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Showing posts with label Stamps of Pakistan Year's 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stamps of Pakistan Year's 2009. Show all posts
Polio Free Pakistan Mother’s Vision-Daughter’s Mission Commemorative Postage Stamps October 10, 2009:- Polio Eradication is the largest public health initiative in the world involving millions of health workers world-wide in a global campaign to rid the world of this disease that once crippled hundreds of thousands of children. In 1988 following resolution of the World Health Assembly, a world-wide effort was initiated to defeat polio through mass immunization campaigns.
In Pakistan under the leadership of the Islamic World’s first woman Prime Minister, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, a nation-wide drive was launched to defeat polio and save the children from being paralyzed for life by a disease that is preventable.
The first round of the national polio eradication campaign was held on 27th April, 1994. The then Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto launched the drive by administering the first polio drops to her youngest daughter Aseefa who was 2 years of age then and setting an example for mothers to follow all over the country. Addressing the launch ceremony at the Prime Minister House, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto said “To me all Pakistani children are like Bilawal, Bakhtawar and Aseefa and although I am the country’s Prime Minister, I am also a mother”.
Special polio centers were established all over the country where mothers and caretakers of children up to 5 years of age came in large numbers to get their children immunized against polio. The nation had responded to the call of their Prime Minister and the first polio campaign was a resounding success. The campaign then continued through the years reducing each year the number of Pakistani children falling prey to the crippling polio virus. According to official figures the country was reporting over 23,000 cases of polio each year before the initiation of the campaign which has dropped in 2008 to 117 cases.
By the year 2007 the number of polio cases had been brought down to just 32 with complete eradication in sight. However, the gains in the fight against polio were rolled back due to the unrest and militancy in parts of Pakistan with the country by the end of 2008 reporting 117 cases and the trend continuing during 2009.
The Government of Pakistan People’s Party which had initiated the campaign has resolved to face the remaining challenges and take the mission of their leader, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to its logical conclusion who had envisioned a Pakistan where no child ever would be paralyzed by polio, a disease that could easily be prevented and for which a vaccine was available in the country.
The present Government according the highest priority to polio eradication in the health sector had launched a number of new initiatives to improve coverage of polio vaccination and reach every child under 5 years with the polio drops.
The appointment of Aseefa Bhutto Zardari is a major stride taken in this regard. Aseefa was the first-ever child to receive polio vaccination in the country and has resolved to translate the vision of her mother in to a reality by advocating for and leading the polio eradication campaign nation-wide. Aseefa will reach out to mothers across Pakistan appealing to them to actively participating in each polio campaign. Two Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs.5/- denomination, one with Urdu and the other with English Caption are being issued by Pakistan Post on October 10, 2009 to commemorative this major stride forward in protecting and preserving the health of the children of Pakistan.
60th Anniversary of The People’s Republic of China Commemorative Postage Stamp October 01, 2009:- Pak-China friendship spans over half a century, and is imbused by a high degree of trust and commonality of interests. It has matured into a comprehensive strategic partnership, of immense mutual interest and of special significance for Pakistan’s security and economic development.
The all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan has withstood the test of time and has prospered notwithstanding changes in the international, regional and domestic environment. Both sides are committed to strengthening good-neighborliness and friendship, developing cooperation and deepening strategic relations between China and Pakistan. There is a mutual recognition that it serves fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and will promote peace and development in the region.
Political fundamentals of the relations remain sound, and are reflected in the frequent high-level exchanges, bilateral cooperation, understanding and support for each other’s position at international for a and extensive coordination enables the two sides to exchange views on the evolving strategic and global issues. Cooperation at multilateral forums is also proceeding satisfactorily.
Pakistan was one of the first group of countries to recognize China with diplomatic relations being established on May 21, 1951 Since then, China and Pakistan have witnessed smooth development of friendly and neighborly relations as well as mutually beneficial cooperation. The foundations of a strong friendship with China were laid by the visionary policies of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He signed the Pakistan-China border agreement on 02 March 1963, followed by the Border Protocol in 1965. These agreements paved the way for a strong, durable, multifaceted and multi-dimensional relationship in the years to come. During the period when most western countries were trying to isolate China, Pakistan took the bold step of being the first non-socialist country to sign an Air Services Agreement with China in August 1963 to link China with other countries starting a regular air service from 29 April, 1964. This gesture by Pakistan during the cold war period, aimed containment policies of the US, was greatly appreciated by the Chinese leadership.
Prime Minister Bhutto provided a clear and lucid long term framework for Pakistan’s relations with China. As a result of his vision, China became the principal source of military hardware and technology for Pakistan in addition to its involvement and support for important projects in the defence, heave industry and infrastructure Sectors.
