Wildlife- The Blind Indus (Dolphin April 25, 1982)

During the Eocene, the desert of the lower Indus plain which now lies in the province of Sind, was covered by Tethys, a warm sea which stretched as far as Central Europe and separated Angaraland in the north from Godwanaland in the south. The Indian peninsula was flooded and even the Himalaya region lay completely under water. As the land rose, Tethys dried up. When the water withdrew, the sea-dwelling dolphins were forced to adapt themselves to the only remaining suitable habitat - the river. And it is in such a river, the Indus , that one finds that marvel of evolutionary adaptation, Platanista indi, the blind Indus Dolphin.
Cut off from the ocean by the natural catastrophe, the marine dolphins were forced to become entirely freshwater animals which now never venture as far as the tidal zone. In the process of adapting to the changed conditions some of their faculties have become atrophied and others amazingly highly developed due to the darkness of murky waters and fierce currents of the Indus. Loss of vision (Platanista is totally blind) has been compensated by an extremely efficient sonar system which enables the dolphins to locate and identify even minute objects. The flipper has evolved as an organ of touch. Safety in running water is ensured by ceaseless activity interrupted only by sleep pauses, not more than a few seconds long.
Until recently, the dolphin was considered almost extinct, the main reason for its decline being the barrages which were built across the Indus by the British to irrigate the Sind desert. This complicated system of irrigation, which made the desert bloom, also had the effect of isolating the population of the Indus Dolphin between the barrages where, with the added pressure of hunting, they slowly disappeared.
When Pilleri came to investigate reports of the existence of the dolphin in 1974, he was only able to count a total of 150 individuals. As a result of this study the Indus Dolphin was included in the IUCN Red Data Book and the Government of Sind declared the stretch of the Indus between the Sukkur and Guddu Barrages a Reserve for the dolphin. Sind Wildlife Management Board in collaboration with IUCN/WWF and the Volkart Foundation, launched a research and protection programme in 1977 to identify the conservation requirements of this unique species. Although international funding ceased in 1980, the Government of Sind continues to run a conservation programme and latest count of the dolphin reveals a figure of 367 individuals.
One of the most interesting aspects of this dolphin (which is fairly primitive by cetacean standards) is the incredibly complex sonar system which has been developed as a compensation for the lack of vision. G. Pilleri explores the biological implications of such a step in evolutionary terms in his book “The Secrets of the Blind Dolphins.”
Pakistan Post Office is issuing a set of two special postage stamps on the blind ‘Indus Dolphin’ (Platanista indi) on the 24th April, 1982, of the denomination of 40 Paisa and Rs. 1/- to focus attention on the need to preserve one of this rare and unique species of the wildlife. This is the eighth set being issued in the series of wildlife stamps. Earlier issues on wildlife included a set of two stamps each on (i) Black Partridge (30 September, 1975) (ii) Urial (31 December, 1975) (iii) Peacock (31 March, 1976) (iv) lbex (12 July, 1976) (v) four stamps on pheasants, namely Monal, White-crested Kalij, Koklas and Cheer (17 June, 1979) (vi) one stamp on Green Turtle (20 June, 1981) and (vii) two stamps on Western Tragopan (15 September, 1981).

Centenary of the Discovery of the TB Bacillus, (1982 March 24, 1982)

The year 1982 marks the centenary of the discovery of the tubercle bacillus by Robert Koch. The World Health Organization and International Union against Tuberculosis join in celebrating this important scientific and humanitarian event.
Robert Koch was born in Germany in 1843 and pursued a career in public health. He soon turned to research and perfected a number of important techniques of bacterial investigation. On the 24th of March 1982, he announced his monumental discovery of the tubercle bacillus, which causes the killing disease known as tuberculosis. His discovery marked the first step towards the conquest of the disease.
Though tuberculosis has declined rapidly in many developed countries, it still ranks among the major health problems of the world. It is estimated that each year about 3.5 million people develop tuberculosis and more than half a million die of it.
Over the years effective techniques to prevent and stop the spread of the disease have been developed which are especially applicable to the situation in developing countries. With the discovery of powerful anti-TB drugs it has been made possible for patients to be treated at home, thus ending the need for santoria. The disease, it has been proved, can be defeated irrespective of its environment. Simplified technology as part of primary health care approach can save millions of lives.
The Government of Pakistan is exploiting all its resources to eliminate tuberculosis from the country. However, active co-operation of the private sector and volunteer organizations is extremely necessary to eradicate this disease. Efforts are being made to coordinate the activities of TB Associations constituted at various levels in the country to expedite TB eradication. It is being ensured that TB patients should get proper treatment facilities and medicines. Diagnosis of tuberculosis cases by sputum tests and chest X - Rays was undertaken in all the districts of the country in the year 1980-81 during which 267,684 patients were subjected to detailed Examination.
For the prevention of the disease BCG vaccination campaign was launched as a part of Expanded Program of immunization and 33,317,824 children have been vaccinated in a year. Emphasis is also being laid on better hygienic conditions, education and persuasion of the masses to overcome this disease.
The commemoration of one hundredth anniversary of the discovery of the tubercle bacillus should serve as an inspiration to the people everywhere to intensify the fight against tuberculosis. Pakistan Post Office is issuing a postage stamp of Re. 1/- denomination to commemorate the Centenary of the Discovery of TB bacillus.

