NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS READERSHIP DAY, September 25, 2021(2021-7)

The All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) in 2019, declared 25th September as National Newspaper Readership Day to promote newspaper reading habit in Pakistan. The selection of 25th September is related to the publication of the first multi-page newspaper "Public Occurrences" from America in 1690. The day is being celebrated every year to encourage and inculcate awareness among the youth of the country. Different activities and competitions are arranged in universities and educational institutions to promote reading habits. The newspaper across the country, publish special issues on this day to educate the masses on the benefits of newspaper reading.

The President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi in his message last year, stated, "I really appreciate the initiative of APNS in promoting the habit of reading among the people which would significantly help in educating them about modern day's problems and issues. I would also like to extend my heartfelt felicitations to the entire nation, APNS and newspapers on National Newspaper Reading Day." The President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, in his message for National Newspaper Readership Day highlighted it's importance by saying, "Despite the growth of electronic and digital media, newspapers still play a significant role in creating awareness and educating the people about various economic and social issues. Currently, the world is facing the challenge of fake news and newspapers need to discourage this trend by promoting responsible, impartial, truthful and authentic journalism. Furthermore, newspapers are required to play its role in countering fake news and inculcating moral values in society."

The President also urged all citizens of the country, particularly the youth, to develop the habit of reading to keep themselves abreast of the latest developments in the arena of international politics, economy, science and technology, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and big data.

Similarly, the Prime Minister of Pakistan also expressed his support towards the day and congratulated APNS for such a step. "Newspaper is an important source of information for all. Despite variety of challenges faced by newspaper industry in the present age of modern media, importance of print media remains intact especially in combating the challenge of fake news and false information," said Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Imran Khan on National Newspaper Readership Day.

Furthering to the cause associated with the day, the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Chief Minister Punjab and Chief Minister Sindh also shared their messages highlighting the importance of National Newspaper Readership Day and congratulating APNS for their efforts.

The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, aptly said, "Despite aggressive inroads of digital broadcast, online and social media, relevance of print media, newspapers, can hardly be underestimated. It becomes even more credible because the menace of fake news has wracked havoc on the authenticity of information available for the public consumption; especially after the sensationalism of photo shopped videos and infographics in the social media." "Reliance on well-researched facts for filing a news story so that it could pass the rigorous editorial check, before finding a place in print edition of a newspaper lends credibility to a print media story vis-à-vis hastily drafted and sometimes unscrupulous content of readily available means of dissemination of information". Newspapers have always been the source of authentic information with sources.

Nothing goes into print without verification and absolute check and balance of truthfulness in content. This makes our traditional media first choice for accurate information. To promote newspaper reading habit for a balanced and well aware society, APNS introduced National Newspaper Readership Day with a message to fight fake news, adopt newspaper reading habit and also teach children to read newspapers for balanced news and happenings.

The Chief Minister of Punjab, Sardar Usman Buzdar also highlighted the importance of print media by sharing. "Newspaper reading is the need of the hour. The electronic media, in their fight for breaking the news, is damaging its own roots while social media, without any check and balance, is out of control and often false. Hence, in this time and age, newspaper reading becomes all the more important. I believe the habit of newspaper reading should be instilled in our people once again. Regular newspaper reading provides information and news to people as per their needs, interests and requirements, and keeps them updated." The Chief Minister Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, appreciated the APNS and urged all citizens to stand together with the cause. "Let's all join hands and vow to develop a habit of reading newspapers and checking facts before falling prey to fake news and rumours. We should also instill the habit of reading newspaper in our children as well so that they grow up to become responsible and socially aware citizens of Pakistan," shared Murad Ali Shah, CM Sindh.