Prime Minister Bhutto had the great prescience to see a natural role for Pakistan in the ultimate establishment of dialogue between China and the US. His words proved correct as Pakistan played a key role in the Sino-US détente by providing the back channel for normalization of their relations. Pakistan organized a secret visit to Beijing by Dr. Henry Kissinger from Islamabad in July 1971.
Prime Minister Bhutto’s vision as a statesman and conviction as a patriot is best illustrated in his role as the archite3ct of Pakistan’s strategic cooperative relations with China. The leadership and people of China as honour his contribution to this day and recall fondly his visit to China as President/Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1972, 1974 and 1976. Mr. Bhutto’s meeting with Chairman Mao Zedong during his last visit to China in 1976 is a historic meeting as it was Mao’s last meeting with any foreign Head of Government.
Prime Minister Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto maintained the tradition of a special relationship with China laid down by her illustrious father. She first visited China in 1972 when she accompanied him on a state visit and had the opportunity to meet Premier Zhou Enlai and his wife Madam Deng Yingchao. The Chinese greatly appreciate and remember the fact that even before her assumption to power as Prime Minister of Pakistan after the 1988 elections; Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto announced that her first official visit would be to China. Accordingly, she visited China in February 1989. The highlight of the visit was the Prime Minister’s meeting with Senior Leader Deng Xiaoping. The solidarity and support Pakistan showed for China under the leadership of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in the difficult months following the Tiananmen Square incident in 1989 has become an unforgettable chapter in the history of Pakistan-China relations.
Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s second visit to China in December 1993 took place at a time when China was celebrating the 100th Birth Anniversary of Chairman Mao Zedong. The Prime Minister held detailed talks with President Jiang Zemin and Premier Lipeng. The visit acted as a catalyst in further improving bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan. The two sides signed agreements on economic and trade cooperation, and important infrastructure development projects like the improvement of Karakorum Highway.
China hosted XXIX Olympic Games in Beijing from 8-24 August and 13th Paralympics from 6-17 September 2008. The Chinese leadership attached great importance to successful holding of the Olympics. This was apparent in the spectacular opening ceremony held on 08 August 2008 which was unmatched in the history of the Games.
The opening ceremony was attended by many Head of States / Government like President Bush, President Sarkozy, and Prime Minister Putin. Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani undertook a goodwill visit to China to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympics and was warmly received by the Chinese leadership. The Prime Minister held discussion with Chinese premier wen Jiabao in a cordial atmosphere and exchanged views on important bilateral, regional, and global issues.
The four visits of President Asif Ali Zardari to China in less thatn a year is a testament to our growing multifaceted cooperation. The two countries acknowledge the fact that in order to sustain a comprehensive cooperative relationship, substantive economic cooperation, matching with the level of political and strategic cooperation, was absolutely necessary. Economic cooperation would not only consolidate the comprehensive bilateral relations but also help in achieving common aspirations for development, peace and stability in the region.
In the last few years, the two governments have convened a number of high-level conferences/forums, inaugurated by their respective leadership in Pakistan and China, to promote economic cooperation thereby exhibiting interest, resolve and patronage to the private sector business community of the two countries. Pakistan and China now have created a clear and shared vision of the director of their economic relations. Two countries have signed over 200 Agreements/Treaties/MOUs in diverse fields. Clarity in the direction has been achieved due to the frequent exchange of ideas at the highest-level consultations between the two countries. Pakistan-China relations, which are time-tested and multi dimensional are poised to follow an upward trajectory moving from generation to generation.
On 60th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of ChinaPakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.5/- denomination on 01, October 2009.
60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and the Philippines in 2009.
Pakistan and the Philippines have always enjoyed friendly and cordial relations. Both countries were partners in defunct SEATO. There are many commonalities between the two countries. Both are Asian and developing countries and share the common objectives of peace and development. The two countries also share the experience of colonial past and have large English speaking populations. Both countries have been supporting each others candidatures at various international fora.
Pakistan and the Philippines are celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year. Besides Pakistan, the Philippines would also be celebrating its 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with about 9 other countries. Foreign Secretary Alberto G. Romulo would host a reception to jointly celebrate the occasion with these countries. Pakistan and the Philippines have agreed to issue commemorative postage stamps in this occasion.
