Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan. (2004-20)

Khyber Medical College, Peshawar is one of the most reputed and prestigious institution of Pakistan. This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of laying the foundation stone of the college which was laid by Malik Ghulam Muhammad, the then Governor General of Pakistan on 2nd of May 1954. Sardar Abdul Rasheed, the then Chief Minister of NWFP and Colonel Munawar Khan Afridi, the then Director General Health chose the name, Khyber Medical College.

The inaugural address was delivered by Malik Ghulam Muhammad, the then Governor General of Pakistan and the welcome address was delivered by Colonel Munawar Khan Afridi, the then Director General Health. Dr. A.K.M. Abdul Waheed was selected to be the first principal of this great institution.

The local landlords donated the property for the college, which shows their love for education and, humanity. The first batch was planned in October 1954 to be consisting of 25 students but to great astonishment of the authorities; the people of NWFP showed their great interest in this subject and the first batch consisted of 50 students among which there were six girls too.

Khyber Medical College was the first medical college in the North West frontier Province and the sixth in Pakistan after King Edwards Medical College, Labore, Dow Medical College, Karachi, Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore, Nishtar Medical College, Multan and Liaquat Medical College, Jamshoro and this marked the beginning of a new and a glorious era.

On 19th November 1960, Khyber Medical College got formal recognition internationally when a seven member British team of eminent medical dignitaries visited the college. Initially Khyber Medical College was under administrative control of the Peshawar university but later on it was taken over by the health departments 1975.

Khyber Medical College is a name that speaks of its own academic brilliance as the graduates it has produced have proved their abilities in their respective specialities around the world. In all the post graduation examinations in Pakistan or abroad, the passing percentage of the students of Khyber Medical College is excellent. Also the students of Khyber Medical College have shown their competence in the license examinations conducted for different countries.

Apart from the academic activities, Khyber Medical College has also been a harbor for young writers and poets and Literary Society has flourished in Khyber Medical College throughout the years. Efforts to bring out the first magazine by the name "Cenna" started in 1957 and in 1959 the dream of bringing out Cenna became a reality. Although three Literary Secretaries worked for it, one after another, namely Javed fqbal, Afzal Muhammad Khan and Muharnmad Sultan, but it was Muhammad Sultan in whose tenure, the first ever Cenna was published.

The Social Welfare Society, Khyber Medical College started its functioning during the year 1978 as three different societies namely Totts, Pinows and Escort. In 1984 the three societies were merged together forming Students welfare society. Later on the name was changed to Social Welfare Society. Naveed Alam was selected to be the first General Secretary of the society in 1984. Due to selfless services of the members of the society, it was declared the best society of all the medical colleges by the late President of Pakistan, General Zia-ul-Haque in 1985. It has also been declared the best youth wing of Pakistan Red Crescent Society NWFP for the last many years.

Another emerging society of the college is the Debating Society, which existed as a club for many years but in 1998, this club was transformed into a full fledge society. Muhammad lrfan was selected to be the first President of the society in 1998. The society with its limited resources has arranged many All Peshawar declamation contests and an All Pakistan Medical Colleges declamation contest in 2000, the first of its kind in NWFP. Moreover the members of the Debating Society have won many prizes in different competitions all-around Pakistan.

Several other clubs have also shown great promise in their activities throughout the years. The names of Sports Club and Hiking Club are noteworthy for their concrete efforts in keeping the students of Khyber Medical College physically fit, so that they can perform well with their minds.

Khyber Medical College served as a parent institution and led to the creation of Ayub Medical College, Abottabad, Postgraduate medical Institute, Peshawar, Saidu Medical College, Swat and Gomal Medical College, D.I. Khan. It has produced thousands of graduates and is the prime source of producing specialists in different disciplines of Medicine and is fulfilling the requirement of specialized services in the province. In addition, dozens of our graduates are working abroad on very high positions and have earned good name for the country and the institutions.

As an institution, Khyber Medical College is also up to the mark. All of its basic and clinical disciplines are fully equipped with modern equipment and highly trained professional staff. Recently it has also started Postgraduate training in basic sciences and the first batch of the students has successfully completed their courses.

On October 18, 1989, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan announced the up gradation of Khyber Medical College to the status of the University and successive governments have also supported the idea but no concrete effort was made. It is the present government that has started practical work on it and hopefully lnsha Allah we will see it as a university in the near future.

As a part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the college had arranged academic and cultural events from 20th to 26th of December 2004. Convocation ceremony for the last year's graduates, Scientific sessions with quality research papers and cultural events like Mushaira etc. had been planned for this occasion. Date of Issue (December 30, 2004)

Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad. (2004-19)

The University, with the name of People's Open University was established in June 1974 under an Act of the Parliament assented to on 22nd May 1974. It was the first institution of distance education in Asia.