Last year, APNS launched the National Newspaper Readership Day with a number of messages from "Don't spread rumours. spread verifiable news" to "We don't cover up the fact. We uncover them" and from "Fight fake news, Pick a copy of a newspaper today and every day" to "Encourage your child to read. Start with a newspaper." All these messages hold immense importance keeping in mind the time we live in and our social structure. With the advent of social media, it was considered that newspapers will be dead in no time. However, with the influx of fake news and incorrect information, it made the existence of newspaper more important and relevant than ever. Print is completely based on facts and information with sources, which other media may not pay much importance to. Also, the stories in print are investigative and detailed, which the limited word count stories cannot compete with.

On National Newspapers Readership Day, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination each on September 25, 2021.

NED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, KARACHI (1921-2021) 100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE. August 1, 2021(2021-6)

NED University of Engineering and Technology is one of the oldest institutions for teaching and producing engineering graduates in this country. It was founded as Prince of Wales Engineering College in 1921. The present name was given to it a few years later in recognition of generous donation by the family members of the well-known philanthropist, Mr. Nadirshaw Edulji Dinshaw. Historical records indicate that the need for qualified civil engineers for mega projects such as Sukkur Barrage led to development of this institution. After Pakistan came into being in 1947. NED continued to serve the nation. In 1977, it was upgraded as NED University of Engineering and Technology and relocated to its present main campus at University Road. More laurels were earned by the institution thereon. The prime pride of NED has been its graduates most of whom have done very well in their respective professional careers. NED alumnui have also played a pioneering role in various fields of engineering works after Pakistan came into being. Some domains of professional contribution include consultancy, professional advice, setting up laboratories, research, industrial development, technical training and education, collaborative assignments, entrepreneurship and expansion, quality assurance mechanisms, management of units, design innovations and several others. The work of this invaluable human resource has had far reaching impact over the period of time. Development of indigenous capabilities in design, management and operation of vital industries and enterprises, evolution and expansion of new forms of industrial arrangements in production and support for state policies of industrialization during various regimes are some salient mentions that have been vital for the progress and prosperity of the nation. In other words, this university has played a pivotal role in augmenting technological and industrial development by providing dependable cadres of engineering graduates. A sizable number of these graduates constitute the invaluable human capital in the form of overseas Pakistanis. They are gainfully employed or running their own enterprises in the Middle East, United Kingdom. United States, Malaysia, China, Europe and many other parts of the globe.

Many years ago, the university took the revolutionary step of obtaining ISO 9000 certification to structure a quality management system whichcould transparently ensure prescription and practice of quality oriented approaches throughout the campus. All attempts that tend to threaten academic discipline are nipped in the bud in the larger interest of students and their future. It may also be noted that about 40 percent students are girls. The numbers of the fairer sex is also increasing in ranks of the faculty. Gender sensitivity in terms of safety, security and facilities is a foremost objective the university administration. Providing a wholesome atmosphere to students, a large number of co- curricular and sports activities are regularly perfomed. Debates, exhibitions, seminars, conferences and other such events are a regular feature of the academic calendar. In addition, the students are also exposed to the needs of actual working environment through internships in the various industries. Industrial liaison directorate keeps close coordination and follow-up with industrial and public sector concerns of various ranks and profiles. The students in third year and other classes benefit from this vital exposure. In many cases, the employment of interns after graduation becomes guaranteed when the prospective employers view the potential and capacities of the students. As the country has launched China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, Chinese language (Level 1 & 2) is taught to all undergraduate students since the past two years. Besides, a community service programme for all the undergraduate students is a compulsory course where the students receive theoretical and practical association with a worthwhile community initiative in various sectors.

Institutions take ages to evolve. They take even greater time spans to depict their outputs and potential. But it is an even uphill task to maintain the high standards set during the process of evolution. The NED University has experienced a phase of rapid growth, expansion and development in its recent past. It now comprises three campuses via main campus on University Road, Latif Ebrahim Jamal Campus on Stadium Road and the City Campus on Maulana Din Mohammad Wafai Road. In 2019, the university also opened Thar Institute of Engineering, Sciences and Technology (TIEST) at Islamkot (Thar) to enable the bright young people of Sindh to benefit from quality higher education at their door steps. The classes already began in 2019.