Former President Pervaz Musharraf paid a state visit to the Philippines in April 2005. During this visit, the two sides signed agreements including an MOU on combating terrorism.
ident Asif Ali Zardari and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo met on the margins of the UNGA in New York on November 2008. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to further deepen cooperation in political, economic, trade and other fileds. The President also showed interest in the Philippines Bishop-Ulema Conference which had proved to be a useful vehicle to promote understanding between the Muslim and the Christian communities in Mindanao. On the instructions of President Arroyo, the Philippines government is preparing to send a delegation to Bishop-Ulema Conference to Pakistan for sharing the Philippines experience in promoting understanding between the Muslim and Christian communities.
President Arroyo also invited the President to participate in the Special NAM Ministerial meeting on interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation to be held in Manila in December 2009. The NAM Foreign Ministers would be invited to this meeting.
Pakistan and the Philippines also jointly co-sponsored a resolution on “Promotion of Inter-Religious and Inter-Cultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace” during the UNGA in November 2008. Bother countries have been working closely to promote religious and cultural harmony and tolerance among followers of various faiths.
Despite absence of direct shilling and air links, the business and trade relations between the two countries expanded significantly over the past two years. The volume of trade registered a 100 % increase over the past year. According to the available data, bilateral trade between Pakistan and the Philippines from January-September 2008 reached an all time high mark of US$ 125.072 million with balance of trade in favour of Pakistan. Pakistan’s exports amounted to US$ 92.833 million against imports of US$ 32.238 million. Major items of exports from Pakistan include yarn, rice, Pharmaceutical products, leather hides, fruit, sport goods and surgical instruments. The items of imports from the Philippines include automotive parts, paper products, food preparations, electronics and packaging materials.
There is considerable scope for export of rice and pharmaceutical products to the Philippines. The Philippines government has showed Keenness to procure rice from Pakistan on a government to government basis. This provides a good opportunity to have a foot hold in the Philippines rice market which is dominated by Thailand and Vietnam. As for pharmaceuticals, Our Ambassador in Manila is in touch with the relevant departments of the Philippines government encouraging them to consider Pakistan as a source for supply of inexpensive and quality medicines. President Arroyo in her recent meeting with President Zardari had indicated interest to import medicines from Pakistan.
Pakistan and the Philippines signed an MoU on establishment of a joint Economic Commission in July 2008. The Commission would identify economic and trade opportunities and would encourage businessmen to invest in each others countries.
Pakistan and the Philippines signed a programmed of cultural exchange for the period 2005-2009. The extension of Programme for a further period of three years would provide framework for bilateral cultural exchanges.
On the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Philippines in 2009 Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 5/- denomination on 09, September 2009.
United for Peace Commemorative Postage Stamp August 16, 2009:- Pakistan Television, the largest and oldest TV network in Pakistan with five production centres and Six 24 hours channels, is organizing a peace Telethon as a part of its Media to Peace campaign. The campaign which began in May 2009 is aimed at making the viewers more aware of the consequences of terrorism and extremism and mobilizing them to play an active role in promoting peace. The campaign involves production and airing of thematic plays and songs, talk shows and documentaries on themes of religious tolerance inter-faith harmony, enlightened interpretation of Islam, promotion of peace in region, a balanced view of history and promotion of values such as pluralism and humanism. The objective of this Telethon is: To create a hype for peace and strengthen resolve to fight terrorism. To strengthen solidarity among people of countries which have been victums of terrorism and partnering in the war against terrorism. To promote the Idea that the War against Terrorism is a worldwide war and not between civilizations or power bloc. The content of this telethon transmission will include; i. Celebrity message for peace and solidarity. ii. Songs for peace and humanism in various languages. iii. Reports/documentaries on themes such as International solidarity, interfaith harmony. iv. Talk shows or topics related to history, religion, peace, Sufism etc. v. On ground activities such as peace walks, signature campaign, peace concerts and peace vigil. The Telethon will take place on 16th August for duration of 12 hours, starting at 12.00 noon to 12.00 m.n, with Islamabad as the hub. Other Ptv Centres such as Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta will be linked during the transmission. For four hours in the evening, Ptv will link via satellite with other countries such as India, UK, USA, UAE and Bangla Desh. In th studios of all these countries, participants from the fields of Showbiz, Politics, Sports, Literature, Journalism, Youth and Students, Social workers and activists, general public and lawyers would show their solidarity and unity against Terrorism. The UK and South Asia segments would be in English. Besides this Telethon, Ptv will also orgazine some ground activities. These ground activities will include a Signature Campaign on 16th August 2009, in which hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life are expected to put their signature or thumb impressions on scrolls confirming their determination to stand united against Terrorism. In this campaign NGOs, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Students, City Governments and Pakistan Post would cooperate. The volunteers of these agencies and organization would help Ptv by going door to door in the streets, offices and markets besides standing at the places of National importance like Mazar-i-quaid, Minar-i-Pakistan and National Monument or on the signals and getting the signatures on the declaration. Signatures would also be obtained in U.K. and in the South Asian countries. People from many countries would also participate to show their solidarity with the theme through Telephone Calls, e-mails and sms. Another gound activity would be Peace Walk in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore on the same day. Besides the organizations mentioned for Signature campaign, Police and Minorities would also participate this Rally. This walk in Islamabad in would end at a given spot where the candles would be lit by the participants to reconfirm their faith in peace. All these ground activities would be shown during Telethon. To commemorate the occasion of United for Peace Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp Rs.5/- denomination on August 16, 2009.
