100 Years of American Express Travelers Cheques (1891 - 1991) December 26, 1991

Long before commercial aviation, when traveling involved long ocean voyages or travel by rail, passengers had no choice but to carry large amounts of money. This money in most cases would be carried in the form of cash on themselves and in their baggage, where it could easily be lost or stolen. Those wealthy enough or with influence could obtain letters of credit from a bank. But even letters of credit could only be obtained from one bank and reimbursed by another when the traveler had credit outstanding.
In 1891, the president of American Express Company, James C. Fargo, returned to the U.S from a journey to Europe where he had experienced difficulties with reimbursement of his letters of credit from foreign banks. Upon his return to America he summoned his manager, Matcellus Berry, and instructed him to create a negotiable instrument that would be as widely accepted internationally as cash yet safer. Marcellus Berry worked on this for months and finally came up with the solution. He had the idea of requiring two signatures to validate the check. This idea is so simple yet so effective that till today after 100 years it has not become obsolete.
Since the past 100 years the travelers cheque product has been a symbol of security, re-fundability and convenience.
The travelers cheque product has stood the test of time and continues to meet the needs of the travelers worldwide In addition, the fact that travelers cheques are as easily accepted as cash at banks, hotels, and at major shops and stores is another reason why millions of travelers prefer to travel with this form of payment.
As travelers needs grew more complex travelers cheque issuing companies introduced more and more innovative ways to save the travelers cheque purchasers trip. American Express, the inventor and world leader in travelers cheques, has a reputation for introducing innovative services. Today, purchasers of American Express travelers cheques have the convenience and security of reporting their loss or theft over the, phone and having their TCs delivered to their doorstep nearly anywhere in the world, usually within 24hours.
It is such value added services offered by American Express that has made the travelers cheque product one of the most secure methods of carrying money overseas. Today, travelers cheques are available in all major currencies such as US dollars, Canadian dollars, French and Swiss francs, German Marks, Pounds Sterling, Japanese Yen to mention a few.
The main feature of the stamp specimen bears the first travelers cheque that was encashed by William C.Fargo on 5th August. 1891 in Leipziz. Germany in the backdrop.
In 1951, the design of the American Express Travelers Cheques was changed. The addition of the roman warrior made counterfeiting more difficult and his portrait today on the American Express Travelers Cheques symbolism strength, security and reliability.
One man\'s frustration, another\'s vision and the commitment of dedicated people through out the last century created a product of unquestionable advantage - The American Express Travelers Cheques.
The commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.7/- denomination on the 100 years of American Express Travelers Cheques" on December 26,1991.
(Contributed by American Express Bank Limited, Karachi).

Painters of Pakistan (Series) (Late) Haji Muhammad Sharif (1889-1978) December 24,1991

Haji Mohammad Sharif a known Ustad of miniature painting, a tradition strongly patronized by the Mughals. Born in 1889 in Patiala state, East Punjab, he inherited this art form from his forefathers who were also established miniaturists of their own times. His grandfather, Allah Ditta had considerable command over the art of miniature painting and his father Basharat Ullah was also producing good quality miniatures. Haji Sahib against the wishes of his forefathers who wanted him to become a watch-maker, opted for a court painter. The position was offered by Maharaja of Patiala who managed to convince his family.
He obtained his early art training from a known of Patiala State, Lala Shaoo Ram. He was also influenced by Mohammad Hassan Khan of Delhi and few of his father's students. From a very early stage he started showing command in his field.
In 1945, Haji Sahib got an offer to work for Mayo School of Arts now known as National College of Arts. He readily accepted the offer. He was always eager to impart knowledge unlike many of his contemporaries. He found the environment quite conducive to release and excel his creative abilities. The venue was also most appropriate to preserve ancient skills with more emphasis on ornamentation and details.
Haji Sahib was a very legendary figure. He inspired everybody who so ever had a chance to come across him. As a matter of fact he is the most remembered personality. Sitting in a traditional manner on a specially made wooden Devan against a thick round pillow, Haji Sahib would correct every ones Miniature. His students still remember witty tales of his youth which he use to tell to his students. He also use to tell about his un forgetful days spent in Patiala.
It is because of Haji Sahib's committed nature that the art of miniature painting is still continuing. He not only did countless number of paintings but also trained some of very devoted students who are continuing the traditions set by their teacher. He produced some of very fine miniatures during his life time which were presented to various dignitaries visiting Pakistan, important amongst them are Shah of Iran, Ikihito, Liu Shao-Chi and Mrs. U. Kennedy.
It was a great honour for the artist in return to his hard work and devotion.
In 1967, he was awarded President's medal for Pride of Performance for his meritorious services rendered in the field. On the occasion of his solo exhibition in Alhamra in 1960 inaugurated by Ayub Khan, the President awarded him a monthly grant of Rs. 200 for life time.
He held exhibitions one after another in Pakistan and abroad.
In 1965, Haji Sahib was retired from his services. He started losing his health particularly his eye sight. This deterioration did not allow him to continue his art. He died on December 9,1978 leaving behind the traditions of such an art form on which we can be proud of.
(Contributed by: Pakistan National Council of the Arts Ministry of Culture and Sports)
To commemorate the works of renowned painters of Pakistan, Pakistan Post Office is issuing one commemorative postage stamp of Re. 1/- denomination on December 24, 1991.