For the future, the university is focusing on developing a broad based research culture amongst its faculty and scholars for accelerating generation of worthwhile contributions to knowledge in all the concerned domains. Here are some of the notable glittering stars of NED, Our Alumnui's, our pride:

Mr. Elahi Bux Soomro

Mr. Justice Zulfiqar Ahmed Khan

Syed Murad Ali Shah Syed Asaad Ayub Ahmad

Engineer Asfia Aleem

Mr. Sohail P. Ahmed

Senator Rukhsana Zubairi

Mr Najeeb Haroon.

Mr. Aftab Hussain Siddiqui

Mr. Firdous Shamim Naqvi

Mr Ashraf Habibullah

Mr. Naveed Sherwani Mr. Raghib Hussain

Mr. Asim Murtaza Khan

Mr. Saeed Anwar

Major General Khurram Anwar Qadri

Retd. Maj. General Raza Hussain (SUPARCO)

Ms. Farhat Ishtiaq

Mr. Mohammed Ali Shehki

Mr Ali Haider

On 100 Years of Excellence NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi (1921-2021), Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on August 1, 2021.

State Bank of Pakistan Museum A Decade of Serving Heritage (2011-2021) (2021-5)

Mission Statement:- To create standards of service for society for educating youth, and increase awareness of the common man through regular displays and special exhibitions/events

Vision Statement:- To make the SBP Museum a Living, Interactive State of Art and Knowledge Institution for the benefit of the public and to preserve the History of Coinage and State Bank of Pakistan

Background:- Pakistan is one of the very few places in the world where the currency developed from its very rudimentary from to the advanced level of coinage. Panini, Sanskrit grammarian, mentions that the concept of coinage in this area existed even much earlier than 500 BC. The first coins of this region were minted before the 5th century BC in ancient Gandhara, present day area of Taxila, Pakistan. These are known as Punch Marked Coins.

Monetary and Archives Museums are necessary adjuncts of Central Banks. The idea of Central Bank Museums was not new, and the most of the Central Banks around the globe have their own Museums. To document this interesting history, the idea of establishment of Money Museum developed, where educational activities and outreach program for the public especially for the students and children may be executed..

Knowing the importance and for materialization of this plan the former Governor of State Bank of Pakistan,Shujat Ali Hasnie (July 20, 1960 to July 19. 1967) in early 1960 assigned this task to the Director, Public Relations to visit to Bank of England to learn as well as to study about the Museum of Bank of England. Resultantly, a small scale Museum was established with exhibits of archival documents and coins; at 5th floor of the main building of SBP. This museum was working under the Public Relation Department (PRD), headed by Ms. Sabiha Hasan the then Director. On account of renovation and reconstruction of the Building this Museum was dismantled in September 2002.Ms. Hasan, former Director, External Relation Department, brought this to Dr. Ishrat Husain's notice the then Governor of State Bank of Pakistan, who was an Art Lover and an enthusiast of culture.

Later on it was decided by SBP in 2004 to establish a new and large scale Museum with extensive displays of History of State Bank, coins, stamps, currency, artwork and other objects of public and Bank interest. Hence, an expanded and large Museum was proposed in the old heritage building, adjacent to SBP Main Building, the Imperial Bank of India. Later, it housed the State Bank's Library before its conversion into Present State Bank Museum.

Establishment of SBP Museum and its Inauguration:- The actual practical work started when SBP hired the subject specialist, famous archaeologist and museologist of Pakistan Dr. Asma Ibrahim as founding Director of the Museum, an energetic and talented lady, having a great experience and knowledge of Museums. She jointed in the second half of the September 2006. She did the conservation of the Building, acquired the collection, trained manpower etc. It took five years to bring this dream into a reality. This was indeed a hectic and pains taking work, performing and supervising dozen of tasks simultaneously. The Museum was inaugurated on 1st July 2011, the date was selected because of the relevance of the date of inauguration of State Bank of Pakistan by Quaid-i-Azam on 1st July 1948.During the tenure of Mr.Shahid Kardar, Governor of State Bank at the time, keeping in view that the project was envisaged during his time. The establishment of Money Museum is not only appreciated at national level, but also got high remarks from international scholars and visitors.