URS of Abul Hassan Muhammad Jamal-ud-Din Musa Paak Shaheed Commemorative Postage Stamp August 15, 2009:- Hazrat Musa Paak Shaheed, one of the renowned and greatest saints of Qadriya order of Sufism, was born in 952 Hijri at Uch Sharif near Bahawal Pur. The city is known as the city of Sufis. His father Hazrat Syyed Hamid Jahan Bakhsh Gillani was also a renowned figure in the realm of knowledge and mysticism. The great fore father of Hazrat Musa Paak Azam Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gillani who had migrated from Khurasan and settled in Uch Sharif. He spent his early life in Uch Sharif and received his early education along with his brother at the hands of his illustrious father. He received lessons on Fiqha, Hadith and Tafseer and got deep understanding of shariat and tariqat. Allah Almighty had gifted Hazrat Musa Paak shaheed with glorious spiritual and moral qualities. His natural gift of wisdom, genious and spiritual disposition enabled him to achieve excellence and subtlety in the field of spiritualism. His father’s happiness knew no bounds when he noticed his son’s ingenuity and excellence in the external and internal domains of Sufism. He then bestowed upon his son, the tittle of Jamaluddin Abdul Hasan. The father had so much love and affection for his beloved son that he nominated him as his legacy both spiritual and mundane. With the passage of time the stature of Hazrat Musa Paak Shaheed reached at such great heights that the great scholars of the time considered it their honor to sit in his esteemed presence and seek guidance on intricate religious and spiritual problems. Hazrat Sahib would always solve them with his wisdom. His greatness can be judged from the fact that Sheikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi, out of sheer veneration took oath of allegiance on his hands. Sheikh Muhaddis writes that whenever Hazrat Sahib came to Multan, hundreds of people embraced Islam on just seeing his miracles. Besides Muhaddis Dehlavi, other great Sufis who received guidance from Hazrat Sahid are Syed Sher Shah Mashhadi Multani and Hazrat Mian Sher Karam Ali Qadri. Hazrat Musa Paak Shaheed was a courageous man. A number of historians have mentioned in their books an example of this on the subject that Hazrat Sahib used to call the Azan in the Dewan-e-Khas of Akbar and held prayers collectively against the wishes of the emperor. Hazrat Sahib never stopped raising the voice against Akbar’s “heterodoxy” despite being the mansabdar under Akbar and continued his mission with his voice and pen. Hazrat Musa Paak Shaheed prophasised his own martyrdom. When the pirates attached the area inhabitating his followers, he immediately said that his time had come and he himself proceeded to counter then. An arrow struck him, which proved fatal. He breathed his last on 23rd of Shaban 1010 Hijra and was buried at the foot side of the grave of his father in Uch Sharif. Afterwards, Hazrat Hamid Bakhsh, the son of Hazrat Sahib had a dream wherein his grand father revealed to him that they had buried a “Qutab-Al-Aqtab” at his feet and directed them to shift his jasde-paak (coffin). Receiving the direction, Hazrat Sahib’s descendants shifted the jasde-paak from Uch Sharif to Multan. There is a tradition that when during the shifting, the conffin of Hazrat Sahib was uncovered, the passing of time had not left any marks on it. Hazrat Sahib has left behind a book titled “tesirushaghileen” which is read by his followers with fervor and devotion. His disciples are scattered in Iran, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. He was succeeded by four sons named Hazrat Hamid Bakhsh, Syed Yahah, Syed Eisa and Syed Jan Muhammed whose shrine is in Delhi. Today is the shrine of Hazrat Musa Paak Shaheed stands as a monument to the great saint and is visited by hundreds of followers every day. His urs is held on 23rd of Shaban every year.To commemorate the auspicious occasion of the Urs of Hazrat Musa Paak Shaheed, Pakistan Post is issuing commemorative postage stamp of Rs.5/- each denomination on August 15, 2009.
