Yachting, OK Dinghy and Enterprise, Champions (December 31, 1983)

A glorious chapter was added in the history of Pakistan sports when Pakistan yachting team won two gold medals in IX Asian Games 1982 at New Delhi and this established Pakistan’s supremacy in yachting in Asia. Yachting is the art of sailing a boat with action of wind on sails. Use of any other means like oars or a motor would disqualify a competitor. There are various types of boats in the world some of which are included in the Asian Games and the Olympics. In addition, each class of boat has its own world championships every year. In the IX Asian Games four types of boats, i.e. Fireball Class Dinghy, Enterprise Class Dinghy, O.K. Class Dinghy and Windglider Class Sailboard took part in the yachting events. In the Olympics 1984 the following classes will be sailed: Soling Class Keelboat, Star Class Dinghy, Flying Dutchman Class Dinghy, 470 Class Dinghy, Finn Class Dinghy, Tornado Class Catamaran and Windglider Class Sailboard.
The proud winners of the gold medals were Captain Khalid Mahmood Akhtar of Pakistan Navy in the single handed “0 K. DINGHY” Class and Byram and his wife Goshpi Avari in the “Enterprise” Class. Pakistan’s first gold medal was won by Captain Akhtar in the toughest of yachting events “O.K. DINGHY”, in which 13 nations participated. He was alt the time ahead of other competitors and brought the first gold medal when he finished first in fifth series of races. He was so far ahead in the points position that result in the remaining two races were of academic interest for him. He led by 24.3 points from the silver medallist from Japan. This was despite the fact that he had six stitches in his head due to an injury received while practicing a few days earlier. Captain Akhtar was awarded Tamgha-e-Basalat by Pakistan Navy for his feat and Tamgha-i-lmtiaz (Military) for his professional competence as a naval officer. In the 1978 Bangkok Asian Gomes Byram got very able support from Lt. Munir Sadiq PN, and now in the 1982 Delhi Asian Games he retained his Asian title with the support of his wife. Byram had some anxious moments when he was placed 3rd in the first two races in which 9 nations took part. Byram however made it in the sixth race when he won for the fourth time and clinched the Gold Medal by a lead of 12.3 points. For his excellent performance, Byram was awarded President’s Pride of Performance medal.
To commemorate the award of two gold medals in “O K. DINGHY” & ENTERPRISE” events in IX Asian Games, Pakistan Post Office is issuing two stamps, each of 60 Paisa value, on 31 December, 1983.

World Communication Year- 1983, PAKPHILEX-83 (November 13, 1983)

National Stamp Exhibition “PAKPHI LEX’ 83” is being held from 1.3 Nov. to 18 Nov. 1983, to celebrate “World Communications Year - 1983”. The exhibition has been organized by the Pakistan Post Office with the assistance of Lahore Museum, Pakistan Philatelic Society, Lahore and the Stamp Society of Pakistan, Karachi. “PAK-PHI LEX 83” is divided into two classes (I) Non Competitive and (ii) Competitive. In the “Non Competitive” Class exhibits of the Pakistan Post Office, Lahore Museum, Pakistan Security Printing Corporation as well as collections of the jurers and eminent philatelist shall be on display which include certain extremely rare and historic stamps of lndo Pakistan subcontinent such as the “Scinde Dawk” Stamp (blue) as well as stamps and postal stationery of other countries. In the “Competitive class” exhibits in the following groups will be on display (i) Pakistan (ii) Muslim World (iii) Rest of the World (iv) Thematic Collections (v) Aerophilately (vi) Postal History and Postal Stationery (vii) Philatelic Literature and (viii) Youth/Junior class.
Medals and certificates shall be awarded to the winners in each group of the competitive class on the basis of the decision by the panel of Jury appointed for this purpose. Special prizes/medals have also been placed at the disposal of the Jury to be awarded to the exhibits meriting special recognition. Special Medallions shall also be presented to invitees in the ‘Non-Competitive” Class.
To commemorate “PAKPHILEX’83”, Pakistan Post Office is issuing on November 13, 1983 a miniature sheet of 12 stamps having 2 horizontal panels each of six stamps in se-tenant each stamp of 60 Paisa value, depict a view of the historic city of Lahore (1852).