The University was renamed as Allama lqbal Open University (AIOU) in 1977 on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the birth of the great Philosopher and national poet Allama Muhammad lqbal.

The University was established as a distance education institution with the purpose to:-

- Provide educational facilities to the people who cannot leave their homes and places of job;
- Provide facilities to the masses for their educational uplift;
- Provide facilities for the training of teachers; and
- Provide education to all without any discrimination.
The Philosophical foundation of the Allama lqbal Open University lies in its "OPENNESS". This University, as a unique institution in the country, reaches the doorsteps of those who wish to broaden their horizons of Knowledge or upgrade their occupational skills while in conventional and formal system the students go to the University for Studies. Moreover this is the only university of Pakistan whose Jurisdiction touches the geographical boundaries of Pakistan.

Distance Education in Pakistan particularly suited to the female population as it provides them an opportunity to study at home. Similarly, people living in the tribal and far-flung areas where the formal education system has not reached as yet, also get an opportunity to be educated. This system is flexible in terms of age, and even time.

The University develops specialized textbooks and reading material to enable the students to study on the basis of self-learning in general education programme. To help them study at home, however, the university provides supports of radio and television programmes. University's Institute of Educational Technology produces high quality educational audio and video-cassettes, which enable the students to study at home more effectively.

Recent innovations in the field of Information Technology are making the system of distance Education even more effective. As more and more students get access to the Personal Computers and learn to use the internet, teaching through Distance Education is becoming more effective. Study Centers have been set up throughout the country to enable the students to acquire applied Training in technical and professional fields. Similarly, in the field of Teacher Education, Teaching Practice is provided in selected schools. Practical training for science students is arranged in well-equipped and well reputed laboratories of Pakistan like these of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).

The outreach system of the University in the form of its Regional Campuses/Centers is the backbone of its methodology.

The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is the Chancellor of Allama lqbal Open University. The Federal Minister for Education is the pro-Chancellor and the vice-Chancellor of the University is its Principal Executive and Academic officer.

The University has produced hundreds of credit and non- credit courses for various levels of learners and are sent to the students. The provision of the specially compiled instructional material at postgraduate level is recent addition. The learning packages are not only being used by AIOU students but also those of formal system. The University has till recently, been concentrating on programmes upto degree levels it is now increasing its programmes in the field of science and technology and at postgraduate level.

The Allama lqbal Open University, being a distance education institution, relies heavily on all varieties of available media to reach its students in an effective manner, which include Correspondence materials, Radio and television, Satellite transmission, Non-broadcast media, Tutorial instruction, Face to be teaching, and Group training workshops.

Up to 2003 the university has offered 1130 courses opened 112 regional centers, register 36000 tutors and 1900 tutorial centers and enrollers 245,018 students. Date of Issue (December 06, 2004)

Declaration of the year 2004 as the "Year of Child Right". (2004-18)

Creating a better future for mankind is the utmost desire of every individual, institution, and Government. The most convenient way inter-alia, to achieve his goal is proper upbringing of the child because the child is father of man. If the child is brought up care- fully and properly the coming generation will be an ideal generation, capable to live safely, happily & peacefully. The child is like the seed, if the seed is not cared the chances and hope for a better fruit is a dream.

The children are so dear to God that our prophet (PBUH) said "God will allow paradise to many a parents on account of their children. Every religion has emphasized kindness towards children. Jesus Christ has said "only those persons will go to paradise with me who are innocent like children". According to a Buddhist Mystic there is no difference between a child and a sage. The sage is not higher and the child is not lower. The only difference is, the child knows not what he is - and the sage knows it.

The children deserve great care, love and respect because they are innocent, like a gift from the God, like a guest who have nestled into the house of their parents who have chosen them as their nest.

But our treatment with the children is such that some are put to hard labor by their less educated and poor parents and some are crushed by their educated and well off parents in their desire to make them a successful man, a rich person, a Doctor/Engineer without caring for his ideas, his happiness, his age, his play & leisure and his freedom in order to fulifill their, unfulfilled egos through them.

Since the child is helpless, depend upon parents, cannot escape, can not protect himself and absolutely vulnerable, therefore, he bears all these hard ships like a slave. Now as psychological insight has deepened in to the human mind it has become clear that child is the most exploited person and he is mostly being exploited by his own parents unconsciously behind a facade of love. The main cause of neurosis, depression, violence and social and political unrest, according to physiological investigation is denial of these fundamental rights of children.

Realizing this situation the Government of Poland submitted a convention on rights of children to United Nations in 1978 and in 1989 it was adopted by the General Assembly.

This convention is a United Nations agreement that spells out the range of rights that children everywhere are entitled to. Though it contains 54 articles four broad categories of these rights however, is given below:

Survival rights include such things as adequate living standards and access to medical service.

Development rights include education, access to Information, play and leisure, cultural activities and the right to freedom of thoughts, conscience and religion.