Independence Day:- The first brick in the foundation of Pakistan was laid in 712 A.D. when Mohammad Bin Qasim anchored at Debal Port (now know as Karaqchi), freed the Muslim women and children from the prisons of Raja Dahir and constructed the first mosque in the town. Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan, acclaimed the event by stating “the Pakistan Movement started when the first Muslim put his foot on the soil of Sindh – the Gateway of Islam in India” The Pakistan Movement was 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 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 juncture emerged Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who served as a beacon of light for the Muslim Nation in distress and disarray. He equated education with power and declared that 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 the Holy Quran and Sunnah. 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 Shakat Ali and Maulana Zafar Ali Khan spread the message of Movement through their lucid lectures and articles in newspapers. Allam Iqbal iniated 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. Allam Iqbal, being conscious of the implications of the 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 Muslims of the sub-continent, under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-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-e-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 n 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 call of “Unity, Faith and Discipline” from their Quaid-e-Azam firmly placed Pakistan on the world map. The Governor General of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his address at the University grounds on Thursday 30th October, 1947, the biggest public meeting in the political history of Lahore said, “We have achieved our cherished goal of freedom and have established Pakistan as an independent sovereign state, fifth largest in the world. The freedom can never be attained by nation with out 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”.To commemorate the Independence day. Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp Rs.5/- denomination on August 14, 2009.
Celebration of Minorities Week 5th to 11th August, 2009:- Minorities are an important segment of the society and in the eyes of constitution hold equal civil rights. The Honorable Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani in his maiden address to the Parliament on 29th March, 2008 had declared his determination in unequivocal words to safeguard the political, social, legal, religious and other rights of minorities. The commitment of the present government towards the cause of the minorities is inherited from the vision and policy measures initiated by the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mothrama Benazir Bhutto. In order to focus on the socio-economic problems and realize effective political participation and take up development related issues faced by the minorities in Pakistan, the present government also appointed Minister for Minorities who is from the minority community (Christian). It was due to initiative of the Minister and policies pursued by the present government that for the first time in the history of Pakistan. 11th August was declared as “Minorities Day” vide notification No. 5(7)/DS(FA-1)/2008-M dated 23rd October 2008. This day was chosen in view of the historical contest and the speech delivered in the Constituent Assembly by the father of nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on 11th August, 1947, which ensured equality for the minorities and non-discrimination in the society so far as organs of the state are concerned. It is in this backdrop that it would be appropriate to mention here that the Ministry has been officially celebrating eleven festivals of the minorities annually which include Christmas. Diwali, Holi, Easter, Baisakhi, Guru Nanak’s birthday, Nauroze, Festival of Lights, Eid-e-Rizwan and Chelumjusht etc. Also credit goes to the present government for introducing 5% quota in the federal jobs across the board. It is understood that this small step shall prove to be a big achievement for the minorities in future as it will bring about a greater social change in their life. The Ministry is under directive from the Awian-e-Sadr, Islamabad that in order to reach out to the minority communities in Pakistan, the government organs should take bold steps, which speak for the solidarity with the minorities. The Ministry is, therefore, celebrating the forthcoming 11th August with the view to disseminate befitting message to the minorities regarding their positive role and contribution to Pakistani society.In order to commemorate the first ever Minorities Day being observed on August 11, 2009 and the weeklong activities, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.5/- denomination on 11th August specially designed for this occasion.
Contributing Sale Proceeds To The Prime Minister’s Relief Fund For Sawat Refugees:- Recent fighting, between Pakistani Security forces and the extremist elements, is creating major humanitarian, economic and security challenges to the country. Crisis relief operations to bring aid and shelter to the massive population of Refugees displaced by fighting in Swat, Dir, Buner and adjacent locations, is a Herculean task for all the Agencies involved in the relief and rehabilitation operations. As of late May, over 2.5 million registered refugees have fled the Swat region, coupled with internally displaced persons from previous operations in Bajaur Agency and other parts of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), almost 3 million people have been displaced from their homes. Out of these 3 million IDP’s only 20% are residing in 26 camps in six distracts of NWFP manily Mardan, Charsada and Peshawar. While 80% are living at their own like in the unused schools buildings, under construction colonies or with their relatives and friends. All most the IDP’s have come only in their personal clothing with small bags and no cash since the banks had become Non-operative in the region. Coming from hill stations, the Sweltering heat under thin tents with no electricity is a real test of their forbearance. Facing the gigantic challenges, restless efforts are under way to provide basic amenities to the IDP’s living in camps. A $ 1 billion flash appeal from the President of Pakistan $ 543 million appeal from the U.N High Commission on Refugees for greater humanitarian aid must be met with a stepped-up response from the international community. International private relief funds, NGO’s and Civil Society groups are required to build people-to people relations by showing a commitment to helping Pakistan’s distressed communities. In order to generate the funds for Swat refugees, Pakistan Post has decided to issue a Special Miniature Stamps Sheet for Prime Minister’s Relief funds for Swat Refugees (to be shortly called as Swat Refugees Stamps Sheet) with eight stamps of Rs.5/- denomination perforated there in with the face value of the sheet as Rs.100/- on August 01, 2009