National Fertilizer Corporation (October 24, 1983)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in its 20th session in November, 1979 adopted a resolution to establish a ‘World Food Day’ to be observed on 16th of October each year. The main objectives of the World Food Day are:
(a) to heighten public awareness of the nature and dimensions of the tong4erm world food problem and to develop further the sense of national and international solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty;
(b) to encourage greater attention to agricultural production in all countries and to stimulate greater national, bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental efforts to this end; (c) to promote the transfer of science and technology to developing countries, particularly for the benefit of the small farmer and landless labourer, and to bring about an agricultural revolution through the development of new biological approaches;
(d) to draw attention to success achieved in food and agricultural development;
(e)to promote participation by the rural masses in decisions and measures affecting their development with a view to closing the gap between actual and potential yields, to promoting greater self-reliance, and to improving living standards for the rural poor;
(f) to encourage economic and technical cooperation among developing countries in the fields of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, nutrition and rural development.
Pakistan joins the other nations in observing the World Food Day which aims at highlighting the problem of hunger and malnutrition confronting several developing countries today and also at focussing attention on internationally aided programmes which such countries can adopt to increase food production.
In the recent years Pakistan has achieved a record over all growth rate of 4% in agricultural produce fixed by the “World Food Conference” Pakistan is now not only self sufficient in wheat and sugar but is also the third largest exporter of rice in the World. It produces some of the finest varieties of rice which are very popular all over the world. Pakistan’s expor-table surplus of rice is over 1.2 million tones per annum. Rice Export Corporation plays a key role in marketing Pakistan’s rice abroad. All this growth rate in agricultural produce has been possible mainly due to the efforts of farmers and increased use of chemical fertilizers. Tremendous contribution in this field has been made by National Fertilizer Corporation (NFC) which is the biggest producer of fertilizers in Pakistan, marketing over 1.5 million tonnes of five types of fertilizers annually. To assure timely delivery of fertilizers NFC has created a vast network of over 1700 dealers and has 10 regional offices to cater to the needs of the farmers.
The National Fertilizer Corporation has also made a significant contribution in educating the farmers in how to use modern techniques to boost food production.
Although the “World Food Day” is observed on October 16. yet the set of four stamps each of Rs.3/- denomination on the “World Food Day” and one stamp of 60 Paisa value on ‘NFC’ will be issued on October 24, 1983 due to Muharram in Pakistan.

World Food Day (October 24, 1983)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in its 20th session in November, 1979 adopted a resolution to establish a ‘World Food Day’ to be observed on 16th of October each year. The main objectives of the World Food Day are:
(a) to heighten public awareness of the nature and dimensions of the tong4erm world food problem and to develop further the sense of national and international solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty;
(b) to encourage greater attention to agricultural production in all countries and to stimulate greater national, bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental efforts to this end; (c) to promote the transfer of science and technology to developing countries, particularly for the benefit of the small farmer and landless labourer, and to bring about an agricultural revolution through the development of new biological approaches;
(d) to draw attention to success achieved in food and agricultural development;
(e)to promote participation by the rural masses in decisions and measures affecting their development with a view to closing the gap between actual and potential yields, to promoting greater self-reliance, and to improving living standards for the rural poor;
(f) to encourage economic and technical cooperation among developing countries in the fields of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, nutrition and rural development.
Pakistan joins the other nations in observing the World Food Day which aims at highlighting the problem of hunger and malnutrition confronting several developing countries today and also at focussing attention on internationally aided programmes which such countries can adopt to increase food production.
In the recent years Pakistan has achieved a record over all growth rate of 4% in agricultural produce fixed by the “World Food Conference” Pakistan is now not only self sufficient in wheat and sugar but is also the third largest exporter of rice in the World. It produces some of the finest varieties of rice which are very popular all over the world. Pakistan’s expor-table surplus of rice is over 1.2 million tones per annum. Rice Export Corporation plays a key role in marketing Pakistan’s rice abroad. All this growth rate in agricultural produce has been possible mainly due to the efforts of farmers and increased use of chemical fertilizers. Tremendous contribution in this field has been made by National Fertilizer Corporation (NFC) which is the biggest producer of fertilizers in Pakistan, marketing over 1.5 million tonnes of five types of fertilizers annually. To assure timely delivery of fertilizers NFC has created a vast network of over 1700 dealers and has 10 regional offices to cater to the needs of the farmers.
The National Fertilizer Corporation has also made a significant contribution in educating the farmers in how to use modern techniques to boost food production.
Although the “World Food Day” is observed on October 16. yet the set of four stamps each of Rs.3/- denomination on the “World Food Day” and one stamp of 60 Paisa value on ‘NFC’ will be issued on October 24, 1983 due to Muharram in Pakistan.