Painters Of Pakistan (Series) - (Late) Ustad Allah Bux (Circa 1892 - 1978) December 24,1991

Ustad Allah Bux born in Wazirabad circa 1892. He worked as an apprentice to Ustad Abdullah at a very young age. He also learnt the art of painting from Master Meeran Bakhsh Naqash, a known teacher and painter and was also the Vice Principal of the Mayo School of Arts. Ustad Allah Bux worked for various private agencies as a commercial artist and never stick to one job. He was invited to teach at Sir J.J. School of Arts, the offer was politely declined by the artist. But he accepted to work at the Mayo School of Arts.
From a very young age Allah Bux started exhibiting his works. He was awarded 1St prize in painting in a competition held in Bombay. Later on he was awarded countless prizes. He was also awarded Presidents medal for Pride of Performance. In 1979, through RCD\'s programme, the government of Iran, reproduced one of his paintings on a postage stamp.
He was known for painting folk tales, village life, landscapes and portraits. He worked mostly in oils and on larger scales but he also experimented with other mediums. He was fluent in water-colours, pen & ink, tempera colours, pencil and paints. At times he combines various mediums to achieve innovative surfaces. Thematically, Allah Bux was very much inspired by his own surroundings but in his style of painting landscapes he was deeply influenced by the western classical paintings. The reason could be strong hold of British Empire ruling united India.
Ustad Allah Bux taught free to his students which include Pakistani as well as Foreigners, some of them are today considered prominent artists. His paintings are preserved by collectors world over and are considered treasure. The National Art Gallery has a representative collection of his paintings, which remains on display for public viewing. He left behind amongst many valuables, his studio where he used to spent most of his time. The same has been converted into an academy "Allah Bux Academy" which is a learning ground for those who wants to excel in this great master's style.
He died in October 18, 1978, leaving behind a long list of his admirers and followers. Ustad Allah Bux was a real asset to this nation. His traditions will be preserved for generations in times to come and his contribution will be long remembered.
(Contributed by: Pakistan National Council of the Arts Ministry of Culture and Sports) To commemorate the works of renowned painters of Pakistan, Pakistan Post Office is issuing one commemorative postage stamp of Re. 1/- denomination on December 24, 1991.

300th Death Anniversary of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo - 1991 December 22,1991

Sultan-ul-Arifeen, Hazrat Sultan Bahoo is one of the most outstanding Saints of the sub-continent. Belonging to Qadri order, his teachings have served as beacon of light and guidance to the millions of his devotees in the country and abroad who flock to pay their homage at his Shrine, located at Hazrat Sultan Bahoo, District Jhang.
Hazrat Sultan Bahoo was born at Shorkot, District Jhang in the year 1039 Hijra which corresponds to the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. He belongs to the respected tribe of Awans who trace their ancestry to one of the Sons of the fourth Caliph, Hazrat Au (RA). Awans migrated to the sub-continent and settled down primarily in the hilly terrain which now constitutes the districts of Khushab and Chakwal. His father, Sultan Muhammad Bazid, who held an important office in the Mughal Administration, moved over to Shorkot, Distt. Jhang. His mother, Bibi Raasti, was a very pious and noble lady who was highly respected and revered.
Being fully aware of the inherent potential of her son, she named him as Bahoo, Hoo\" means God and literally the name means \"close to God\'. Even as child, Hazrat Sultan Bahoo had charismatic personality that melted the hearts of many people who readily embraced Islam. His mother had lasting influence on him. The mother advised him to travel to seek the Truth and search for the guidance, blessing and love of Allah.
Hazrat Sultan Bahoo traveled for a number of years to spread the message of submission to Allah in the far away lands, mountains and deserts, staying away from the royal court. Hazrat Sultan Bahoo is the author of about 140 precious books in Persian language, some of which have been translated in Urdu. Sultan Bahoo Academy has undertaken to translate the work of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo in Urdu so that his message of peace and love is spread throughout the country and beyond. In addition, Hazrat Sultan Bahoo has left for us a number of beautiful poetic compositions, commonly known as \"Abyat-e-Bahoo\" which are immensely popular not only amongst his spiritual devotees but also amongst the people at large. \"Abyat-e-Bahoo\" are a class by them-selves. Composed of 4 lines, all ending with the word “Hoo\", they have an inimitable approach to love, life and thought; are unique in style, and unrivalled in their rhythm.
The reader cannot but appreciate the masterly touches in these Abyats through which Sultan Bahoo has tried to instill in his readers a sense of oneness with the all-pervading spirit, or God; the necessity for an unqualified submission to God\'s will; and, above all, the need for forsaking everything-all material considerations, in search for truth which, according to Sultan Bahoo, is the sine quo non of all existence.
Now let us quote a few of them rendered in English:
\"The lover (of God) is never free to perform any other job as all of his time passes in the remembrance of God-Almighty. Rest or sleep for him becomes a taboo, for, the name of God remains on his lips always whether it be a day or night. 0\' Bahoo, how fortunate are the people who pursue and know the way which leads to the love of God.\"
\"who can gauge what is in the heart, which is deeper than the deep sea! In it roam the ships, big and small, full of people quarrelling with each other, and the others who steer them to their destinations. There are fourteen corners in e hearts, stretching against each other like the strings of a tented abode, an 0\' Bahoo it is the one who is fully aware of the wealth in his own heart, that can recognise God Almighty\".
It is evident from Sultan Bahoo\'s Abyats that for him two things are of paramount importance in the search for Truth, and in the context of man\'s obligation and duty to his Creator. These are: firstly, a sense of absolute dependence upon God and an unqualified submission to His will; and, secondly, an all-pervading Love for Him and his Creation, in which process man should virtually demolish his own \'Self\' to achieve eternal bliss and well-being and nearness to God.
In his total lack of ego; in his vigorous moral approach to problems of life; in his piety, prayers and mediation; in this unrivalled self-effacement and submission to God\'s will; and above all, in his basically God-fearing attitude to all physical and temporal aspects of existence, Hazrat Sultan Bahoo is verily the \'King of those who understand God\', as indicated by his title \"Sultan-ul-Arifeen\".
Hazrat Sultan Bahoo died after attaining the age of 63 years in the year 1102 A.H. corresponding to the year 1691 AD As such, 300th death anniversary is being commemorated in the year 1991.
(Contributed by the President, Sultan Bahoo Academy).
To commemorate this august occasion, Pakistan Post Office is issuing one commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 7/- denomination on December 22, 1991.