The building which houses the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry had its foundation laid by Late Mohan Das Karam Chand Ghand Gandhi on 8th July 1934 making it the only one in Pakistan to have undergone the aforementioned. Plot 2A, Street B-3 of Size 4250 sq. yards was purchased by the Karachi Indian Merchants Assocfiation at the rate of Rs.27 per sq. yard costing them Rs.114,750. It was then called PMA Building. It is a :Historic Monument” as declared by the Government of Pakistan on 7the September 1995 under the Sindh Cultural Heritage. The first meeting of the Central Board of Directors of the National Bank of Pakistan was held in this building in 1949. The Chamber has tried its level best to preserve its originality and historical significance as the building shows signs of deterioration while the dome and surrounding minarets seem tarnished. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) was established in 1959 and it has been serving the economy of Pakistan ever since in terms of development, growth and progress. It is the premier chamber of the country which was formed by the union of four trade bodies in Karachi at that time, namely, the Pakistan Merchants Association, Buyers and Shippers Chamber, Chamber of Commerce Pakistan and All Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The Chamber is affiliated with five Industrial Town Associations namely, S.I.T.E., Landhi, Korangi, Federal ‘B’ Area, and North Karachi along with the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of commerce & Industry. The major function of the Chamber is to promote and at the same time, protect the interest of trade, commerce and industry in Karachi and those associated with it. It strives to become the cause of increased private enterprise while ensuring a two-fold raise in its contribution to the socio-economic development of Pakistan. The organization’s policies and programs are determined by the 30 members of Managing Committee which are elected by the members, out of which half retire every year and in their place, new members are inducted through election. There are a total of around 16000 Corporate and Associate Members to which the KCCI provides promotional and business solutions. The President elected by the members (General Body) and the Managing Committee every year elects Senior Vice President and Vice-President. The President controls the working of office and staff and directs all matters of the Chamber, with the assistance of Senior Vice-President and Vice-President. Since its inception, various foreign trade delegations, dignitaries and diplomats visit the KCCI and exchange views on topics that are of mutual interest. There are many seminars, training courses, and conferences on trade related subjects. Publications issued by the KCCI benefit the business community by informing the associated about developments because it represents the mainstream of economic activities in the region. There is great focus on Public Service at KCCI and it strives to further develop its image as a “results oriented metro-wide organization” as stated in its Mission. On the eve of completion 75 years of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Building Karachi, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.4/- denomination on May 30, 2009
The Parsis of Karachi are eternally indebted to Seth Shapurji Hormusji Soparivala and his family for sowing the seed of Bai Virbaiji Soparivala Parsi High School in 1859. It was a small Parsi Balakshala housed in the residence of one Mr. Dadabhoy Palonji Paymaster. As the School going community increased, it outgrew the building. In the year 1869 Seth Shapurji lost his beloved wife, Bai Virbaiji. In May 1870 Seth Shapurji, who had been so fr the greastest benefactor of the shool, donated a sum of Rs.10,000/- on the condition that the school be named the Parsi Virbaiji School. The opening ceremony was performed on 24th September 1870 by the then commissioner of Sindh, Sir William Mereweather. Mr. Jamshedji Framji Master was the Headmaster at that time. The Balakshala which began in 1870 remained a Vernacular School for Parsi children, teaching Gujrati, Arithmetic, Writing, History, Geography and some needlework up to 1875. In 1875 the School reached the status of an “Anglo-Vemacular Institute” (Until 1875 all the teaching was done through the medium of Gujrati). In 1875-76 the school was officially ranked as 2nd grade “Anglo-Vernacular School”. The Student strength till 1878 varied between 112-116 and was co-education. The desire of Parsis to improve their English was evident even in those days. In 1908, the Headmaster sought permission of the Managing Committee of the school to use the school premises, before and after school hours to teach English by Direct Method to Parsi children. On 10th October 1904, the eldest som of the Founder, Seth Khurshedji Soparivala, laid the foundation stone of the present school building on Victoria Road. This was completed on 24th March 1905 and the opening ceremony was performed by Seth Khurshedji himself. In 1909 the Cowasjee and Virbaiji Variawa family set up a trust fund to feed and cloth the poor Parsi students and to date the “Bhojan Fund” does just that. The period from 1920-1946 the second story of the building was completed. By this time numerous other donors helped build the newer section of the school. Golwalla Dining Hall (1932), the Limbuala classrooms and Drawing Hall (1935-37) and the Dadbhoy Mama Workshop Building (1946) were built. The Nullah Land was purchased in (1941) due to the efforts of M.R.K Sidhwa. Dr. H.B. Pithawala who took over from Mr. Sidhwa proved to be a dynamic Principal. Again through the generosity of the Fakirjee Cowasjee Family, in 1940 the school secured the spacious playing field on Sangster Road. In 1947 at the request of founder of the nation to the community and the Principal Mr. Behram Rustomji the school opened its doors for the very first time to nom-Parsis. For co-curricular activities the school has a cricket team, hockey team, swimming team, table tennis team, a volley ball team, basket ball and football team. The school arranges the inter-house tournaments with the students representing the four houses. Soparivala (Light Blue) Lancelot (Red) Quaid-e-Azam (Dark Blue) Rezashah (Green) The school has a very active scouts Organization. The school is proud to have the Cowasjee Variwa School Band, where besides the percussion instrument, trumpets and bugles are also taught. The BVS Parsi High School thus holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and prestigious institutions for young boys in the city of Karachi. On the eve of Completion 150 Years of Bai Virbaiji Soparivala Parsi High School, Karachi, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.5/- denomination on May 23, 2009