Whereas protection embraces all of the above, but also covers the forms of exploitation and cruelty, arbitrary separation from family, and abuses in the criminal justice system.

Participation rights include the freedom to express opinions and to have a say in matters affecting one's own life, as well as the right to play an active role in society.

Pakistan ratified the UN convention on the rights of children, in 1990 and under obligation to implement its provision to ensure availability of above rights to the children in Pakistan. In this regard President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf launched the national campaign "Say yes to Child Rights Movements in Pakistan" by signing a pledge on 20th November-2003 during celebration of Universal Children's Day in lslamabad. In pursuance of this, National Commission for Child Welfare and development (NCCWD) under the aegis of Ministry of Social Welafre and Special Education moved a summary for the Federal Cabinet recommending observance of the year 2004 as the "Year of Child Rights" to create massive awareness among the masses including children.

Accordingly, the Federal Cabinet in its meeting held on I1th February, 2004 declared the year 2004 as the "Year of Child Welfare and rights" Date of Issue (November 20, 2004)

50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of Japan's Assistance for Economic Development and Co-Operation for Eradication of Diseases. (2004-17)

Pakistan enjoys cordial friendly relations with Japan. Japan's economic assistance has played a very important role in the development of Pakistan's economic and social infrastructure. The major projects, which have been funded by the Government of Japan, include the Indus Highway Project, a number of power projects in various provinces of Pakistan, Rural Roads Construction Project and the Children Hospital PIMS lslamabad Project. Presently the Kohat Tunnel Project and the Ghazi Barotha Dam Project are being completed with the help of the Japanese.

The Government of Japan is also working for Polio eradication and training of handicapped in Pakistan. Detailed description about Ghazi Barotha Hydropower Project, Kohat Tunnel construction project, Polio eradication and Training of handicapped is given below:-

Ghazi Barotba Hydropower Project

Ghazi Barotha Hydropower Project is a new hydropower plant with a capacity of 1,450 MW (290 mw x5), aiming to meet the power generation gap in the country and balance the generation source between hydro and thermal. This project consists of a barrage at 7 km downstream of the Tarbela Dam, which is diverting water from the Indus River into power channel of about 52 km distance leading to power house. The total project cost is about 260 billion Japanese yen.

Kohat Tunnel Project

Kohat Tunnel Construction project, now known as "Pak-Japan Friendship Tunnel" consists of constructing a new tunnel (length 1,885, width; 7.3m) as an alternative route to the 9.2 km mountainous Kohat Path. The new route has enabled the passage of large vehicles, alleviate traffic congestion, improve traffic safety, and reduce mileage and travel time. The tunnel has also increased the role of the Indus Highway (N-55) as a trunk road, thereby stimulating social and economic development in the backward area of North-west Frontier Province, and promoting a balanced economic development of Pakistan. Japan extended its ODA loan assistance through JBIC (Japan Bank for International Co-operation) for total 12.8 billion yen. The Tunnel was inaugurated and opened to public on June, 2003.

POLIO ERADICATION

Polio is a crippling disease caused by poliovirus. The cripple status lasts for the lifetime. Victims of Poliovirus are children, especially under five-year-old poliovirus spread very easily in areas with poor hygiene.

In 1988 the World Health Assembly set a goal to eradicate polio worldwide. Since then national governments, WHO, UNICEF and other partners including Government of Japan have been working together to achieve the goal. The number of reported cases of polio in the world has been reduced from an estimated 350,000 in 1988 to 732 cases associated with wild poliovirus in 2003.

Pakistan started its fight against polio 10 years ago in 1994 and the Government of Japan became a partner to Pakistan's polio eradication initiative in 1996 and since then consistently supported procurement of oral polio vaccine, cold chain equipment, and monitoring and evaluation activities.

The Government of Japan has decided to extend a grant of one billion and eighty three million yen (approx. Rupees 575 million or US $ 10 million) to procure 93 million doses of oral polio vaccine to be administered to children under the age of five all over Pakistan for the year 2004. The Japanese support is essential to achieve the target of interrupting the transmission of polio by 2005.

In addition to past and present co-operation to procure vaccine and equipment required, Japan has been doing technical support for Polio eradication and EPI through dispatching long and short- term experts from Japan.

TRAINING FOR HANDICAPPED

Under this programme the volunteer of JICNs are assisting students of AL-MAKTOOM SCHOOL for the visually impaired in lslamabad. The programme was started in 1995. Since then over one hundred Japanese young professionals from a wide range of expertise volunteered to work at the grass-root level. The volunteers are dispatched to both governmental and non-governmental institutions in lslamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad and smaller cities and towns.

JICA's new programme, senior Volunteer Programme, introduced in 2001 in Pakistan invite volunteers, aged between forty and sixty nine years old, with more experiences in highly specialized fields. Currently sixteen senior volunteers are working in three major cities.