World Communication Year- 1983 (October 9, 1983)

“Better Communications means better living conditions”
To emphasize the fundamental importance of ‘Communications’ as an essential element in the economic and social development of all countries, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 36/40 on 19th November’ 1981 and proclaimed 1983 as the “World Communications Year.” The basic objectives of the Year as laid down by the General Assembly are: a)to provide an opportunity for all countries to review and analyze their policies on communications development and
b)to stimulate the accelerated development of communications infrastructures.
Next only to food, shelter and energy on the list of vital human needs, communications serve as a key factor in the social, economic and cultural development, of nations. In the “World Communications Year 1983” attention is to be focused on development of communications infrastructures at the national & international level.
As the world today is getting smaller and smaller man’s needs to communicate grow even faster which has resulted in spiraling demand for more and more communication facilities. Therefore the development of communications infrastructures all over the world is the primary objective of the “World Communications Year”.
Pakistan Post Office has taken the following measure in connection with the celebration of the “World Communications Year”:-
i)A National Philatelic Exhibition namely “Pakphilex-83” is being organized during November, 1983.
ii)A set of six commemorative stamps will be issued on the eve of National Philatelic Exhibition during November 1983.
iii)Letter writing competition for South Asian Region has been held recently to celebrate the ‘World Communications Year”. Three prizes shall be awarded along with stamp albums in Addition to a souvenir and a medal to the first prize winner.
iv) A letter writing competition at National level has also been held for selecting entries for world competition. Three prizes shall be awarded to national winners.
In addition, albums of Pakistan postage stamps shall also be given to the winners.
v)Special: folders and stamp albums have been prepared for sale to general public and stamp collectors.
vi)Senior Postal Officers shall contribute articles to the press on different aspects of postal services with special emphasis on the importance of communications for economic and social development and the need for removing the striking imbalance in the distribution of communications resources.
vii) A Postal Service week shall be observed towards the end of November, 1983 to emphasize the importance of the post as a factor in National development.
In addition to the above mentioned programme a set of two postage stamps is being issued on October 9,1983 to commemorate the World Communications Year.

Wildlife- Siberian Crane (September 20, 1983)

Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus) is among the most critically endangered large migratory birds in the world. Approximately 275 of the elegant white species exist in the wild with fewer than 40 in captivity. Only 36 birds are believed to fly over Pakistan.
After a million years of existence Siberian Cranes have declined dramatically in the last three decades as expanding human population exerts relentless demands on wetland habitat and hunting pressures increase. Today, two breeding populations of Siberian Cranes remain in Tundras of Eastern and Western Siberia. The Yakutian flock of 225 birds migrates to China. The smaller of river group winters in Iran or India. In 1982-83, 36 of these birds successfully completed the torturous 4,500 KM migration to the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, India. An intermediate 2—3 week stopover is made at lake Abi-i-Estada in Afghanistan before the birds fly over Pakistan on their way South.
Little is known about the twice-yearly passage of Siberian Cranes through this country. It is likely that Siberian Cranes cross the Punjab or more sparsely populated areas of Baluchistan’s Zhob District.
Siberian Cranes are striking birds. Bright yellow eyes and bare red skin on the forehead contrast with black primary feathers in an otherwise white appearance. Wingspan exceeds 7 feet. Siberian Cranes mate for life and have the breeding territories as large as 25 square KM. Usually only one of their two chicks of the year survives in the wild. This low reproduction rate accounts for the great difficulty in recovering from precipitous population losses. These birds are excellent barometers of the status of wetland habitat essential for their survival along their international migratory routes. An indicator species, their plight has brought renewed concern in Asia for the fate of the Continent’s wetland and water animals. It has also drawn attention of conservationists and wildlife officials in Pakistan to study migration of Siberian Crane through the country to reduce threats, if any, to the birds throughout its likely migration routes through Pakistan. Considerable world-wide attention is focussed on the Siberian Crane. Captive breeding programmes are under way in the Soviet Union, West Germany, and at the International Crane Foundation in the United States. Active attempts are being made to research and protect the crucial wintering and breeding grounds. Siberian Crane migration may be researched in greater depth in the near future.
Pakistan Post Office is issuing a special postage stamp on Siberian Crane of Rs. 3.00 value on September 8, 1983 in order to increase public awareness of the plight of this rare and beautiful bird which is facing the threat of extinction. It is a part of series on Wildlife stamps being issued by Pakistan Post Office since 1975 to focus world attention. on preservation of Wildlife. The painting for the stamp was provided by the world renowned, artist and naturalist, Sir Peter Scott, Chairman of the Council of the World Wildlife Fund International. It is based on a photograph of a Siberian Crane family in flight, by Dr. George Archibald.