Museum Aims, Objectives and Activities:- 1. Preserve the cultural heritage that exists in the form of the old SBP building and the acquisitions SBP had made overtime.

2. To provide an opportunity to general public, especially the younger generation, to learn about SBP's history, money and coins, monetary policy and its evolving role over time.

3. To display therein material drawn from SBP's own collection of artefacts, historic documents, prints, banknotes, coins and photographs. The material is used to illustrate the history of the institution (SBP) and its role in Pakistan's economy. Technological audio visual displays are used to illustrate the institution's past and present day responsibilities and how it fulfils them for the interest of public and students.

4. The Murals and collages of Sadequain displayed in the Sadequain Art Gallery.

5. To regularly exhibit, contemporary paintings and objects of arts in the Contemporary art Gallery.

6. Special exhibitions and events, student competitions are arranged in the Museum throughout the year as well as guided tours for the students from all over Pakistan.

7. A variety of talks and presentations are arranged, in the Museum for groups of visitors of all ages, interests.

8. Museum also acquire or purchase any works of art and artefacts, necessary for the educational interests of students and general public or ancillary and incidental to the main objectives of the Museum as given above.

9. For the first time in Pakistan Artist in Residence program is initiated for young and upcoming artists.

10. The Museum is the only Museum of Pakistan which is fully accessible for any kind of special need.

Overview of Museum

The SBP Money Museum is the only specialist Economic & Central Banking Museum in Pakistan designed to educate & inform, highlighting & celebrating Pakistan's wider economic & banking history, as well as the origin and roles of the State Bank of Pakistan. This building was constructed for Imperial Bank of India in 1920s. It is a Greeco-Roman style building in Jodhpuri Red Sandstone. The unique feature of the building is the glass ceiling made in brass, fish scale pattern, joined by screws instead of welding. Original Burma teak doors & wall skirting was also treated, and preserved from deterioration.

Museum is Comprised of Pre Islamic & Islamic Coin Galleries, Stamp Gallery, Currency Gallery, History of State Bank, Governors' Gallery, and Art Gallery. The coin galleries depicting coinage from its evolution till contemporary period, Stamps which were used as Currency in the interim period between Coinage to Currency, and the Currency Gallery from very early time period to present Polymer Notes.

Museum also holds Exhibition on the occasions of 14th August, 25thDecember, and 23rd March and on the other important days. So far, museum has held dozens of Exhibitions in the Museum.

History of SBP and Governors' Gallery are depicting the History of SBP from its establishment since 1948, and the Governors' Gallery is comprised of brief profiles of the Ex-Governors with their photographs.

The Art Gallery is one of the most attractive part of the Museum, displaying Sadequain's four huge murals and collages of metal and wood. One mural of Zahoor-ul-Akhlaq, displayed in Contemporary Art Gallery, where temporary exhibitions of young artists held on quarterly basis.

Newly established Division of Archives & Record Management is dealing with the management of records of State Bank & State Bank BSC. The Division also have an advanced paper conservation lab and record room with preservation of records digitally as well as physically.

Technical Section consists of Metal Conservation Lab, Modeling (Replica) Section, which is responsible for conservation of coins for their preservation and consolidation.

Replica Section is unique and one of its own kind, it is responsible for preparing replicas/models as souvenirs for the visitors. The Souvenir shop is the main attraction of the Museums and is a reason to revisit. The Souvenir Shop has been established in the SBP Museum to promote cultural heritage, historical educational material, chronological sequences of artwork and coins etc. The Shop includes replicas of the materials and some size specific products, publications and interactive videos and demos. The literature available also serves its educational purpose.