The volunteers are working with the people of Pakistan for the brighter future of the country through transferring technical knowledge and skills to the local people they are working with. Date of Issue (November 08, 2004)

Popular Aquarium Varieties Of Tropical Fishes. (2004-16)

Yellow Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma borellii

SYN: Apistogrammareitzigi, A. ritense, A. aequipinnis, Heterogrammas borellii

PD: A laterally compressed cichlid that has a stockier, less elongated body than A. agassizi. The caudal fin is fan-shaped within the male, the dorsal and anal fins meet at a point. The head and the area just behind the gill cover are golden- yellow. The belly and the very top of the back may also be golden-yellow in color. The middle area of the body is pale blue as are the dorsal, pelvic, and front parts of the anal fins. The dorsal and pelvic fins are gold-tipped. The caudal fin and most of the anal fin is golden-yellow. Often a red area develops on the caudal penuncle. When a fish is excited, several transverse marking develop on the sides of the fish. A short, black stripe extend through the eye and to the snout.
SIZE: Males to 2.8" (7 cm), female to 2" (5 cm)

SS: None

HAB: Found in shallow swampy regions along rivers. South America; the Rio Paraguay and the Pantanal (matto Grosso). TANK: A tank measuring 24": (61 cm) with a volume of 20 gallons (75 L) will do. Follow the recommendations under A. agassizi.

WATER: pH 5-7 (6.5) 1-10 dH (4), 77-81 F (25-27 C).

SB: A peaceful, although territorial fish that can be combined with other Apistogramma species, catfish, and small characins of the upper swimming levels. Keep one male with several females. This species will not harm plants.

SC: Corydoras, tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, loricarids, Apistogramma.

FOOD: live; crustaceans, insects, insect larvae; flakes; pellets; tablets; finely chopped eat.

SEX: Males are more colorful, larger, and have elongated anal and dorsal fins.

B: Follow suggestions for A. agassizi. Fewer eggs (40-70) are laid than A. agassizi. The fry are carefully paraded around the tank. In cases where the eggs fail to hatch, the female is said to collect a shoal of Daphnia to protect as if they were her own brood.

BP: 8. A. borellii is a difficult fish to breed.

R: This species is sensitive to medications, disease, and poorly maintained water. Make frequent partial water changes. Recently this fish has begun being bred in Singapore for export.
DC: 7. A delicate species that is only recommended for those aquarists wanting a challenge.

Striped Gourami

Colisa fasciata

SYN: Colisa bojeus, C. ponticeriane, C. vulgairs, Polyacanthus fasciatus, Trichogaster fasciatus, Trichopodus bojeus, T colisa, T cotra

PD: C. fasciata has an elongated, oval-shaped, laterally compressed body. The caudal fin is fan-shaped and the ventral fins are long and slender-almost thread-like. The back is olive to bright orange, while the belly is dull turquoise-orange. The flanks are orange, marked with several slender, transverse, turquoise stripes. The ventral fins are orange to red, while the anal fin is bluish with a red edging. The caudal fin is orange, and the dorsal fin is both turquoise and orange. The iris of the eye may be orange. Females are less colorful, with a white-silver belly region

SIZE: To 4" (10 cm)

SS: This species closely resembles C. labiosa, and is somewhat similar to the stocky-bodied C. lalia.

HAB: India; Bengal; Myanmar (Burma); possibly Thailand

TANK: A tank measuring 24" (61 cm) with a capacity of 10-20 gallons (38-75 L) is sufficient. Use a dark substrate and place plants along the edges of the tank. Leave an open swimming area. like most Gouramis, C. fasciata prefers shallow tanks.

WATER: Ph 6-7.5 (7.0), 4-15 dH (8), 70-82 F (21-28 C)

SB: A species suitable for a community tank except at spawning times when fish become territorial. This fish may be timid during acclimation.

SC: Other Colisa species, Corydoras, barbs, loaches, Trichogaster, Angelfish, loricarids.

FOOD: Flakes; pellets; chopped vegetables; live; Tubifex, insect larvae, Brine Shrimp.

SEX: Males have a darker body color and have more pointed dorsal fins.

B: Use a separate breeding tank for the pair having a temperature from 79-84 F (26-29 C), a pH from 6.3-6.7, and a water hardness from 2-6 dH. The tank should be shallow and not have any water current. The male constructs a bubble nest, that can measure up to 5": (13 cm) in diameter. Spawning behavior is similar to that of other Labyrinth fish, with the male embracing the female, which is followed by intense shaking.

The eggs, numbering from 500-1000, float to the surface and are corralled by the male in the bubble nest. The female should be removed following the spawning as the male aggressively guards the nest. Remove the male after the eggs hatch about 24 hours later. The fry resemble small hairs near the surface of the water. Begin feeding with roftiers and infusoria. After a week or two, the young can be fed with powdered dry foods and Brine Shrimp nauplii.