Indonesia Pakistan Economic and Cultural Cooperation Organization (IPECC) 1968-1983 (August 19, 1983)

The Indonesia-Pakistan Economic and Cultural Co-operation Organization (IPECC) is a bilateral arrangement between the two countries which aims at-promoting closer economic, technical & cultural co-operation and welfare of the people of Indonesia and Pakistan. The decision to form this Organization was taken in September 1964 by the Heads of States of the Republic of Indonesia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and it came into being on August 19, 1968. To highlight close ties between the two countries the Postal Administrations of Indonesia & Pakistan decided to issue commemorative stamps on regular basis. Accordingly a set of two stamps in the series of IPECC commemorative stamps is being issued on 19th August, 1983 to focus attention on the co-operation between Indonesia & Pakistan. The theme selected for the stamps is “Traditional Weaving Handicrafts” of the two countries.
Earlier, the Postal Administration of Indonesia issued a stamp on 19th August, 1977, depicting “Traditional Male Costume of Jakarta Region” and the Postal Administration of Pakistan issued a stamp on 5th February, 1978 depicting “Traditional Costume (Female) of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Region”.

36th Anniversary of Independence (August 14, 1983)

The creation of Pakistan as an Islamic State was the culmination of an historical movement that won for us an independent and sovereign country. Pakistan is linked with the Muslim demand for freedom and the right of political self-determination. The sense of being a religious community, an historical entity, a distinct cultural body, made the Muslims to demand Pakistan.
The struggle for independence started soon after the war of Independence (1857) and was led by Syed Ahmad Khan who served as a guiding force for the politically weak Muslims of India. Syed Ahmad Khan is given the principal credit for reviving the Muslims of British India. He equated education with power and sensed Muslims could only defend themselves if they had the same capabilities as the Hindus. He was indeed a key figure in the promotion of an Islamic State in South Asia.
The developments which made the Muslims conscious of their rights, agitated the minds of Hindus. They opposed granting of any separate rights to Muslim. In the meantime, the British Government made an announcement about the proposed political reforms. The Muslim leaders sent a deputation known as “Simla - Deputation” for safeguarding their rights which demanded separate electorate for the Muslims and urged to recognize their separate identity. For the purpose “Muslim League” took birth as apolitical party in 1906.
The inspiration for modern Muslim nationalism in South Asia can be traced to the writings and poetry of Muhammad lqbal. In 1930 the sub-continent’s most illustrious poet-philosopher was invited to preside over an open session of the All-India Muslim League which was holding its Annual Convention in Allahabad. Iqbal used the occasion to make a dramatic statement which, most scholars of the period agree, represented the first clear call for the establishment of an independent Muslim State within South Asia.
Chaudhry Rehmat Ali is credited with giving a name to the area that Iqbal had identified as a possible self-governing Muslim territory. The term Pakistan was an acronym derived from the names of the Provinces falling within this region. In Urdu it is also translated as ‘land of the pure’.
After September, 1939, events moved fast and the intransigence of the Congress increased. There was no alternative for the Muslim but to demand partition of the country which was articulated in the famous “Lahore Resolution” of 23rd March, 1940. It asserted that the creation of Pakistan was inevitable. Since then the 23rd of March 1940 is celebrated as a “National Day”. It was all due to the dynamic leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam that the dream of 1940, for creation of Pakistan, became a reality in 1947.
On this historic event Quaid-i-Azam expressed that:—
“Undoubtedly the differences between the Hindus and Muslims are. not of religion in the strict sense of the word but also of law and culture, that they may be said indeed, to represent two entirely distinct and separate civilizations”.
After a long and hard struggle by the Muslims, British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act of 1947. Thus Pakistan came into existence after a long drawn out struggle in which millions of Muslim men, women, young and old all played their part. Mr. Attlee, the British Prime Minister declared in February, 1947 that they intended to take necessary steps to effect the transference of power to responsible hands not later than June, 1948. Lord Mountbatten who had been appointed as viceroy, declared in his plan of 3rd June, 1947, that Independence would be granted on 14th of August, 1947. Pakistan had to start from a scratch in order to establish a new Capital, a new Govt., and a new Secretariat at Karachi. Besides, on account of the communal riots Pakistan was confronted with the problem of accommodating millions of refugees.
And now as Pakistanis it should be our endeavour to achieve the objectives laid down by the Quaid in his broadcast to the nation on 30th October, 1947:— “Now is the time, chance and opportunity for every Musalman to make his or her fullest and best contribution and make the greatest sacrifice and work ceaselessly in the service of our nation and make Pakistan one of the greatest nations of the world.
On 14th August, 1983 the nation is observing 36th Anniversary of Independence under the President General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, who has already introduced and enforced the Shariat laws, Zakaat, Usher, Interest-free banking system, Federal Shariat Courts, Council of Islamic Ideology, and other measures.
Now the people have achieved the aim for which the country came into being which was also expressed by the Quaid-i-Azam in the following words:—
“Pakistan not only means freedom and Independence, but the Muslim Ideology which has to be preserved which has come to us as a precious gift and treasure and which we hope others will share with us.”
To commemorate this auspicious occasion Pakistan Post Office is Issuing a set of 2 stamps of 60P & Rs. 4/- denominations on 14th of August, 1983.