Founded by the late Mohammedali Habib and nurtured in the formative years with much care and commitment by his nephews, Hamid D. Habib and Rashid D. Habib and other members of the Habib family, the Habib Public School, Karachi enters the Golden Jubilee year of its founding, this year.On last count some 16250 students have entered the campus of this great institution to acquire good and meaningful education. And what a campus it is! Spread over an area of over 16 acres the School has a number of buildings, the old merging with the new in complete harmony and grace to house spacious and well-furnished class-rooms, libraries, science and computer labs, auditorium, music and art rooms, project rooms, a medical clinic with a full-time doctor on duty, staff rooms and office blocks besides other facilities for the staff and the students.The School prepares the pupils both for the Matric (AKUEB) and the O-levels of the Cambridge Syndicate examination and in most years has turned out 100 percent results with majority of the students being placed in the high A1 and A grades with some achieving positions at the Board level. In O-levels achieving 6,8,10,12 and even 14 As by the pupils is now the norm . To encourage Habibians to acquire good post-school education the Habib Education Trust has embarked on an ambitious and well-structured Financial Assistance Programme so that financially deprived meritorious students are provided grant-cum-loan to enable them enter the country\'s best institutions for higher and professional education.Indeed, financial disability has never been a constraint for any student admitted to Habib Public School. Generous fee-subsidy is offered to the students and those who have unfortunately lost the earning member of the family while still in school, are virtually \'adopted\' by the School since they are required to pay only a very nominal fees thereafter.The facilities for sports of Habib Public School are envious and the hallmark of the School\'s outstanding sports record particularly in hockey, swimming, athletics and basket-ball. Two hockey fields, one cricket ground, two swimming pools (one with underwater lighting until a bomb in the \'65 war destroyed it) with filter plant and state-of-the-art change room and viewers gallery, a cricket field and now an international size Toyota Gymnasium with facilities for basket-ball, gymnastics, volley-ball and other indoor sports and a seating capacity for almost 500 spectators. No wonder the School has turned out 8 Olympians and an equal number of Hockey internationals, two Test cricketers, one of who captained his country; several First class cricketers, a sports medicine specialist who represented Pakistan in Athletics in Olympics and an impressive number of international and national athletes. Equally impressive is the list of Habibian swimmers who won the Sindh Open Swimming Championship for 14 years on the trot. Many of them have represented Sindh and Pakistan in swimming. Fourteen full and part-time sports coaches are engaged by the School to train the boys in different disciplines.In order to provide good all-round education the School has provided, in addition to active sports facilities, arrangements for band, cadet crop, PT and drill, art, music, crafts, literary clubs of English, Urdu and Sindhi, journalism, drama and dance, Islamic society etc. On the occasion of inter-house competitions, parents\' days, all-Pakistan and overseas tours and national events the students are given the opportunity of honing their skills. The School not only arranges Inter-School competitions in the institution but also participates actively in outside competitions and wins handsomely on most occasions. Project Days, Student Days, Environment Days, the Prefectorial system, morning assembly sessions are the areas where the students acquire and sharpen their leadership qualities. Habib education has been largely responsible for the alumni to acquire great success in their given vocations, be they sports or medicine, architecture or the armed forces, fine arts or performing arts, the big screen or the small screen, music or drama, economics or physics, business or banking, security or aviation, bureaucracy or politics and many more. A prominent senator, an Ambassador to the US, the founder Chief of CPLC, former COMKAR, a retired Major General, a renowned Scientist (with Pride of Performance and winner of Nuclear-Physics) Chairman of the largest automobile company, the CEO of a prominent Private-sector Bank, world\'s highest goal scorer in hockey are some of the leading lights among the Habibians at present.The faculty of Habib Public School has always included highly qualified and committed staff that perform their given tasks with rare dedication. Of the School\'s principals three names are worthy of mention-3yed Hasan Akhtar, Bilgrami and Asghar Mahdi Naqvi. Wing Commander 3) Qazi M. Saleem is the present principal of Habib Public School. The Staff Training and development programme of Habib Public School insures that the teaching staff are always in tune with the latest techniques and systems of teaching. The management of the School is in the care of a group of highly competent professionals who, as Trustees, give much of their quality time for the running and constant improvement of the systems and the infrastructure of the School. An ambitious Master Plan set in motion 2002 s still continuing to give to the Institution the best of facilities for the benefit of the scholars and the staff.On the Occasion of Golden Jubilee of Habib Public School, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 5/-denomination on March 29, 2009.