BP: 6. Breeding requires a separate tank, but is not especially difficult.

R: This species can be crossed with C. labiosa.

DC: 2. This hardy species is recommended for the beginning aquariast.

Tiger Barb

SYN: Barbus tetrazon

PD: The Tiger Barb is high-backed fish with no barbels. Its back is brown to orange and the belly is white to silver. The flanks are silvery orange with a white iridescence. The body is marked with four, transverse bands; the first running through the eye, and the last running along the base of the caudal fin. The caudal fin is light orange but transparent. The dorsal fin is mostly black with a red fringe the edge. The other fins are transparent with an orange tint. The tip of the snout may be reddish.

SIZE: To 3": (7.5 cm)

SS: Banded Barb (P. tetrazon partipentazona)

HAB: Still and slow moving rivers. Southeast Asia; Borneo, Indonesia, and Sumatra.

TANK: A tank measuring 20" (51 cm) with a capacity of 10 gallons (38 L) is adequate for small fish under 1.5" (4 cm) in length. Larger fish should be kept in-a 24": (61 cm) tank with a volume of 20 gallons (75 L). The tank should be well- planted with hardy plants. Use a sandy or fine gravel substrate for burrowing.

WATER: pH 6.5-7 (6.7), 3-10 dH (5); 68-77 F (20-25 C)

SB: Not recommended for a 'typical' community tank because these fish are usually a nuisance toward tank mates. They are a shoaling fish. Don't combine with fish that have long or flowing fins (Angelfish or Siamese fighting fish) because Tiger Barbs will nibble at them. A large tank helps reduce this aggressiveness.

SC: Danios, Gouramis, Loaches, Doradids, Loricarids, Epalzeorhynchus.

FOOD: Flakes, vegetable foods; live; insect larvae, insects, Brine Shrimp, Tubifex worms.
SEX: The male is redder and smaller. It is paler during spawning season.

B: Use bunches of fine-leafed plants and use a substrate of marbles. The parents should be fed on white worms during the spawning. The female produces between 500 and 1000 eggs in slightly acidic (6.5) water, which hatch in 24-30 hours. The parents should be removed after eggs have been laid. Feed adults whiteworms during spawning so they don't eat eggs as they are iaid.

BP. 6 Breeding is fairly easy as long as the eggs are saved from the parents.

R: Several cultivated varieties exist, such as the Albino Tiger Barb, the Blushing Tiger Barb, and the Green Tiger Barb. Very susceptible to the parasite, 'lch'.

DC: 4. A sensitive, but colorful aquarium fish.

Neon Tetra

SYN: Hyphessobrycon innesi

PD: This fish has a slender body and is slightly laterally compressed. The back is silver to olive brown while the belly is silver. A green to blue iridescent stripe extends from the eye near the tail. Below this, beginning in the middle of the body, is a bright red band that runs to the base of the tail.

SIZE: 1.6" (4 cm)

SS: Cardinal Tetra (P. axelrodi), False Neon Tetra (P. simulans)

HAB: South America; Rio Putumayo, Eastern Peru: Most are now captive bred in Hong Kong.
TANK: 20" (50 cm) or 1 0 gallons (38 L). The lighting should be dimmed by a cover of floating plants. The tank should be well-planted and have a dark gravel substrate.

WATER: Ph 5-8 (6.8); once acclimated 1-25 dH (8); 68-77 F (20-25 C)

SB: A peaceful fish ideal for a community tank. Do not keep the Neon Tetra with substantially larger fish such as Angels, for the neon may get eaten. Keep this fish in groups of five or more.

SC: Tetras, Corydoras, Apistogramma, Discus, gouramis, Hatchetfish, livebearers, Danios, Rasboras.

FOOD: Flakes; live; insect larvae, Brine Shrimp, Tubifex, Daphnia.

SEX: Males are slimmer and their neon blue stripe is straight. Females have a fuller stomach and their blue neon stripe bent.

B: Use a small breeding tank with a pH of 5-6, a water temperature of 75-77 F (24-25 C), and a water hardness of 1-5 dH. The tank should have subdued lighting and be well-planted with bushy plants. The female lays up to 130 eggs. Remove the parents after spawning. leave the eggs in the dark tank to keep down the growth of fungus. The fry hatch after 24 hours. The young are free swimming after five days, after which time they can be fed crushed flakes and paramecia.

BP: 7. The Neon Tetra is a moderately difficult fish to breed.

R: Susceptible to incurable neon disease. Among the most popular of tropical freshwater aquarium fish. Neon tetras are sensitive during acclimation, during this period neons are most likely to expire. After the initial week or two, the fish become adjusted and are fairly hardy.

DC: 3 The neon Tetra is a hardy, community fish. Avoid fluctuating water conditions.

