacity constraints across financial, administrative, technical, and organizational domains. The company's overarching goal was to elevate the coverage and quality of municipal services throughout Punjab. Over the past 25 years. PMDFC has exhibited a sustained commitment to urban development, municipal services enhancement, and fortifying economic and institutional capacities within local governments.

Operating with the vision of "Help Build Healthy Cities," PMDFC has emerged as a multidisciplinary institution proficient in surveying, feasibility studies, planning, design, and the operation and maintenance of diverse municipal services. Its skilled workforce has significantly enhanced the institutional capacity of staff overseeing service delivery across all levels, thereby augmenting the quality of life in Punjab.

PMDFC's achievements are extensive, notably reflected in completed projects totalling Rs. 7855 million. These encompass diverse endeavours such as Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project (PMSIP). asset management, procurement, IT-based systems, capacity building and several other initiatives aimed at enhancing municipal infrastructure and services across various districts and cities in Punjab.

Notably, the Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project (PMSIP) garnered acclaim, earning recognition from the World Bank Regional Vice President Award for its exceptional contribution among South Asian Region World Bank projects. The project encompassed 41 sub- projects across 104 Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMA) in Punjab amounting to Rs. 4010 million.

The significance of PMDFC's journey lies not only in the tangible infrastructural enhancements but also in the profound impact on the lives of Punjab's residents. These range from the elimination of ponds for improved sanitation, development of sanitary landfill sites, pilot projects for rural solid waste management, clean drinking water initiatives, to the design and supervision of road and park construction each contributing significantly to amplify the quality of life for communities across the province.

In addition to infrastructural strides, PMDFC has emphasized capacity building, fostering collaborations with local governments, and empowering them to autonomously and responsibly enhance service delivery. These efforts have been underpinned by a meticulous situation analysis of municipal services, addressing gaps and deficiencies comprehensively.

Presently, the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) is actively engaged in the design and implementation phase of the World Bank-funded 'Punjab Cities Program' (PCP) across 16 selected cities in Punjab. This initiative aims to bolster the operational capacity of urban local governments in managing urban areas effectively. The primary objective is to introduce a model for Performance-Based Grants (PBGs) to Municipal Committees, focusing on parameters like Own source revenue and infrastructural development initiatives. These sub- projects have been rolled out in 16 chosen cities, including Daska. Hafizabad, Jhelum, Kamoke, Muridke, Wazirabad, Gojra, Jaranwala, Jhang, Kamalia, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Burewala, Khanewal, Kot Addu, and Vehari PMDFC has successfully completed 50 subprojects amounting to Rs. 2083 million as part of the Punjab Cities Program.

In parallel, PMDFC is overseeing a project titled "Support to Strengthen the Local Services by Local Governments. Funded by The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), this project focuses on enhancing local government services in selected districts of Punjab: Sheikhupura, Toba Tek Singh, Jhelum, and Lahore. Its core objectives encompass developing a regulatory framework, emphasizing capacity building among local government officials, officers, elected representatives, and support to the Punjab Local Government Academy (PLGA) in Lalamusa. The project places a strong emphasis on delivering municipal services while catering to the specific needs of vulnerable groups. Specific output indicators are set to measure success, including showcasing expertise in implementing standard operating procedures and bylaws. The project prioritizes gender inclusivity, promoting diversity, and empowering individuals within local government structures.

Furthermore, PMDFC is overseeing the implementation of the project "Revitalization of Sewage Pond." funded by UNICEF and valued at Rs. 10 million. This project targets the transformation of the wastewater pond at Mughal Pura (Laittan), Sheikhupura, with the aim of treating wastewater effectively minimizing its adverse impact on the environment and ground water and also to improve its quality for agricultural purposes without further treatment.

On the occasion of the silver Jubilee celebrations of Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (1998-2023). Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 25/- on 11th of January 2024.

75th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan & Netherlands. November 02, 2023 (2023-15)

1. Pakistan and the Netherlands enjoy friendly relations. Bilateral diplomatic relations were established on 28th February 1948. The Dutch embassy with its seat at Karachi was established in Pakistan by a Royal decree on 14th July 1948. During the first few years a charge. d Affairs (a.i) Mr. M.P.M. van Karebeek (1948-1950) was appointed. In 1954, the Netherlands and Pakistan started to exchange ambassadors. On 11th January 1955, the first Dutch Ambassador, Dr. J. G. de Benus (1954- 1957), presented his credentials to the Governor-General of Pakistan Mr. Ghulam Muhammad. The Dutch embassy was later moved to Islamabad in 1967.

2. Meanwhile, in August 1950 Pakistan opened its Embassy in the Hague. On 21st August 1950. Mr.S. Lal Shah Bokhari arrived in the Netherlands as charge d Affairs (a.). In September 1954, the first Pakistani Ambassador Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan came to the Hague and presented her credentials to Her Majesty the Queen Juliana on 20th September 1954.