25 Years Of The Asian Development Bank - (1966- 1991) December 19,1991

In the late 1 950s and early 19 60s, the perception was growing that the region\'s countries needed to cooperate among themselves, with inter-national support, to improve their economic future. In March 1963, the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE), later renamed Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), adopted a resolution endorsing the idea of a regional development bank to facilitate Asian cooperation.
The Asian Development Bank became a reality in 1965 when pleni-potentiaries from 31 countries met in Manila and signed its Charter. The Charter came into effect in August 1966. The Philippines prevailed in a fierce competition to host the regional bank. On 19 December of the same year, less than a month after the inaugural meeting in Tokyo, ADB opened its doors for business.
Takeshi Watanabe of Japan was appointed as the first President.
ADB\'s principal functions are to: (i) make loans and equity investments for the economic and social advancement of developing member countries; (ii) provide technical assistance for the preparation and execution of development projects and programs and advisory services; (iii) promote investment of public and private capital for development purposes; and (iv) respond to request for assistance in coordinating development policies and plans of member countries. ADB\'s membership has grown from 32 countries in 1967 to 52 in 1991. Of the current members. 36 are regional members and 16 non-regional.
The Board of Governors is vested with all the powers of the Bank. Except for certain powers reserved to it, the Board of Governors has delegated its authority to the Board of Directors, which is responsible for the policy direction and general operations of the Bank. There are 12 Directors, eight representing regional countries and four representing non-regional countries.
Each Director appoints an Alternate Director.
The financial resources of ADB Consist of ordinary capital resources (OCR), comprising subscribed capital, reserves and funds raised through borrowings; and Special Funds, including the Asian Development Fund (ADF), comprising contributions made by member countries, accumulated net income and amounts previously set aside from the paid-in capital. Loans from OCR bear a variable interest rate, while those from ADF are confessional. OCR loans account for 66 per cent of cumulative Bank lending.
The first ADB loan was for $5 million made on 23 January 1968 to the Industrial Finance Corporation of Thailand. At the end of 1990, cumulative lending stood at $32.5 billion.
Conceived as an institution lending for specific projects, agriculture emerged as ADBs early priority. Over the years, while agriculture and agro-industry have retained the largest share of ADB loans, other sectors, such as energy, industry and non-fuel minerals, transport and communications, finance and social infrastructure have also grown in importance.
ADB supports the role the private sector in the economic development of its developing member countries. In 1983, a Private Sector Division was created within the then Industry and Development Banks Department. In 1989, the Division was upgraded into a Private Sector Department. ADBs private sector activities include loans, lines of credit, equity investments and equity under writings. In 1985, the Board approved a proposal for lending directly to the private sector without government guarantee.
ADB seeks co-financing with bilateral and commercial sources in order to supplement resources available to the developing member countries.
Four members - Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Taipei, China have graduated from ADB\'s lending program.
ADB\'s operational priorities for the 1990s include alleviating poverty, supporting social infrastructure projects which provide basic human needs; protecting the environment; enhancing the status and quality of life of women; greater cooperation with non-governmental organizations; continuing support forthe private sector; increasing policy dialogue; and giving increased attention to the speical needs of Pacific Island member countries.
ADB has established four resident offices in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal and Pakistan, and a regional office for the South Pacific member countries based in Port ViIa, Vanuatu.
(Contributed by: The Asian Development Bank)
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a com-memorative postage stamp of Rs. 7/- denomination on December 19,1991.

Wildlife Series Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis Undulata) November 4, 1991

Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is listed as endangered\' in the Report of Pakistan Enquiry Committee 1971, and is included in IUCN Red Data Book, 1978. The Houbara which breeds in the Russian cold desert and steppes as well as Basinah in Kharan District of Baluchistan-Pakistan, migrate largely into the hot deserts and plains of Pakistan along 2 main routes:
1. Down the Khurram Valley (Khyber Pass) following the Kabul River and thence into the Thai & Cholistan tracts (Punjab).
2. Via Quetta (Baluchistan) splitting up along the Indus River to Pass into the Khirthar and Jhimpir Region in the West and Tharparkar tract (Sindh) in the East.
HABIT:
Houbara is a very shy bird and avoids human interference. It is solitary in nature and course in dispersed population according to the availability of protection of food except at the time of migration. It does not exhibit territorial behaviour and sometimes 4 or 5 birds can be seen together under good conditions of food and shelter. The bird prefers moonlit night and dusk dawn periods during dark nights for its activities including migration and feeding, whereas, the dark nights and major part of the day is spent in hideouts present in the area, in the form of dried water courses and shallow edges. The bird has very keen and large eyes and is ever vigilant to the approaching predator and hence it is hard to be taken by surprise. The body coloration and contours match so perfectly with the background that it is difficult to spot the bird even from a close-in position.
FOOD & FEEDING HABIT:
Houbara is omnivorous and nocturnal in habit and said to consume whatever is available. The food varies with the type of vegetation in the area and the season. It is mainly herbivorous, mostly depending upon parts of the plants including young leaves, shoots, dried seeds and even roots. However, some beetles, small lizards, snakes have also been repeatedly recovered from the stomach of the hunted Houbara.
Due to persecution of the bird, the density of the birds now visiting Pakistan show remarkable decline from year and now drastic measures have to be adopted to save the Houbara Bustard which has almost reached its status being endangered species.
To focus world attention on the need to protect and preserve this vulnerable wildlife species Pakistan Post Office is issuing a special postage stamp of Rs.7/- value depicting \"Houbara Bustard\" (Chlamydotis undulata) on November 4, 1991. It is a part of the series on wildlife stamps being issued by Pakistan Post Office since 1975.
(Contributed by Sindh Wildlife Management Board).