Black Widow

SYN: Moenkhausia terntezi, Tetragonopterus terntzi

PD: This fish is somewhat oval-shape. Young are more attractive than adults. The main body color is dark gray to black while the fins are black. Older fishes' colors fade and their fins and body color become smoky gray. Two black bands extend vertically; one just behind the gill cover and the other in its midsection.

SIZE: To 2.5' (6.4 cm)

SS: None

HAB: South America; in shaded, calm areas with plants thickets in small brooks in rainforest tributaries, of the Rio Negro, Rio Paraguay, and Rio Parana.

TANK: 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). The tank should be well-planted and arranged in dark colors. Use a cover of floating plants to diffuse the lighting. leave an open area for free-swimming.

WATER: pH 5.8-8.2 (6.8), 4-28 dH (8), 72-82 F (22-28 C)

SB: A peaceful, schooling fish that is an excellent community fish. Occasionally large, adult males can become aggressive towards smaller fish, but this is not usually a problem in a well-planted tank. Keep in a school of at least five individuals.

SC: Tetras, Corydoras, Apistogramma, Discus, Angelfish, livebearers, Gouramis,

asboras, loricarids. FOOD: live; insect larvae, crustaceans, aquatic insects; flake.

SEX: Males are smaller and slimmer. Females have rounded dorsal fin and a rounded

ody cavity when seen against the light.

B: This fish is easiest to breed in a breeding tank with marbles as a substrate or a mesh netting for the eggs to fall out of reach of the cannibalistic parents. Use warm water (84-86 F) to initiate spawning. After courting procedure of the male swimming around females with fins spread, many tiny transparent eggs that fall to the bottom. Parents must be removed or eggs will be eaten. The eggs hatch in 24-28 hours and the fry are free-swimming after 3 to 5 days after. Start feeding with small live and crushed flake foods.

BP: 6. Breeding the Black Tetra is not difficult.

R: There are variants of this fish who have longer, more elaborate fins. These are slightly harder to care for because these fins are often nipped at. A gold variety is also a product of selective breeding. This fish matures in about a year.

DC: 2. A hardy fish ideal for a beginner's community tank.

Date of Issue (October 09, 2004)

IV International Calligraphy & Calligraph-Art. Exhibition & Competition Pakistan - 2004. (2004-15)

1. Importance of the Occasion: Three Internationals were previously held in Pakistan in 1998, 1999 & 2000. The President of Pakistan inaugurated the 2nd and 3rd Internationals. About 170 calligraphers including Masters of the art from China, Egypt, France, Iran, Jordan, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan participated. The 2nd International in 1999 was taken to Karachi after its inauguration in Lahore. The 4th International is scheduled for inauguration on October 1, 2004 at Lahore. A large number of delegates is expected. Work from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Iran, Kuwait, Morocco, Mongolia, Oatar, Syria, Turkey, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan has been received and more work from other countries is expected.

2. Background: Calligraphy is the foundation of all Arts of the Muslim world. It has its origin in the Divine Message. Yet this important tradition of human endeavour is under serious threat because of the current technological emphasis. As such this great traditional Islamic skill needs to the revived, preserved, promoted and propagated through international exhibitions, workshops, conferences, seminars, competitions and publications. The Pakistan Calligraph-artists' Guild has dedicated itself to doing this since 1997, the Golden Jubilee year of Pakistan. Its pioneering work has been acknowledged at international fora. Practitioners of Calligraphy and its modern metamorphosis, Calligraph-art span the entire Muslim world and China. It has developed into a major movement. Queen Elizabeth II on a State visit in 1997 presented a work of Calligraph-art to the people of Pakistan, a superb work by a British Calligraph-artist. The West is beginning to acknowledge this wholly Muslim contemporary movement. It is time we owned our own asset and treasure.

3. Design: The design of commemorative stamp depicts the calligraphic shape of a dove with an olive branch to signify peace and well-being for all peoples of the world. The stamp is designed especially for the occasion, by a top designer Syed Ayyaz Ali, a distinguished graduate of the National College of Arts, Lahore. This design depicts Pakistan not only as the "Land of the Pure" but also as "Land of Peace and the Peace- loving".

4. Need to Cornmemorate: The 4th International is the largest event of its kind in the country and South Asia and of great importance in the cultural calendar of the Muslim World. As such the event needs to be commemorated in a manner that would project Pakistan as an enlightened, moderate and progressive country. It is imperative that it is perceived as a nation that is fully aware of its rich heritage, its historical and cultural links and cooperation with Muslim nations and peoples. In view of the current global political climate, there is an urgent need to celebrate the great common heritage, the outstanding contributions of the people and the finest manifestation of the creative spirit of Pakistanis and other Muslims in this field.