Research Section is dealing with publications and souvenirs research. The Publication Section is publishing the catalogues comprised of collections documentation digitally & physically, monographs, brochures, captions and labels prepared from the research work carried out by the officers of SBP Museum. The main objective of this section is to digitize the collection, preserve it, and make it available for publication. The souvenirs for souvenir shop are selected for preparation purpose after a thorough research with a brief description of the object tagged with the souvenir for creating awareness about our history and culture.

Donations

A unique collection of World Stamps placed, and preserved immaculately in 210 albums, from 106 countries, Handmade Bank Note designs and proofs of his own 25 sheets, and Bank note proposed designs40 sheets, stamp designing process 35 sheets, collected over the time of 50 years. Mr. Adil Salahuddin former General Manager, Chief Designer and Chief Archivist, Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC) donated his life time collection to SBP Museum in 2015.

The other donations include sculpture by Amin Gulgee, son of world famous Ismail Gulgee. Amin Gulgee is also a famous artist like his father. He donated a 3D calligraphy art piece to SBP Museum and Art Gallery, in loving memory of his beloved mother. The other donations include paintings and documents related to history of Pakistan.

On State Bank of Pakistan Museum "A Decade o Serving Heritage" (2011-2021), Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination each on July 01, 2021.

100th Anniversary of Insulin Discovery (1921-2021) (2021-4)

Insulin 100-A life-saving discovery turns 100 years but more remains to be done

Diabetes a chronic condition requiring constant management:- Diabetes is a serious, potentially debilitating and life-threatening non- communicable disease that can impose a heavy impact on individuals and their families, as well as on healthcare systems and national economies. This is particularly the case in low and middle-income countries, home to almost four in five (79%) of all people currently living with diabetes. Pakistan is the 4th largest country in the world in terms of people living with Diabetes. The 2nd National Diabetes Survey of Pakistan (2016-17) was a population based survey of adults aged 20 years, and above which defines that 27.4 million people aged 20 and above are living with diabetes in Pakistan which means 1 in 4 people have diabetes in Pakistan. Many of whom already have complications at the time of diagnosis. These and many underlying societal and individual challenges necessitate more focus on diabetes.

The past 100 years have been marked by significant innovations and achievements in diabetes care. However, people with diabetes continue to face significant challenges every day in managing their condition. When people with type 2 diabetes go untreated or are not sufficiently supported, they are at risk of serious and life-threatening complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and lower-limb amputation. Many will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes because they enter a clinical environment with a significant pre-existing problem, unaware that the problem will have been caused by diabetes. Tragically and avoidably, some will be diagnosed post-mortem.

More must be done to prevent type 2 diabetes in people at high risk of developing the condition and greater effort must be made to diagnose all forms of diabetes early and prevent its complications. Action to address the diabetes pandemic should include access to affordable and uninterrupted care for every person living with diabetes, regardless of where they live or their economic circumstances.

Insulin: the start of a journey towards saving and improving lives One hundred years ago, in 1921 a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes meant certain death for children. The discovery of insulin marks a medical breakthrough for people with diabetes and lays the foundation for a century of innovation across several areas.

Following the discovery of insulin, the average life expectancy of a person diagnosed with diabetes improved dramatically. Although people with type 1 diabetes must still take insulin every day, the management of type 2 diabetes has changed significantly since the late 1950s.Reducing complications is possible and necessary to improve lives and reduce costs. This is because all the complications of diabetes, both acute and long term, contribute significantly to the overall economic impact of the condition.

It is important to remind ourselves that insulin still remains beyond the reach of many who need it We are living extraordinarily difficult times in which people with diabetes are facing an additional major health threat. Regretfully, we have seen that people living with diabetes can be more susceptible to the worst complications of Covid-19. The evidence suggests fatalities are markedly higher among people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes.

The current situation may lead to an increase in diabetes complications over the coming years. Moreover, we should worry that the legacy of the pandemic will see resources and attention focused on infectious diseases to the detriment of all non-communicable diseases, including diabetes.