Wildlife- Chinkara (June 20, 1983)

Biology: The barren type of habitat frequented by Gazelles necessitates a fairly wide dispersion of the population and ranging by individuals over considerable distances in order to secure sufficient forage.
They do, however, exhibit some gregarious traits and usually associate in small parties of two to three individuals and occasionally even up to six or seven.
They appear capable of surviving not only on grazing from the few scattered tufts of grass but also from browsing on various xerophytic bushes. Apparently they are able to subsist for certain seasons without drinking any free water as none is available in most regions frequented by this gazelle. Captive specimens when provided with Succulent fodder never showed any inclination to drink, but in early Autumn when fodder had a much lower moisture content they did drink occasionally.
Description:
In summer coat, the Indian Gazelle is of warm biscuit, Or reddish-buff colour, with the fur smooth and highly glossy. This is probably a valuable adaptation for reflecting beck some of the sun’s rays and thus minimizing heat absorption during the very high day time temperatures experienced in its habitat. Even in winter coat the white-belly and throat fur is smooth and short and the upper part of the body is more reddish-yellow and shorter furred. Distribution:
A very adaptable animal, it seems to be able to exist in extensive sand-dune areas down to sea level as well as in stony plateau and low hilly regions up to 1500 m (5000 ft) elevation. It can retreat for shelter during the day into quite steep mountain ravines or gullies as observed in the.Kirthar and Margalla Hills but generally they avoid steep bill sides. The Chinkara is severely reduced in numbers, perhaps to the point of extinction, in the desert regions all along the eastern border of Pakistan.
Pakistan Post Office is issuing a special postage stamp of Re.1/- denomination depicting ‘Chinkara’ (Gazella gazella bennetti) on 20 June 1983. It is a part of series on Wildlife stamps being issued by Pakistan Post Office to focus world attention on preservation of Wildlife. Earlier issues on Wildlife include a set of two vamps each on (i) Black Partridge (30-9-75). (ii) Urial (31-12-1975), (iii) Peacock (31-3- 1976), (iv) lbex (12-7-1976), (v) a set of four stamps depicting four rate varieties of Pheasants namely, Monal, White Created Kalij, Koklas and Cheer (17-6-79), (vi) Green Turtle (20-6-1981), (vii) Western Tragopan (15-9.1981), (viii).The Blind Indus Dolphin (24-44g52’~4ix) four Butterflies namely, Papilio Polyctor, Polydorus aristolchiae, Danaus Ghrus and Papilio demoleus (15-1-1981) and (x) Marsh Crocodile (Crocodilus palustrir) (19-6-1983).

Wildlife- Marsh Crocodile (May 19, 1983)

The Marsh Crocodile belongs to the great group of reptiles and dwells in marshy areas. The Marsh Crocodile of Indus is distinguished by its short snout as compared to the Nile Crocodile which has a broad and long projecting nose.
HABITS:
It is seen coming out of water at sunrise and basking near the bank to keep the body temperature within the fine limits and avoid extremes of temperature. It is usually tIow moving but despite its bulky body and short legs it gains unexpected speed. While walking it lifts its body well off the ground on its legs. When dashing into the water the crocodile slides on its belly, using its legs as paddles. The young crocodile occasionally galrops along with the front and beck legs working together. While floating, the crocodiles show their eyes and nostrils. They carry several pounds of stones in their stomach to balance the centre of gravity.
FEED:
Young crocodiles upto the age of one year relish small animals like frogs, dragon-flies, Crabs and even mosquito larvae. With the growth in age its diet turns from insects to snails and fish. Th. adult crocodile continues to catch fish but turns to large-scale trapping of birds and mammals. For this purpose, they wait near game trails or water holes. As soon as the victim approaches, the crocodile seizes and drags it under water or knocks it over with a blow from its tail or head. Once the victim is pulled into the water, it almost ceases to struggle and the crocodile than groups its limb. in its laws and rolls It over and over end dismembers the parts of the victim’s body. The crocodiles are also man eaters. In Africa they are not regarded as a menace. It seems that crocodiles are more aggressive when the streams or pools dry up or when they are guarding their young.
BIOLOGY:
The female lays upto 90 eggs during the dry season. They hatch four months later during the rainy season when there are plenty of insects for their babies to feed on. The Marsh Crocodiles dig two feet deep for their nests near water and shade, where the female can guard her brood and keep herself cool. During the incubation period, she stays by the nests defending it against enemies which include other crocodiles. The baby crocodiles grunt before hatching, alarming the mother to uncover the nest. The babies climb out and stay near her mother and yap if get lost.
The Crocodiles are protected under the Law in Pakistan. In the Province of Sind it is declared ‘Protected’ under the Sind Wildlife Protection Ordinance. Its killing, trapping or dealing in its skins or the products thereof are illegal under the law and punishable with fine or imprisonment or both. The Sind Government have also approved of a project for captive breeding of Crocodiles, rearing them and ultimately releasing them in their original habitat. Pakistan Post Office is issuing a stamp of Rs. 3/- denomination depicting Marsh Crocodile (Crocodilus palustris) on 19 May, 1983. It is a part of series on Wildlife stamps being issued by Pakistan Post Office to focus world attention on preservation of Wildlife. Earlier issues on Wildlife include a set of two stamps on (i) Black Partridge (30th September, 1975), (ii) Urial (31st December, 1975), (iii) Peacock (31st March, 1976), iv) lbex (12th July, J976), (v) a set of four stamps depicting four rare varieties of Pheasants, namely, Monal, White crested Kalij, Koklas and Cheer (17th June, 1979), (vi) Green Turtle (20th June, 1981), (vii) Western Tragopan (15th September, 1981), (viii) The Blind lndus Dolphin (24th April,, 1982) and (Ix) four Butterflies namely, Papilio polyctor, Polydorus aristolchiae, Danaus chrysippus and Papilio demoleus (15th January, 1983).