Pakistan Scientific Expedition To Antarctica - Landed January 15, 1991 October 28,1991

Antarctica, one and half times the size of United States of America, is the fifth largest continent of the World. A frozen land with a sea of ice, has been getting increasing attention from many nations during the last two decades. Main reason being the prospects of commercial exploiting of its potential resources in two major areas:
(i) One is the living resources that are tremendously large. Its annual yield potential of krill (Red Shrimp) is estimated to be in the order of 100 to 150 million tons which is equivalent to almost one and half times fish catch of the whole world.
(ii) The other attraction is Antarctica\'s oil and gas potential which could be as big as that of Alaska. Its continental shelf appears to be holding very large oil and gas reserves, estimated at 45 million barrels and 115 trillion cubic feet respectively.
In the light of above, Pakistan Government decided to dispatch first Pakistani Expedition to Antarctica on 12th December, 1990.
The major objectives of the Expedition are summarised below:-
- To undertake resource oriented multidisciplinary research and survey in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geophysics, Glaciology, Physics and Meteorology in Marine and terrestrial areas of Antarctica.
- To establish a research station at a suitable location in Antarctica, and also to install an automatic weather station from which data could be received in Pakistan via satellite.
The first Scientific Expedition of Pakistan to Antarctica was organised by National Institute of Oceanography of the Ministry of Science and Technology, which left Karachi Port on December 12, 1990 on board a Swedish M/V Columbialand Ship chartered by the Government of Pakistan. The Expedition team landed at Antarctica on January 15, 1991 along Princess Rangnhild Coast and established \'Jinnah Antarctica Research Station,\' named after the Founder of Pakistan. The station was commissioned on Friday the 25th January, 1991. The station is located at 7024 S and 25 E. A modest flag hoisting ceremony was held immediately after which the Expedition members offered zohar prayers and expressed their gratitude to Allah for making this achievement possible. Commander of the Expedition Commodore Wasim Ahmed and the Chief Scientist: Dr. M.M. Rabbani were responsible to undertake this important expedition to Antarctica. The team comprised scientists and personnel from National Institute of Oceanography, Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Army. The science group included a meteorologist of the Department of Meteorological Services, one Electronic Officer of the Geological Survey of Pakistan and one Chemist of H.E.J. Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi. Also, a producer of Pakistan Television accompanied the Expedition. The Expedition arrived Off Antarctica coast on New years day. Thereafter, it spent fifteen days in carrying out reconnaissance of nearly 1000 miles of Antarctic coast for selection of a suitable Site to establish Pakistan Jinnah Antarctic Research Station. The station site was selected after physical inspection of a number of prospective sites. The Jinnah Station was formally commissioned on Friday the 25th January, 1991 and the scientific observations commenced.
The Jinnah Station, consists of three laboratories in pre-fabricated huts, three pre-fabricated Igloos manufactured in Pakistan for accommodation of 9 persons and four tents for miscellaneous needs. It also includes a sophisticated unmanned weather station from which weather data is now being received in Pakistan via satellite.
The Pakistan scientific Expedition was equipped in terms of men, means and material to undertake research in the following disciplines
i. Ecology of polar seas and their potential of living resources.
ii. Ice sheet dynamics.
iii. Monitoring of weather conditions.
iv. Detection of trace matter in Ice, Air and Sea and its environmental effect.
v. Geological and Geophysical mapping of the area around Jinnah Station.
With the successful launching of the Expedition, Pakistan has joined the elite group of the nations who run their own Antarctic Research Programme.
(Contributed by: Ministry of Science & Technology, Islamabad)
To mark the landing of Pakistan Scientific Expedition to Antarctica, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.7/- denomination on October 28, 1991.

Emperor Sher Shah Suri, Pioneer Of Highways In Indo-Pak Sub-Continent October 5,1991