Handicrafts of Pakistan (February 20, 1982)

Pakistan with its five thousand-year-old civilisation has a rich heritage of handicrafts. The different regions with wide variety of tradition and culture, dialects, folklore, music, dresses and costumes have much to offer to any connoisseur of handicrafts. The Kashmiri Shawls, the Baluchi and Sindhi embroidery work, the Peshawari chappals and carpets, camel skin lamps of Multan, Gujrati pottery and the wood and brass work done in different parts of Pakistan have all a charm of their own.
In order to focus attention on the rich heritage of handicraft in our country, Pakistan Post Office had issued on 23rd August 1979 a special series consisting of four stamps depicting specimens of
(i) Guj embroidered shirt (Guj is a Sindhi term for woman’s wed-ding shirt),
(ii) Enamel inlaid brass plate, (iii) Baskets, and (iv) Chain-stitch embroidered rug in the denominations of 40 Paisa, Re. 1/-, Rs. 1.50 and Rs. 2/- respectively. The second set of stamps in the handicraft series consisting of two stamps each of Re. 1/-denomination depicting specimens of (i) HalIa Pottery, and (ii) Camel Skin lamp will be released on the 20th February, 1982.

World Cup Hockey Champions- 1982 (January 31, 1982)

The First World Cup Hockey Tournament was held in Barcelona in 1971 on the initiative of Pakistan Hockey Federation. Pakistan Team by virtue of their magnificent performance won the prestigious Cup.

Pakistan Hockey Team repeated their performance in the 4th World Cup Hockey Tournament held in Argentina in 1978 when they defeated Holland by 3 goals to 2 in the Final.

Again in 1981 Pakistan Hockey team participated in the 5th World Cup Hockey Tournament held in Bombay from 29th December, 1981 to 12th January, 1982. Pakistan, West Germany, New Zealand, Spain, Poland, Argentina, Holland, India, Russia, Australia, England and Malaysia took part in this tournament.

In the opening match against Spain Pakistan won comfortably by 4—1. In their second pool match against New Zealand Pakistan team set a new record for the highest number of goals scored by a team in the World Cup. improving their own record of nine goals against Argentina at Buenos Aires in 1978. Pakistan team won all their pool matches and secured maximum points. The results of the pool matches are as under

	Pakistan	W. Germany	New Zealand	Spain	Poland	Argentina
Pakistan	-	5-3	12-3	4-1	4-1	6-1
W. Germany	3-5	-	2-1	1-1	5-3	2-0
New Zealand	3-12	1-2	-	2-0	1-0	3-5
Spain	1-4	1-1	0-2	-	0-1	4-2
Poland	1-4	3-5	0-1	1-0	-	2-1
Argentina	1-6	0-2	5-3	2-4	1-2	-

In the Finals against West Germany Pakistan won convincingly by 3—1 thus extending their uninterrupted reign to eight years. The margin does not reflect the true character of the victory. Pakistan’s domination was total and complete barring the first five minutes when the Germans scored the only goal of the match against Pakistan.

Pakistan Post Office is issuing two commemorative postage stamps of the denomination of Re.1/- each to commemorate the victory of Pakistan in the 5th World Cup Hockey Tournament.

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

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

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

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

National Fertilizer Corporation (October 24, 1983)

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

World Food Day (October 24, 1983)

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

World Communication Year- 1983 (October 9, 1983)

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

Wildlife- Siberian Crane (September 20, 1983)

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

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

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

36th Anniversary of Independence (August 14, 1983)

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