In the current climate, the global diabetes community needs to come together and raise its voice to make sure diabetes, a leading cause of global disability and mortality, receives the attention required.

If ever there were a time to focus attention on diabetes that time is now. A century of innovation in diabetes care Year 2021 marks 100 years since the discovery of insulin, which is also linked with 100-year journey of research and clinical achievement in diabetes. The innovations in insulin over the past century have saved and improved the lives of millions of people around the world. In line with this life saving discovery and to commemorate this occasion nationwide, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and Ministry of Communication is issuing a commemorative postage stamp marking the 100 year of anniversary of insulin - A life-

saving discovery.

In 1921, a team of Canadian researchers discovered the molecule insulin and ignited a century of ground-breaking innovations in diabetes care that have since saved countless lives. The researchers namely Frederick Grant Banting and Charles F. Best, who are featured on the stamp design. The design further features an older version of an insulin injection along with a vial, both of which have been seen further innovation over the past 100 years in order to make the best treatment options possible for people living with diabetes and to meet their unmet needs. Today, we are fortunate to have better medicines than ever, yet the number of people living with diabetes continues to grow at an alarming rate, placing a substantial burden on individuals, families and societies.

What's next? Vision towards a better future Building on the discovery of insulin 100 years ago, all aspects of diabetes care with and without insulin - have advanced significantly, leading to substantial improvements in outcomes and quality of life for people with diabetes. But the journey is not over. People with diabetes continue to have significant unmet needs. Despite being the 4th largest country in the world in terms of people of diabetes, Pakistan has a low level of awareness about diabetes and this commemorative stamp can play a pivotal role in increasing awareness amongst the public about this disease and the treatment options available for the people living with diabetes, who can contribute their role in the economy by maintaining a quality and healthy life.

To Mark 100th Anniversary of Insulin Discovery (1921-2021), Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on June 24, 2021.

World Environment Day Pakistan (2021-3)

Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan is hosting the World Environment Day (WED) in partnership with the United Nations Environment: Programme (UNEP). World Environment Day is observed each year on 5th June.

The event being held annually since 1974 is the United Nations' principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Major corporations, non-governmental organizations, communities, governments and celebrities from across the world adopt the WED brand to champion environmental causes.

2. This year's observance of WED will be on the theme of 'Ecosystem Restoration' and focuses on resetting our relation with nature. It will also mark the formal launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030. The UN Decade is intended to massively scale up the restoration of degraded and destroyed ecosystems to fight the climate crisis, prevent the loss of a million species and enhance food security water supply and livelihoods.

3. The event requires a high level coverage and commemoration nationally as well as globally. The role of Pakistan Post in this regard is essential as postage stamps are circulated both nationally and at the international level and will have far reaching impact regarding Pakistan's efforts towards nature conservation and restoration. The Ministry therefore plans to issue a series commemorative stamps on the occasion to reaffirm its commitment aiming at clean, green and environmentally responsible Pakistan.

4. Pakistan has responded a well articulated climate change agenda which consists of following flagship initiatives:-

1. 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Project:- 10BTT Project is built on highly successful initiative of KPK's Billion Trees Afforestation Project (BTAP). The outcomes of BTAP have been duly acknowledged by World Economic Forum, United Nations Environment Programme, Bonn Challenge and other international bodies and fora. Following the success and confirmation by the independent monitors, Government of Pakistan decided to set a goal of 10 Billion Tree Plantation across the country. This wider project is expected to deliver dividend in preserving atmospheric health, reducing greenhouse gas effects, lowering cases of random floods, lowering rains, droughts and enhancing other biodiversity supportive actions.