The President and Prime Minister have declared the year 2009 as \"National Year of Environment\". The year 2009 is considered to be the right time for launching a full scale National Level Plans and Programmes in all sectors of Environment, as the National Environment Policy, National Sanitation Policy, National Energy Conservation Policy, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Strategy etc. already approved by the Cabinet are ready for implementation. The implementation of these policies would offset the huge cost if environmental degradation estimated by the World Bank to the tune of Rs. 365 billion per annum that accounts for 3% of ourGDP.2. In addition to the cost estimated by the World Bank, Pakistan is also incurring heavy economic loss due to severe climate change impacts. The impacts are visible on biological diversity, desertification, agricultural productivity, water availability, food security, human health and impacts caused due to unusual heavy rains, floods, droughts, glacial melts and glacial lake outbursts.3. Pakistan is fortunate to be one of the eight countries of the World where One UN reform process is being piloted and in the case of Pakistan, this program includes Environment as one of the core program areas. Ministry of Environment and UN Resident Coordinator Office are activelyengaged in finalizing the Environment sector program through an intensive consultation process with all stakeholders at the Federal and Provincial levels. The Ministry has also requested the Federal line agencies. Provincial and District Governments to earmark adequate budgetary allocations in their Annual Development Plans for initiating Environmental Projects and programs on cost sharing basis.4. The National Year of Environment 2009 has commenced with the Regional Conference on Climate Change, The other programs to be launched include, Pakistan Clean Air Program, Pakistan Water and Sanitation Program, Green City Program, Mass Afforestation Program, Green Industry Program, Clean River Program, School Hygiene and Sanitation Program, Village Clean up Program, launch of massive campaign for CDM projects, launching of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plans, launching of Solid, Hazardous and Hospital Waste Management Program and Coastal and Marine Pollution Control Program.5. Issuance of Commemorative postage stamps depicting Pakistan\'s biodiversity will be a major step toward public awareness on Environment. It is one also of the important activities of the National Year of Environment.To commemorate the National Year of Environment 2009, Pakistan Post is issuing four Commemorative Postage Stamps Rs, 5/- each denomination on March 23, 2009.
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is an intergovernmental regional organization established in 1935 by Iran, Pakistan and Turkey for the purpose of Promoting economic, technical and cultural cooperation among the Member States 2.ECO is the successor organization of Regional Cooperation for Development (RCQ), which remained in existence from 1964 to 1979.3.In 1992 the Organization was expanded to include seven new members, namely; Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Republic of Uzbekistan.4.The ECO region is full of bright trading prospects. Despite its young age, ECO has developed into thriving regional organization. Its international stature is growing. Nevertheless, the organization faces un-daunting challenges in realization of its objectives and goals. Most importantly, the region is lacking in appropriate infrastructure and institutions which the organization is seeking to develop on priority basis to make full use of the available resources in the region5.Over the past 14 years the member states have been collaborating to accelerate the pace of regional development through their common endeavours. Besides sharing cultural and historic affinities, they have been able to use the existing infrastructure and business links to further fortify their resolve to transfer their hopes and aspirations into a tangible reality. ECO has embarked on several projects in priority sector of its cooperation including energy, trade, transportation, agriculture, drug control & industry.6.To commemorate the 10th ECO summit being held in Tehran Iran on 11-3-2009, Pakistan Post is issuing g Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.5/ denomination on 11th March, 2009
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