Trekking in Pakistan (April 28, 1983)

Pakistan with her rich cultural heritage, attractive tourist spots from lofty mountains to lush green valleys fertile plains to golden deserts and lively bazaars, to silvery beaches, offers ideal environs to those who love adventure and natural beauty and seek recreational pursuits.
For those who seek adventure there is an imaginary centre of the fold mountains known as the Pamjr-Knot’ which lies partly in four countries-Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia and China. From the Pamir-Knot radiate the Himalayas, the Karakoram, the Suleiman Range and the Hindukush. The Karakoram, running eastward from the Pamir-Knot and almost parallel with the Punjab Himalaya is a vast complex of high mountains in the trans-Himalayas. The Karakoram has above one hundred peaks containing the World’s greatest glaciers.
The Suleiman Range runs South—West from the ‘Pamir—Knot’ and separates Pakistan from Afghanis-tan and the Indus Valley from Baluchistan. The Hindukush runs west from Pamir-Knot. The accessibility of the area, freedom from monsoons and medium height of most of the peaks makes it an excellent area for small trekking parties. Tirich-Mir, called Queen of Chitral, is also frequently visited by trekking parties.
For less arduous outings one can go trekking and hiking, or even on long drives in the enchanting valleys like Swat and Kalam, Ushu and Utrot and a more thrilling Journey in Kaghan over a narrow winding road running dangerously close to rushing torrents and to lakes on the top of the mountains.
Pakistan has much to offer to those living in the cold climates of Europe and the North who are used to mechanized life and grey skies. Our bright winters and the quiet of the valleys of Chitral, Swat and Kaghan are un spoilt by the march of the modern age and industry. Pakistan has about 58 world-renowned areas of trekking which attract trekkers from all over the world. Some of the most important areas are as under —Islamabad—Gilgit—Jaglot-Hanochal, Sassi-Dache Iskara Mani Glacier—Baskai Glacier Foot of Laila Peak (6218 m) Foot of Malubating Peak (7452m) Phuparash Glacier and back by the same route.
Islamabad—Chitral—-Maroi Not-Barum-South Barum Glacier North Barum Glacier Foot of Tirichmir Peak (7708m) and back by the same route.
Islamabad—Skardu—Khaplu Machlu Haldi Sino Thang—Lasht—Summr Pasture-Base Camp K—6 and return by the same route.
Islamabad—Saidu Sharif Malam Maltiltan Baloga Meadow Briochwood Kachi Kani Pass Bashgar Gol-Lespure Shandur Pass Tow Phundor Gilgit Naltar Hunza Gilgit lslamabad. Rawalpindi—Gilgit Riakot Bridge Tato Village Fairy Meadows Base Camp of Naga Parbat and return by the same route.
Rawalpindi SkarduVisit Satpara Lake,Return to Skardu Daghoni Tails Kandas Hushe.Wackok Frozen lake Masher brum base camp Frozen lake Wackok Hushe Kandae Talis. Daghoni Skardu Rawalpindi. lslamabad Peshawar chitral lstaro Shah Gram Uzhnu Phugrom Shah Jineli Village lshpro Shost Lesht—Dobar Gar Gasin Brep Mastuj Chitral Peshawar Islamabad.
Pakistan Post Office is issuing a special Postage stamp of Re. 1/- denomination on “Trekking in Pakistan” on 28 April, 1983.