The history of India from AD 1526 to AD 1556 is mainly the story of Mughul - Afghan Contest for supremacy in the Sub-continent. Berber’s victory at Paniput did not result in the complete destruction and annihilation of the Afghan chiefs. They only needed the guiding hand of strong personality to guide their isolated efforts to an organized national resistance against newly founded Mughul rule.
The opportunity soon came in the shape of Sher Shah Sun who was born Circa 1472.AD and named Fend Khan. His forefathers belonged to Peshawar. This promising, agile youth showed a great promise in the successful administration of parganacs and winning over the favor of the ruler of Bihar and the gallantry award of Sher Khan\", by Killing a tiger single-handedly.
Babar laid the foundation of establishment in India and when it was about to collapse in the days of his son Humayun it was then celebrated Sher Shah Sun who by sheer courage, talent and by putting up a great fight, brought about Afghan prominence and gave it new vigour and vitality.
Sher Shah Sun grew up to be one of the ablest administrators and emperors in the annals of history. His knowledge, intellect and management was simply amazing. One of the greatest statesmen and policy makers of history, his reforms still hold good and fresh as they were a few centuries ago.
Sher Shah introduced a sound Revenue System in the country. He gave a humane and equitable land revenue System with the following objectives in his mind.
(I)- To obtain correct measurement of the land.
(ii)- To ascertain the amount of produce of each acre and the proportion it should pay to the Government.
(iii)- To give the equivalent, if possible, in cash Sher Shah succeeded in achieving all the three objectives.
Sher Shah rebuilt the beautiful city of Pataliputra, the capital of Asoka and renamed it 'Patina'. He assembled around his person all the great men of letters, learning art of his days and his court became distinguished for all good characteristics of a good Muslim sovereign.
Sher Shah Sun improved communications network to a great extent. For the purpose of Imperial defence, as well as for the convenience of the people, Sher Shah connected the important places of his kingdom by a chain of excellent roads. The longest of these, the Grand Trunk Road, which still exists, extended from Sonargaon (near Dhaka) to Peshawar. One road ran from Agra to Burhanpur, another from Lahore to Multan.
Following the traditions of some rulers of the past, he planted shade-giving trees on both sides of the highways. For the convenience of poor travelers, Sher Shah constructed Sarais at every two kos (approximately three miles) having separate lodging for Muslims and Hindus with all possible facilities of the time. The Sarais, being the halting places of officials, two horses were kept in each one of them to convey reports of important happenings to the king every day. Sher Shah ordered establishment of villages around these Sarais.
THOUGH THERE EXISTED A POSTAL SYSTEM BEFORE SHER SHAH SURI BUT, THE EMPEROR GAVE IT SPEED, EFFICIENCY, RELIABILITY AND OTHER DIMENSIONS AS WELL. THIS POSTAL SYSTEM, WHICH ARGUABLY WAS THE BEST OF THE TIME, ENABLED THE EXPEROR TO MAINTAIN AN EFFICIENT SYSTEM OF INFORMATION TO KNOW INSTANTLY WHAT HAPPENED IN HIS KINGDOM. GREAT TRAVELLER FARISHTA DESCRIBED THE EXISTENCE OF A WELL-ORGANIZED AND FAIRLY-DEVELOPED MOUNTED POSTAL SYSTEM IN VOGUE IN THE REIGN OF SHER SHAH SURI. HE PLACED HORSE COURIERS ON THE ROAD AT A DISTANCE OF TWO TO THREE MILES TO RUN THIS SYSTEM EFFICIENTLY. HE CONSTRUCTED ALMOST 1700 SARAIS AND KEPT THOUSANDS OF HORSES (ONE ESTIMATE 3400 HORSES) IN THE DAK CHOWKIES PLACED UNDER THE CHARGE OF A DAROGHA-I-DAK, FOR SMOOTH FUNCTIONING OF POSTAL SERVICE.
Besides building roads, Sarais, hospitals and other institutions of public utility and, for the first time ever in this part of the world, he adopted a system of Old Age pension for the sick, poor, old and infirm.
In the field of law and justice he made law both from his own ideas and by extracting from the works and teachings of wise and learned providing relief to aggrieved and oppressed from coercion, tyranny and repression for the prosperity and safety of public, safety of highways and facility for the merchants and traders. The secret of his power lay in the love for his subjects, who felt convinced that his unwearied daily labourers were dedicated to their contentment and prosperity. They felt that he was one of them and they could approach him without ceremony for the redress of their grievances against the strongest in the land.
A brave Warrior and a considerate Ruler, Shah was the architect of a brilliant administrative system. His brief reign of 5 years was marked by the introduction of wise and salutary changes in every conceivable branch of administration.
"No Government-not even the British 'affirms Mr. keens," has shown so much wisdom as this pathan".
Sher Shah Sun, the embodiment of "Aristocracy of Talent", builder of Grand Trunk Road (G.T.Road) - the path we still traverse-died on May 22, 1545.
The stamp is issued on the eve of foundation stone laying ceremony of Indus highway by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Mohammad Nawaz Sharif at Peshawar on October 5, 1991 after the memory of the noblest, the ablest and the most successful administrator of the Indo-Pakistan history who gave, inter alia, a vast communications network old and still extant.
To commemorate the occasion the Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.5/- and a souvenir sheet of Rs.7/- denomination on October 5,1991.