2. Eco-system Restoration Initiative:- Government of Pakistan has launched the Eco-system Restoration Initiative (ESRI) for (1) facilitating transition towards environmentally resilient Pakistan by main streaming adaptation and mitigation through ecologically targeted initiatives covering afforestation, biodiversity conservation, enabling and enhancing policy environment consistent with the objectives outlined in Pakistan's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC); and (ii) attaining Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by restoring at least 30% of degraded forest, 5% of degraded cropland, 6% of degraded grassland (rangeland) and 10% of degraded wetlands in Pakistan by 2030 to generate eco-system services and provide additional support to mitigation of GHG in Pakistan. The initiative also seeks to establish an independent, transparent and comprehensive financial mechanism in Pakistan called "Eco- system Restoration Fund (ESRF)" to finance the projects and programmes under the initiative.

3. Recharge Pakistan:- Pakistan is a country without a choice on climate adaptation as it is facing up to the impacts at ground "zero". Our climate adaptation needs are between $7 to $14 billion per annum and this is all forced adaptation. This, subsequently, makes climate compatible development an inevitable direction to take and building resilience of our vulnerable communities as well as our infrastructure, an undeniable option.Pakistan is launching this new initiative titled; "Recharge Pakistan through Integrated Flood Risk Management and Building Resilience to Climate Change through Ecosystem-based Adaptation". The components of the project are;

a) Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Integrated Flood Risk and Water Resources Management, b) Enhancing Resilience of Vulnerable Communities to Climate Change, c) Enabling a Paradigm Shift towards Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Pakistan. The project would impact around 10 million vulnerable people at reduced risk from floods and benefit from climate-adapted livelihoods by year 2030.

4. National Electric Vehicle Policy:- In order to mitigate the negative impacts of automobile sector on environment and giving a boost to the economy, Government of Pakistan has approved its National Electric Vehicle Policy targeting a 30% shift to electric by 2030. In addition, world's first "zero emissions" metro line project has been launched in the city of Karachi. Most recently, Government of Pakistan has announced shifting to Euro-V petrol from 1st September 2020.

5. Clean Green Pakistan Movement:- "Clean Green Pakistan Movement" has been launched with a vision to drive at nationwide movement by the people of Pakistan for the clean and green environment for all citizens of the country. A "Clean-Green Cities Index" has been initiated in 20 cities to trigger a shift towards improved waste management and sanitation. Concurrently, Pakistan has decided to get out of its plastic addiction by banning the single use plastic bags which is now being enforced across the country.

6. Protected Area Initiative:- The Protected Areas Initiative, has been launched during the COVID-19 era aims to enhance the national coverage of protected areas from 12% to 15% of land area while preserving Pakistan's unique and valuable biodiversity and has already increased the number of National Parks from 30 to 45 in just one year. All of these are also creating nature based jobs while creating opportunities for eco- tourism and climate change adaptation at the same time.

7. Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF-II):- Ministry of Climate Change to reduce the impacts to Climate Change implemented Glacial Lake Outburst Flood GLOF risk reduction in Northern Pakistan. The objective of the project is to strengthen resilience of communities that are likely to be effected by GLOF. MOCC has initiated US$ 37 million project funded by GCF for GLOF II for 12 valleys in 15 districts of KPK and GB from 2018 to 2023. Initial assessment for 15 small scale infrastructure projects (Flood Protection Walls, Check dams, others) in KPK has been done. Initial assessment for 15 water efficient irrigation systems in GB and KP has also been completed and activities under work plan for 2020-21 are underway.

8. Climate Resilient Agriculture:- US$ 35 million GCF grant was signed with FAO for 8 districts in Punjab and Sindh for transforming the indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and water management targeted to provide nature solutions to small and subsistence farmers.

9. Green Economic Stimulus (Green Jobs):- Based on the priorities of the Government of Pakistan for creating greater job opportunities during and post COVID 19; Green Economic Stimulus initiative is being implemented. For 2019-20; the 10BTTP has generated a minimum of 65,000 jobs which were planned to be scaled- up to 200,000 by December 2020. Green Stimulus is helping Pakistan to build back green while creating value chains and providing many jobs for spurring economy in post pandemic down turn.

On World Environment Day Pakistan 2021, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination each on June 5, 2021.