The request was prompted by the President of Pakistan's desire to project the "soft face" of our nation at the international level. Date of Issue (October 1, 2004)

(Baba-e-Urdu) Maulvi Abdul Haq. (2004-14)

A legendary figure: Born at Hapur (District Merut, U.P. India) in 1870, Maulvi Abdul Haq, popularly known as Baba-e-Urdu (Father of Urdu) took his B.A. degree from Muslim University Aligarh (U.P. India). For thirteen years he served as a translator at the Home Department before being appointed as the provincial Inspector of Schools (Aurangabad, Deccan). The same year he was elected to the office of Secretary, Department of promotion of Urdu at Delhi All India Muslim Educational Conference.

Baba-e-Urdu was the moving spirit behind the Usmania University Hyderabad, Deccan, where all subjects were taught in Urdu. The textbooks and reference material to be used here were translated and compiled under his supervision: Later on, he served as the chairman of the Department of Urdu. After his retirement in 1930, he compiled and edited a comprehensive and authoritative English Urdu dictionary.

Under his care, the Anjumane Taraqqi-e-Urdu, emerged as a powerful service organization. In the 1930s, Gandhi Started a campaign to change the Urdu script, since it was identified with the Muslim people. Thanks to the Anjuman, the attempt was successfully thwarted. Thereafter, till the creation of Pakistan, he fought the Indian National Congress for mother tongue Urdu and Pakistan.

In 1948, Maulvi Abdul Haq migrated to Pakistan. During the partition riots, thousands valuable manuscripts, memoranda, books and articles that he possessed had been lost. The Indian government had seriously damaged the Anjuman by withdrawing all support. Maulvi Sahib reached Pakistan poor in health, meager in resources but planted the Anjuman anew, on fresh ground. Under the aegis of the organization, countless books and several important journals were brought out. Numerous old but invaluable manuscripts in old Urdu (Deccani) were published that have considerably deepened the roots of the Urdu language. Baba-e-Urdu patronized and inaugurated two public libraries and lived long enough to see a dream realized: the establishment of Urdu medium Institutions of higher learning: the Arts and Science in Urdu Colleges. He continually stressed the need for an Urdu University for which he even called a national conference in 1959. After a prolonged illness, Maulvi Abdul Haq died of cancer in 1961 (August 16, 1961).

He was a prolific writer, with almost a dozen titles to his name including the authoritative Standard English-Urdu Dictionary, Chand Ham Asar, maktoobat Baba-e-Urdu Tauqeedat, Muqadimat, etc. As a researcher, scholar, critic and lexicographer Maulvi Abdul Haq is a great name in our history. It is, however, as the foremost campaigner of Urdu and its greatest servant that Baba-e-Urdu will be remembered. Date of Issue (August 16, 2004)

57th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan. (2004-13)

Pakistan Movement is synonymous with the very spirit of Islam. The war of Independence in 1857 was an open manifestation of the Muslim spirit of revolt against the domination of the British Government and its stooges in India. Frustration and lack of direction, however, pervaded the rank of Muslims after the unfortunate failure in the War. At this critical moment Sir Syed Ahmed Khan came to the rescue of the Muslims and served as a beacon light for the Muslims in distress and disarray. He equated education with power and declared that the Muslims could improve their political, social and economic condition only through the medium of modern and scientific education. He cultivated the concept of a separate Muslim Nation on the basis of religion, culture and history. He inspired the Muslims of the sub-continent to demand a separate homeland where they could arrange their lives and affairs of the State according to the dictates of Holy Ouran and Sunnah.

The Indian National Congress was established in 1885, the Muslim leaders saw through the game of "National Movement" and warned their people of the hovering dangers. After the partition of Bengal in 1905, the opposition of the Indian National Congress and its leadership compelled the Muslims to establish a political party to protest their rights. Thus in 1906, the Muslim league was founded as a challenge to the Indian National Congress. Maulana Hasrat Mohani presented a plan to the Government for the country envisaging two separate states for the Hindus and Muslims. Chaudhary Rehmat Ali further developed this concept and coined the word 'Pakistan'. He displayed great wisdom and foresight by putting forth not only a name but in large measure the scheme that culminated in the creation of Pakistan. Maulana Muhammad Ali, Maulana Shaukat Ali and Maulana Zafar Ali Khan spread the message of Movement through their lucid lectures and articles in newspapers.

lqbal initiated his efforts in the second decade of twentieth century to awaken the Muslims of India from the state of slumber which had dangerously retarded their moral and material progress leaving them far behind in the race of opportunities. He determined to extract the Muslim community from the backwardness by infusing a burning zeal among the depressed and dejected Muslims, lost in the wilderness.

Iqbal, being conscious of the implications of political development, propagated his ideas about a separate state for the Muslims in his Presidential Address delivered on 29th of December 1930 at Allahabad. Presiding over the 31st session of the All India Muslim League he said: "The principle of European democracy cannot be applied to India without recognizing the fact of communal groups. The Muslim demand for the creation of Muslim India within India is, therefore, perfectly justified.