St. Joseph's Convent School, Karachi (Established 1862) September 8, 1991

Well over a century ago, Archbishop Stems of Bombay -whose jurisdiction in those days stretched all the way to the province of Sindh! - went to liege in Belgium to ask for help in his work of the Daughters of the Cross.
This religious order had then been founded only 29 years earlier, and the only place outside of the small country of its origin where they were also at work was Germany, which was after all a neighbour. It was therefore a daring undertaking indeed to send any of its Sisters to far away India, at a time when women rarely traveled further afield than their homeland.
But send them they did: 5, chosen carefully from the many who offered - 2 Belgians, 2 Germans, 1 English. On the 27th January 1862 they set out for Karachi in a month-long journey, which took them overland to Genoa, then by sea to Bombay, and thence, also by sea, to Karachi.
This city of close to 9 million, had at that time a population of only 60,000. Very quickly the five were involved in all kinds of educational and social work.
When they first started, there were only 10 pupils on the rolls of the school - originally called the Girls\' Section of the St. Patrick\'s School; it was in 187~ that the name was changed to St. Joseph\'s Convent School. The roll-call today has swelled from that original 10 to 2214.
In 1863, the foundation stone was laid for what a nun of the era, recording the event, called \'the new building\'. In 1870, the upper story was completed, and in 1871 was dedicated, thenceforth to be called \'St. Joseph\'s Convent\' and recorded as being \'one of the finest buildings in Karachi\'. It was added to in later years - for instance, a new wing in 1874, a third story in 1893. It has for long been a well-known landmark and familiar sight in Karachi.
But a school is more than a site or building; it is the students and teachers who make it what it is. And, through the years, St. Joseph\'s School has earned a reputation for excellence.
Generations of students have been proud to call it Alma Mater. Most significantly, perhaps, though most students have considered it a privilege to study there, unlike some schools, it has never been a school exclusively for the \'privileged classes\'. A certain number of fee-adjustments and freeships allowed children of economically-handicapped families also to attend. One snobbish \'begum\' making a sneering remark, actually and unwittingly, paid it the highest compliment possible. \'St. Joseph\'s is a strange school\', she said. \'Your child and your driver\'s child can both be studying together\'. And what better way to demonstrate, and not merely preach, that we are all equal in God\'s sight?
St. Joseph\'s School covers primary, middle, and secondary school levels, and has prepared pupils for the Matriculation and Senior Cambridge examinations in its 2 sections, now joined at the primary level. The results of both examinations bear witness to the hard work of both staff and students, to the high standard expected - and achieved.
The Daughters of the Cross also founded a degree college for women, contiguous to the school. This is still operational, though it was nationalized in 1972.
It is not just in the curriculum that excellence is encouraged. The students, past and present, have engaged in extra curricular activities like athletics, sports, dramatics, debate, elocution. The very lull curriculum, which used to include needlework right up to the senior most class, has kept pace with the times to include computer science. Above all, it has been the goal of St. Joseph\'s School to try and mould not just minds, but also character, to seek to instill education in its widest sense - which includes not only knowledge, but also a sense of discipline, and of right and wrong.
Perhaps that is why so many of its ex-students make sure their daughters - and grand-daughters! - attend the same school. Perhaps that is why so many of them go on to hold such important and respected positions in so many different fields: art, medicine, journalism, education, politics, business, and that most important of all fields - the family. Perhaps, subconsciously, they are still living by the St. Joseph\'s School motto: \'Forward, God helping\'.
(Contributed by: Principal, St. Joseph\'s Convent School, Karachi)
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a stamp of Rs.5/- denomination on September 8, 1991.

Golden Jubilee Habib Bank Limited - (1941—1991) August 25. 1991

The history of Habib Bank is the history of banking industry in Pakistan. The success story of Habib Bank is a solid enough proof of the Bank’s contribution towards the progress, prosperity and stability of Pakistan.
Established in the Indo-Pak sub-continent in 1941 at the behest and the blessings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Au Jinnah, just one year after the passing of the Lahore Resolution, the bank had to meet a formidable challenge to overcome deep-seated prejudice and shatter the myth that the Muslims of the sub-continent were totally alien to the field of banking.
The bank rose to the occasion to provide a nucleus that was to nurse the edifice of Muslim banking in the subcontinent. In order to achieve this objective a special scheme was introduced to impart training to young Muslim graduates so that they could take over the banking industry of Pakistan. It was this training that today in almost every banking house in the country the officers trained by Habib Bank Ltd. are enjoying top positions.
In 1946, the leaders of the Pakistan Movement, especially Quaid--e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah recognised the services of the bank, patronized it and entrusted the accounts of Bihar Relief Fund, and the Muslim League Silver Bullet Fund and the Election Fund.
In 1947, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaquat Au Khan in a message said: “It is the biggest Muslim Bank in India and during its short life has done great pioneering work by inculcating the Banking habit among Muslims and by training Muslim youth in Banking in India and abroad”. While wishing every success to Habib Bank, he hoped that it would continue to play an impor-tant and useful role in the industrial and commercial life of the Muslim Nation.
After partition, Habib Bank’s Head Office was transferred from Bombay to Karachi. The Bank acted as the major agency for the transfer of funds held by thousands of Muslims in India. The Bank placed all its resources at the disposal of the Government and subs-cribed heavily to the Government Securities. The mass migration of the trained Hindu Bank Cadre to India resulted in the closure of some 400 branches out of a total of 631 in Pakistan. Habib Bank again rose to surmount this challenge by deploying trained officers of the bank to other banking institutions. Banking facilities were rapidly expanded by providing 450 branches. Scores of innovative schemes and services were introduced by Habib Bank for the first time in the country. Some of these included Electronic and Compu-ter Banking. Inland and International Teleprinter Services, Drive-in banking, Evening Banking, Rupee and Visa Travelers Cheques, School Banking, Lockers and Safe Deposit Vaults, Foreign Currency Accounts, Infants Saving Schemes, Autocash Teller Machines, Credit Cards, Free Hajj Services, Sponsored Scholarships, etc. The Prize Savings Account Scheme of the bank was such a success that the bank was conferred the American Gold Coin Award in 1975. Simi-larly, an International Gold Mercury Award was awarded to the bank in 1982 for its pioneering role in banking.
The Bank celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1966 with great zeal and fervour. The President of Pakistan, Governors, Ministers, Bankers, Industrialists and Businessmen from all over the world enthusiastically eulogized the bank’s achievements and meritorious services. Besides over 2000 foreign correspondents, Habib Bank today operates 1846 branches in Pakistan and 67 Overseas Branches in Far East, South Asia, Middle East, U.K., U.S.A., Europe and Africa, apart from Representative Offices, Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Offshore Banking Units in major business centres of the world.
The Phenomenal growth of Habib Bank is amply reflected from its Capital Structure. Today its Authorised Capital stands at Rs. 5000 million, Paid-up Capital and Reserves exceed Rs. 6418 million, Deposits exceed Rs. 120,680 million, Total Assets exceed Rs. 228,799 million, Number of Account Holders over 9.7 million.
Habib Bank renders manifold banking services at the global level. Some of the services offered include: Home Remittances, Consortium Financing, Syndicate Loaning, Foreign Currency Accounts, Sale/Purchase of FEBCs, FIBs, Export/Import Financing, Working Capital Finance, Merchant and Offshore Banking, World Bank, I.D.A. and A.D.B. CREDIT LINE.
(Contributed by: Habib Bank Ltd., Karachi).
To commemorate the Golden Jubilee Habib Bank Limited, Pakistan Post Office, is issuing a set of two commemorative postage stamps of Re. 1/- and Rs. 5/- denominations on August 25, 1991.