3. In 1953, the Netherlands was inundated by sea water. Pakistan galvanized the entire nation to help the Dutch people and donated 2000 kgs of Tea to the Netherlands. Pakistan's support to the Dutch in 1953 has been widely recognized by the senior generation and in 2003, the Dutch Prime Minister officially sent a letter acknowledging Pakistan's support. During the 2010 floods in Pakistan, the Dutch Government provided US$4 million to the World Food Programme (WFP), for buying and transporting food packages to some 6 million people in Pakistan. In the wake of last year's unprecedented floods, the Dutch government has provided US$3.5 million through different streams to Pakistan and is helping through water management experts.

4. Since 2004, the Netherlands has hosted more than 150 junior diplomats from Pakistan who have received training there.

5. Pakistan and the Netherlands have institutionalized their relationship by establishing the mechanism of Bilateral Political Consultations since 2010. The upgraded 10th Session, at the level of Foreign Secretaries, was held in the Hague.

6. The Netherlands has become the second largest export destination for Pakistan's exports in the EU and major source of net Foreign Direct Investment. During FY 2022.

bilateral trade reached US$2.24 billion out of which Pakistani exports were US$1,735 million and imports. were US$507.9 million. Total Foreign Direct investment inflow from the Netherlands was US$305.8 million. In FY 2022, Pakistan's top commodities exported to the Netherlands included Textile, apparels, cotton, ethanol, leather, travel goods, beverages, cereals, sports, equipment and footwear.

7. More than 80 Dutch companies are operating in Pakistan. The major investments are in the sector of Food & Beverage, Electronics, Trade, Finance, Textile, Pharmaceuticals, and others. Engro Foods/Chemicals. Veon, AkzoNobel and Royal Vopak are some of the biggest names of Dutch FDI in Pakistan.

8. Pakistan and the Netherlands are celebrating 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023. The two countries share a rich history of bilateral co-operation in a wide range of areas including Political, Economic, Trade and investments, Climate Change, Education and Culture.

9. Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp on this auspicious occasion on 2nd November 2023. It features Tulip, the National Flower of the Netherlands which is also widelygrown in Pakistan, highlighting the beauty of the growing relations between the two Nations.

100 YEARS OF NOVO NORDISK A CENTURY OF INNOVATION IN MEDICINE (2023-14)

Novo Nordisk is the leading global healthcare Danish organization, founded in 1923. Main purpose of NOVO NORDISK is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as obesity, rare blood and endocrine disorders. From labs to factory floors, Novo Nordisk is discovering and developing innovative biological medicines and making them accessible to patients throughout the world. Diabetes places a great burden on health systems and Novo Nordisk is committed to work with health authorities and other partners to prevent and treat the disease.

Novo Nordisk is the leading producer of the world's insulin and 36.3 million people are sing Novo Nordisk diabetes care products across the Globe including Pakistan. Today, one in every ten people in the World has diabetes, a figure that is projected to rise to one in nine by 2045, if action is not taken. The cost and access to medical care can place a devastating burden on individuals, their families, and even whole societies. Long-term ambition of Novo Nordisk is to provide access to affordable diabetes care for vulnerable patients in every country, especially children living with type 1 diabetes, who face certain death in some parts of the world without care and medicine. Novo Nordisk aims at preventing more than 100 million people from getting type 2 diabetes by 2045.

Novo Nordisk partners with patients, policymakers, healthcare professionals and non-governmental organizations to build awareness, advance prevention and expand access to care. According to International Diabetes Federation, 33 million people are living with diabetes in Pakistan, making it the 3rd largest population in terms of number of diabetics after India and China. Novo Nordisk is committed to cure diabetes in Pakistan and in partnership with Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination through various initiatives, striving to improve the awareness on diabetes. treatment and care of people with Diabetes in Pakistan, ultimately preventing the debilitating complications of this disease. In 2022, Novo Nordisk reached to around 2.6 million people through diabetes awareness initiatives, trained 600 healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses and pharmacists on management of diabetes. Novo Nordisk also collaborated with Embassy of Denmark and Health Services Academy Islamabad to commemorate World Diabetes Day 2022 at President House Islamabad to bring Diabetes on National Agenda.

The Year 2023 marks a century of innovation in medicine for Novo Nordisk, a company founded by Nobel Laureate August Krogh and his wife Marie. One hundred years ago, a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes was a death sentence. In 1923, the founders

set out to change this reality. This determination has driven them ever since, relentlessly turning challenges into positive change for millions of people worldwide. As Novo Nordisk turns 100, it's time to renew the commitment to drive change for a healthy world today, and for generations to come.

The 100-year anniversary of Novo Nordisk is a landmark achievement in global healthcare to focus on unmet societal and individual challenges, innovation, and its value to people suffering with diabetes - including achievements over the past 100 years and a commitment to continue innovation for years to come.

Issuance of commemorative postage stamp on occasion of 100 years of Novo Nordisk is recognizing a century of innovation and service. This would highlight the burgeoning rise of Non- Communicable Diseases across the country. Saving lives must go together with improving health and wellbeing with the ultimate aspiration: a world free from the burden of disease. That is why there is a need to build awareness around these disease areas which can ultimately reduce the burden of disease and help people live healthier lives.

On 100 years of founding of Novo Nordisk, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp, titled "100 Years of NOVO NORDISK A CENTURY OF INNOVATION IN MEDICINE", of Rs.20/- denomination on 22nd September.2023.