After a great and heroic struggle by the Muslims of the sub-continent, under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah the British Parliament was forced to approve the Indian Independence Act, 1947 leading to the birth of Pakistan on 14th August, 1947. On this historic day, the Quaid-i-Azam while addressing the first session of Constituent Assembly of Pakistan in Karachi eulogized the services and sacrifices of the Muslims of the sub-continent to achieve Pakistan in the following words:-

"My thoughts are with the valiant fighters in our cause who readily sacrificed all they had, including their lives, to make Pakistan possible".

Thus the response of the millions, sacrificing their lives and homes, to the cal of "UNITY, FAITH AND DISCIPLINE" from their Quaid-i-Azam firmly placed Pakistan on the world map.

Quaid-i-Azam was one of the most dynamic personalities of South Asia, who vehemently advocated morality in politics. He declared that morality in politics was even more important than in private life "because if you do something wrong in public you hurt and harm more people".

The Governor General of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, addressed in the University grounds on Thursday 30th October 1947, the biggest public meeting in the political history of Lahore. The Quaid said:

"We have achieved our cherished goal of freedom and have established Pakistan as an independent sovereign state, fifth largest in the world. That freedom can never be attained by nation without suffering and sacrifice, has been amply borne out by the recent tragic happenings in unparalleled difficulties and untold sufferings, we have been through dark days of apprehension and anguish: but I can say with confidence that with courage and self-reliance and by the grace of God we shall emerge triumphant". Date of Issue (August 14, 2004)

XXVIII Athens Olympic Games - 2004. (2004-12)

OLYMPIC GAMES

The Games have always brought people together in peace to respect universal moral principles.
The upeoming Games will feature athletes from all over the world and help promote the Olympic spirit.

ATHENS 2004

Greece was the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896. In 2004, the Olympic Games will return to their origins when Athens hosts the Games of the XXVI I I Olympiad.

OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES

° Athens 1896	° Amsterdam 1928	° Munich 1972
° Paris 1900	° Berlin 1936	° Montreal 1976
° St. Louis 1904	° London 1948	° Moscow 1980
° London 1908	° Helsinki 1952	° Los Angeles 1984
° Stockholm 1912	° Melbourne 1956	° Seoul I988
° Antwerp 1920	° Rome 1960	° Barcelona 1992
° Paris 1924	° Tokyo 1964	° Atlanta 1996
° Amsterdam 1928	° Mexico City 1968	° Sydney 2000

OLYMPIC MOVEMENT

The Olympic Movement encompasses organizations, athletes and other persons who consent to be guided by the Olympic Charter and the Olympic ideal.

The Olympic Movement groups together all those who agree to be guided by the Olympic charter and the Olympic ideal and who recognize the authority of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), namely: the International Federations (IF) of sports on the programme of the Olympic Games; the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the organizing Committees of the Olympic Games (OCOGs), athletes, judges and referees, associations and clubs, as well as the organizations and institutions recognized by the IOC.

BIRTH OF THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT

The Olympic movement was born during a congress called by Pierre de Coubertin in Paris, in June 1894. On June 23rd 1894, at the sorbonne the renovation of the Olympic games was decided and the International Olympic Committee was founded. The first Olympic games of the modern era opened in Athens on March 25th 1896, according to the Julian Calendar (April 6th according to the Gregorian Calendar).

Olympism is a state of mind based on equality of sports which are international and democratic.
It is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind.

The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sports practised without discrimination of any kind, in a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. The Olympic Movement is defined also by the numerous activities in which it engages, such as:

Promoting sport and competitions through the intermediary of national and internationals sports institutions world-wide.

Cooperation with public and private organizations to place sport at the service of mankind.

Assistance to develop "Sport for All"

Advancement of women in sport at all levels and in all structures, with a view to achieving equality between men and women.

Opposition to all forms of commercial exploitation of sport and athletes.

The fight against doping.

Promoting sports ethics and fair play.

Raising awareness of environmental problems.

Financial and educational support for developing countries through the IOC institution Olympic Solidarity.

"All sports for all people. This is surely a phrase that people will consider foolishly utopian. That prospect troubles me not all. 1 have pondered and studied it at length, and know that it is correct and possible", wrote Pierre de Coubertin in 1919. The future proved him right.

Courtesy: International Olympic Committee.

Pakistan issued its first Olympic stamps in 1969, to honour its field hockey team which won a gold medal in the 1968 Mexico Games; again in 1984 for the Los Angeles Games; in 1988 for the Seoul Games; in 1991 in special Olympic Games; in 1996 in Atlanta Olympic Games & finally in 2000 Sydney Olympics. A stamp to commemorate a century of Olympic Games, depicting Pierre de Coubertin and the Athens Stadium was also issued on 3-8-1996. Date of Issue (August 13, 2004)