Pioneers Of Freedom (Series) August 14, 1991

Special Olympics International 1991 July 19, 1991

BACKGROUND:
Special Olympics is a volunteer organization that provides people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to strengthen their character, develop their physical skills, display their talents and fulfil their human potential through sports training and competition.
BEGINNINGS:
In 1968 an American lady named Eunice Kennedy Shriver in a small American town gathered a group of mentally handicapped people and started to work with them. She soon found out that they had the capacity drive and spirit to work hard at something, concentrate and compete. She also discovered that physical activity and competition had a very positive effect in the overall personality and behaviour of the children. As a result the first Special Olympics were held in Soldierfield Illinois. Over the years this story has been repeated in many countries by people like Mrs. Shriver and Special Olympics has now spread to thousands of cities and communities in 92 countries.
In 1989, Mr. Joseph H. Melrose Jr. introduced Pakistan to Special Olympics and its meaning and value to individuals suffering from mental disabilities. Over the last two years the idea of Special Olympics Pakistan has caught on such fire and enthusiasm that already three national events have been held. The programme has received enthusiastic support from individuals, companies and the government.
MISSION:
To provide opportunity for all people with intellectual disabilities to participate in year round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic type sports. Giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with other children, their families and the community.
BENEFITS:
Special Olympics contributes to the physical, social and psycho. logical development of people with mental handicap. Through successful experiences in sports, the athletes gain confidence and build a positive self-image, which carries over into the classroom, the home, the job and the community.
Many children have already benefited from the continuing practices, games and national events. Schools and parents have both noticed marked improvements in the children. A great level of confidence has developed in them and many children who were previously quiet, introverted and aloof have become confident and out-going and full of life.
OBJECTIVES:
To help bring all persons with mental handicap into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens.
ELIGIBILITY:
Individuals eight years or older who are identified as having mental retardation or who have handicapping conditions because of cognitive delays and have significant earning or vocational prob-lems are eligible to participate in Special Olympics programmes.
LONG TERM OBJECTIVES:
To increase public awareness and acceptance of the intellectually disabled into sports and recreation and eventually into the community.
To develop a higher profile nationally and internationally. To provided opportunities for better training and competitions. Greater family involvement.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JULY 1991 OLYMPICS:
Nearly 6000 Athletes from over 92 countries will participate. 60,000 Spectators. Celebrities from all over the world will also participate.
(Contributed by: Special Olympics, Pakistan).
To commemorate the participation of the Pakistan Special Olympics Team in this International event, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 7/- denomination on July 19, 1991. The image on the stamp depicts the plight of the mentally handicapped person and how Special Olympics provides the path to self- confidence and release. The colours and graphic design are such that they depict a change from darkness and depression to joy, hope and new life.
Oath of Special Olympics is as follows:
'LET ME WIN. BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT'.

World Population Day July 11, 1991

Today we are living in a world of 5.4 billion people; by 2001 an other billion will be added. A little over 13 years from now 8.5 billion people will inhabit the earth. Population may not level off until i reaches 11.6 billion, more than twice its present size. 95% of this growth will be in the developing countries.
The fastest growth is often in the least developed countries - those least equipped to sustain increasing demands for food, clean water healthcare, housing, education and other necessities.
Many of the biggest cities are growing twice as fast as the rest of the population. They are becoming a threat to the health, to the environment and to the development.
Poverty, population growth and environmental destruction mean more pressure to migrate. - 1 .2 billion people live in absolute poverty.
- The 1990s will see the largest increase in the population o developing countries of any decade of history.
- Poverty and population growth combine for environmental degradation.
Pakistan - a developing and one of the most populated countries ranks at No. 9 in respect of population. With 16.6 million population in 1901, it reached 32.5 million at the time of independence in 1947 Today it is estimated that the population of Pakistan has risen to the tune of 115 million. During the same period, 1901 - 1991, the world population grew by 3 times, the population of developing countries increased by 4 times and the population of Pakistan increased by ~ times.
If the population continues to grow at the same rate, it will reach over 150 million by the year 2000. This means that the population of Pakistan will grow 9 fold over one century (1901 - 2000), as com-pared to the population of the world which will increase four times and the population of the developing countries which will increase six fold.
The rapid population growth in Pakistan has resulted in decline in death rate over the last 80 years whereas the birth rate has remained largely un-changed.
The total fertility rate in Pakistan is about 6.5 which means that on average each woman has six or seven children during her life time. This rate is among the highest in the century but has declined quite dramatically during this century due largely to the introduction of modern anti-biotic, the success of public health and sanitation programmes.
The difference between the birth and death rate is the rate of natural increase. In the beginning of the century, the population of areas, now comprising Pakistan, was growing at less than one per cent per year. Since the birth rate has remained high while the death rate has declined, the rate of growth of population has increased to over 3% per year. It is quite visible that if the birth rate remains high while the death rate continues to decline, the growth rate of population could go even higher, to perhaps 3.5% per year.
As a result of rapid growth, the population of Pakistan is now composed primarily of young people. In Pakistan, more than 44% of population is under the age of 15 and 52% of the population is between the age of 16 and 64.
Presently, due to over population, Pakistan is facing a lot of problems like poverty, illiteracy, un-employment, lack of housing facilities, lack of schools/colleges etc. The situation thus cropped up has already driven us to frustration, aggression, drug addiction etc. Every citizen feels in-secure as the law and order situation is also worsening day by day.
Realising the importance of the issue, which is the issue of the world, the United Nations has stated that the World Population Day will be observed on July 11.
July 11, is World Population Day - a day set-aside to reflect on issues of tremendous importance which affect every-one living on this planet.
Accessible family planning is needed more than ever to help slow world population growth and meet the reproductive needs of the human race.
Family Planning is one of the cheapest developing tools available. It is safe to use and the family health benefits and freedom of choice it brings to women, have contributed to its voluntary take up rate rising from 10% of couples in 1 960s to 51% today.
Let us join hands in conveying the message to the masses that family planning is a basic human right and it guarantees the health of family at large and welfare of mother and child in particular.
This is the high time that we realise the gravity of the problem and respond to the call of the hour and make every citizen aware that whatever is our cause is a lost cause without population planning.
(Contributed by: PAASBAN, Family Planning Association of Pakistan, Lahore).
To focus world attention on the alarming growth of population, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a special postage stamp of Rs. 10/- denomination on "World Population Day" on July 11, 1991.