The Aga Khan University (March 18, 1983)

Pakistan Post Office is issuing a postage stamp to commemorate the birth of the private university in the subcontinent — the Aga Khan University in Karachi. The President of Pakistan, who is the Patron of the University, will present the Charter to its Chancellor, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, at a ceremony in Karachi on March 16, 1983.
The seed of the Aga Khan University was planted in 1964, when His Highness the Aga Khan announced his desire to build a premier medical centre consisting of a Hospital, a Medical College and a School of Nursing in Karachi. Its development, however, is a culmination of sixty years of commitment to health care by the Aga Khan Health Services, which presently operates 120 health units throughout Pakistan. In addition, about 130 primary and secondary schools operating in the country are sponsored by the Aga Khan Foundation, The Aga Khan Hospital and Medical College was part of this evolutionary process. it was felt that for effective health care in the country, medical education, oriented specifically to the needs of the country would be the most significant agent of change. This concept was emphatically supported by the President of Pakistan who, in recognition of the standards demonstrated by the Institution, granted University status to the Medical College and the School of Nursing in 1981.
The Charter of the University not only emphasises its initial commitment to health sciences, but also opens the way for it to organise programmes in other disciplines. The University controls its own finances, and is open to all who qualify academically regardless of race, religion, sex, creed, class or domicile. It is governed by an autonomous Board of Trustees whose members determine policies of the University, and a Rector responsible for its operations and administration. Academic freedom within the framework of the laws of Pakistan is assured. This includes power to administer the University’s academic functions, select and examine students, award degrees and diplomas, select and promote faculty, determine courses of study, pursue research, enter into affiliations, ensure freedom of expression in the teaching and research needs of academic personnel and support hospitals and other health programmes. Initially the University will consist of a Medical College which will begin classes in September 1983, with a capacity to graduate 100 doctors each year; the School of Nursing, which began classes in October, 1980, will train 110 nurses annually. Attached to these will be a 721-bed teaching Hospital which will begin admitting patients in 1984. The Project is expected to cost Rs. 3,000 million.
Departing from traditional concepts of medical education the curriculum is specifically designed to prepare future health professionals to work effectively with other health workers at the community level and serve the needs of the country in the urban as well as the rural areas.
The academic programmes of the Aga Khan University will be designed to identify problems facing Pakistan and the Third World Countries today, or which are likely to confront them in the future, so that human resources could be trained to respond to these issues. In due course the University plans to establish new faculties in Pakistan as well as in other countries and thereby achieve a truly international character. To achieve its academic goals, the University is collaborating with distinguished universities including Harvard in the United States and McGill and McMaster in Canada, as well as the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Pakistan. The care that has characterized every aspect of the University’s development is readily apparent in its architectural design. It responds both to the physical environment of the site and the culture of Pakistan. Buildings are designed to reflect the great traditions of Muslim architecture. Portals and courtyards unfold as a visitor moves through the complex which has been designed as an organic whole, cooled by reflective, running and splashing waters. Indigenous methods of environmental control have been utilized wherever possible. Major fenestration in the non-airconditioned areas open to the north. Air scoops and ventilation catch and channel prevailing breezes. Lush plantings and water in the courtyards help to temper the heat of the city.
The Government of Pakistan has generously supported this major philanthropic endeavor and has donated 84 acres of land and granted exemption from import levies on equipment from abroad. The objectives of the Aga Khan University are calculated responses to current and future needs of the nation; responses which stress the most effective possible allocation of resources and which-by example-aspire to lead the way to a new era of higher education in Pakistan, the Muslim World and the Third World Countries at large.

Handicrafts of Pakistan (March 9, 1983)

Pakistan, with its five thousand-year-old civilization, has a rich heritage of handicrafts. The different regions with wide variety of tradition and culture, dialects, folklore, music, dresses and costumes have much to offer to any connoisseur of handicrafts. The Kashmiri Shawls, the Baluchi and the Sindhi embroidery work, the Peshawari chappals and carpets, camel skin lamps of Multan, Gujrati pottery and the wood and brass work done in different parts of Pakistan have all a charm of their own.
In order to focus attention on the rich heritage of handicraft in our country, Pakistan Post Office had issued on 23rd August,]979 a special series consisting of four stamps depicting specimens of
(i)Guj embroidered shirt (Guj is a Sindhi term for woman’s wed-ding shirt), (ii) Enamel inlaid brass plate, iii) Baskets, and. (iv) Chain-stitch embroidered rug in the denominations of 40 Paisa, Re. 1/, Rs. 1.50 and Rs. 2/- respectively. The second set of stamps in the handicraft series consisting of two stamps each of Re. 1/-denomination depicting specimens of (i) Hala Pottery and
(ii) Camel Skin Lamp was released on the 20th February, 1982.
The third set of stamps in the handicraft series consisting of two stamps each of Re. 1/- denomination depicting specimens of (I) Panj Pholo and (ii) Straw Mats will be released on the 9th March, 1983.