South & West Asia Postal Union (Swapu)South & West Asia Postal Union (Swapu) March 12, 1991

We live in a world in which there is growing interdependence among all countries irrespective of their size and economic or political system. Modern technology and rapid development all over the World has opened new vistas of cooperation amongst nations. The postal services are one of those which have attracted the attention of the nations in view of the important role played by them in promoting the cause of international collaboration in the cultural, social and economic fields.
To achieve this objective at the international level, the Universal Postal Union has played a significant role in establishing and maintaining a uniform, efficient and reliable postal services amongst the member postal administrations. The Union, also, recognising the in-creasing importance of mutual cooperation among countries of a region has authorised them under Article 8 of the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union to form restricted postal unions and make special arrangements for improving the international postal services in a region. For the developing countries in particular with limited resources sustained development is possible through pooling of resources amongst such countries situated in close proximity. Apart from this the formation of such Unions gives the member administrations an I opportunity of collective bargaining in the international affairs and thus they are able to exert substantial influence and can make their voice felt.
In order to develop the postal services in this region with mutual cooperation, the governments of the three countries viz Iran, Pakistan and Turkey while taking a decision on the formation of the Economic Cooperation Organization admitted the importance of the postal services in the achievement of the laid down objectives of the Economic Cooperation Organization and thereby decided to form a restricted postal union known as South and West Asia Postal Union. The preparatory meetings of the senior officers of the three member countries were held at Tehran on 17-20 November, 1986 and final Acts of the Union were signed by the plenipotentiary delegates o~ Iran, Pakistan and Turkey at Ankara on 12-13 March, 1988.
The main aims and objectives of the South and West Asia Postal Union are to: - Develop and strengthen the cultural and economic relations based on historical background of the three nations.
- Extend assistance to solve common problems faced by the postal administrations of the region.
- Facilitate and improve the postal relations and services among the member countries. - Evolve as far as possible a common approach on important issues to be taken up by various bodies of the Union.
- Provide technical assistance to each other in postal spheres such as training facilities, exchange of experts etc.
- Exchange information on the subjects of interest.
The South and West Asia Postal Union has taken various steps to achieve its laid down objectives. Operating as a close fraternity, the three countries are applying domestic postage rates in relation to each other. The first meeting of the Executive Council of South and West Asia Postal Union held in Islamabad from 29-31 May 1989 took many far reaching decisions. Important of these are briefly summarised as under:-
- Adoption of the Rules of Procedures of the Executive Council and the Congress. - Adoption of insignia for the Union.
- Improvements in arrangements for the exchange of surface and airmails between Union countries.
- Exchange of postal experts among Union countries.
- Utilization of training facilities in Training Institutions of Union countries.
- Study visits by senior officers of Postal Administrations to Union countries.
- Issue of commemorative postage stamps by union countries on the next EGO Summit etc.
- Extension of EMS/International Speed Post between the member countries.
The first congress of the Union was held at Ankara from 3-7 December, 1990.
The formation of the South and West Asia Postal Union has given further impetus to the existing cordial cultural and economic relations between the three countries. The collective endeavours of these countries would enable them to extend and improve the postal services in the region. The Government of Pakistan has extended all possible cooperation and support to all such initiatives taken for closer collaboration in the field of postal services so that facilities could be speedily developed in the region for the benefit of the people at large with the help of postal expertise and existing resources.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 5/- denomination on March 12, 1991.

International Civil Defence Day - Commemorative Postage Stamp March 1,1991

International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) is an Organization of states created by an international treaty that came into force on March 1, 1972. The ICDO has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a forum of worldwide cooperation in civil protection. Its objectives are to promote, intensify and coordinate development in the means and techniques of preventing and alleviating the consequences of natural as well as man-made disaster amongst its member countries. It is playing a vital role for promoting, throughout the world, the protection and safety of people and property in the event of any kind of disaster.
The ICDO organs are; the General Assembly, the Executive Council and the Permanent Secretariat, which carry out various functions with regard to said activities of the organization.
About 40 countries belonging to various parts of the world are members of the ICDO. Pakistan is a regular member of this organization and it came into its fold in 1974. At present Pakistan is enjoying the prestigious position of the Presidentship of the said Organization. Pakistan has been elected twice to this position consecutively.
The ICDO have declared March 1, 1991 as a Civil Defence Day. All member countries of ICDO and non-member countries all over the world are celebrating this day on the appeal of this Organization. The aim of celebrating Civil Defence Day is to project the cause of Civil Defence amongst the masses and to give an in-sight about the concept of civil defence volunteer\'s participation in National Defence.
(Contributed: Directorate General, Civil Defence, Islamabad)
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 7/- denomination on March 1, 1991.