Wildlife- Butterflies (February 15, 1983)

The ninth set in the series of Wildlife, which are being issued by the Pakistan Post Office to focus attention on the need to preserve Wildlife in the country, will be released on 15th February, 1983. The set consists of 4 stamps of the denomination of 40 paisa, 50 paisa, 60 paisa and Rs. 1.50, depicting four rare varieties of Butterflies, namely (i) Papilio Polyctor (ii) Polydorus aris-tolchiae (iii) Danaus-Chrysippus and (iv) Papilio demoleus. Earlier issues on Wild-life included a set of two stamps each on (i) Black Partridge (30—9—1975), (ii) Urial (31—7—1975) (iii) Peacock (31—3—1976) (iv) Ibex (12—7—1976) (v) Pheasants (17—6—1979) (vi) Green Turtle (20—6—81) (vii) Western Tragopan (15—9-1981) and (viii) The Blind lndus Dolphin (Platanista mdi) (24—4—1982)
1. PAP 1110 POLYCTOR (The Common Peacock).
This butterfly, found in the N.W.F.P., is characterized by its forewings with a golden-green outer discal band and hind wings with a blue outer discal band, yellow marginal crescents and red-eye spot on the inner margin. The hind wing posteriolaterally extends into a “tail”. 2. POLYODRUS ARISTOLOCHIAE (The Common Rose).
It is one of the commonest butterflies found in the plains and hills all over Sind and the Punjab. The hind wings both in male and female have long “tails” usually with five elongated yellowish spots and marginal series of red crescents. The fore wings possess prominent yellow marginal streaks. The over-all colour of this butterfly is black, if seen from above. 3. DANAUS CHRYSIPPUS (The Plain Tiger).
It is the commonest butterfly found in every type of habitat throughout Pakistan. Fore and hind wings are orange-brown with black margins containing white spots.
4. PAPILIO DEMOLEUS (The Lemon Butterfly)
It is found in the Punjab, Sind and Baluchistan and often seen in the neighbourhood of Citrus Plantations because its larvae feed on citrus leaves. It is a large butterfly with black background of wings and yellow spots. There is a definite red-eye spot on the inner margin of hind wings.

Quetta Natural Gas Pipe Line Project (January 6, 1983)

The availability of Sui Gas in Baluchistan, a long cherished desire of the people of the Province remained unfulfilled for nearly 3 decades and was given due priority by the present Government.
The 344 km long Quetta Natural Gas Pipeline Project from Shikarpur to Quetta costing over Seven hundred and sixty million rupees and passing through the roughest terrain — the unpredictable Bolan River, the vast desert plains and the water logged marshy areas, has finally been laid through the dedicated and untiring efforts of Sui Gas Transmission Company Limited (SGTC) with the determined support of the Government of Baluchistan and the blessings of the President of Pakistan. This company was established in 1954 with the objectives of exploiting natural gas reserves discovered at a remote and desolate location at Sui in the Province of Baluchistan. The detailed Project planning and designing, engineering work and construction of the Pipeline has been undertaken solely by Pakistani Engineers of SGTC. The Project feasibility prepared by the SGTC was approved by the Government of Pakistan on 24th September, 1980 with the Foreign Exchange assistance from Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the construction of the Pipeline was undertaken onthel6th September, 18~1 while commissioning of the pipeline was scheduled in June, 1983. In order to extend the benefits of natural gas to the people of Baluchistan expeditiously, a determined and dedicated effort by the Pakistani Engineers and Workers has resulted in completion of the Project ahead of schedule, which is historic occasion for the entire Nation and is being inaugurated by the President of Pakistan, General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq on January 6, 1983.
The 12 inch diameter, 344 km pipeline is integrated with the 18 inch Indus Right Bank Pipeline(IRBP) at a point about 25 km upstream of Shikarpur and passes through the towns of Jacobabad, Jhatpat, Dera Murad Jamali, Sibi, Mach, Kolpur, Darwaza and Sariab and is designed to accelerate the pace of industrial development at Quetta and in the under developed areas in the Province of Sind and Baluchistan. The supply of natural gas to these area will contribute enormously toward the socio-economic betterment of the people through the establishment of an industrial infrastructure.
To commemorate this event of great national importance, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a postage stamp of Re. 1/- denomination on January 6, 1983.