100th Birthday of Shaheed Hakim Muhammad Said (1920-2020) January 10, 2020 (2020-1)

Born in 1920, orphaned at 2, brought up by a remarkable young widowed mother who kept her late husband's business running, mentored by his older brother (Abdul Hameed), young Mohammed Said, after his initial schooling, studied and trained in Unani (Graeco-Arab) Eastern Medicine, as did his brother. They both had before them the shining example of their father, Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed, who, though he died at only 30, had made a name for himself and the establishment he had set up in 1906-Hamdard. It has continued to live up to its name, which means 'sharer of pain' or 'sympathizer'.

Hamdard Pakistan, 1948:- Hakim Mohammed Said migrated to Pakistan in 1948, and established Hamdard in Pakistan the same year. His father's Hamdard had been a 1-room shop in Old Delhi, divided in two by a curtain. Hakim Mohammed Said too started Hamdard in Karachi in 2 rooms, rented in Aram Bagh. That matab is still operational- and, ironically, it was outside its doorstep that he was assassinated in 1998-ending his career in Pakistan where he had begun it. But 70 years after its birth, that clinic has been joined by scores more, till there is a nationwide network of free Hamdard matabs, where patients are examined and diagnosed without cost, and only the" very economically priced medicines need to be bought.

Waqf and then Foundation established:- A mere 5 years later, in 1953, Hamdard had already established a reputation for quality herbal medicaments and health-care. But instead of reaping the benefits for himself, Hakim Mohammed Said converted it into a Waqf, the profits of which were - and are used for Allah's work: charity, nation - building, and culture-promoting activities. Some years later in 1964, the Hamdard Foundation Pakistan was formed to take considered decisions about the disbursement of the Laboratory funds and lay down guidelines for Hamdard's activities, which continued to widen.

Hamdard Free Mobile Dispensaries:- In 1953, one vehicle was provided with free health-care facilities for the needy at their doorsteps, in remote areas of Karachi. Today, there is a fleet of 22 of these - each carrying a trained hakim and herbal medicines. They serve eleven cities of the country, and reach and treat over 450.000 people every year.

Hamdard Naunehal:- Also in 1953, Hakim Mohammed Said started publication of an Urdu monthly magazine for children. Its aim was 'infotainment' as well as character development - and unconsciously the young readers learn! good language skills. Over 65 years later it is still going strong! A provincial governor once side he had almost been brought up on Naunehall

Hamdard Tibbia College:- 1958 saw Hakim Mohammed Said's first venture into education. Today, it is known as the Hamdard Al-Majeed College of Eastern Medicine and forms a Faculty of the Hamdard University, offering a 5-year HEC recognised degree course in Unani medicine.

Shaam-e-Hamdard (1961) and Shura Hamdard (1995):- The former became one of the best-known and popular forums in the country, hosting seminars and lectures in major cities, every month. This was converted into Shura Hamdard Pakistan and continues as a platform for thinkers, writers, poets, and historians, discussing national issues, making recommendations for concrete steps, which are sent to concerned government departments.

Bazm-e-Hamdard Naunehal (1985) & Hamdard Naunehal Assembly (1995):- The former was converted to the latter. Children between 8 and 15 are given a forum to voice their thoughts on important issues. Not only doss this increase awareness, it is excellent training for confident self-expression. Well-known media and political personalities have emerged from these sessions. They are held monthly in major Pakistan cities.

Hamdard Public School (1987) & Hamdard Village School (1997):- One of Hakim Mohammed Said's most cherished ideals was to help in spreading education and not just subjects in the curriculum, but also a grounding in moral values and those cultural norms which were worth preserving. Focus on high standards of such an education was the purpose of establishing Hamdard Public School, with no more than 30 pupils per class, so as to ensure adequate teacher's attention. Excellent results in examinations bear witness to the success of achieving this goal. Pleasant environment and sports facilities add to the good experience. Not content with only catering to the educational needs of middle and upper classes. Hakim Mohammed Said started the unique Hamdard Village School for the children of villages surrounding Madinat al-Hikmah. Not only was the tuition completely free, but books, stationery, schoolbags, uniforms, and shoes were (and are) provided gratis. Vocational training is also provided. Starting from a suspicious and reluctant handful in 1997 the student numbers have swelled to over 700. Not just that, they have competed in inter-school events and won prizes!

Hamdard University (1992) & Bait al-Hikmah Library (1989):- Situated in Madinat al-Hikmah (City of Education, Science, and Culture), on the outskirts of Karachi, is the ever-expanding Hamdard University - the largest private. one in Pakistan. It has 7 faculties, also city campuses, and one in Islamabad. It is unique in offering degree courses in both eastern and allopathic medicine, and the first to recognize and give faculty importance to Information Technology (IT).

Hamdard University Hospital (1997) and other Hamdard ones:- Hamdard University Hospital (aka Taj Medical Complex) is not only a teaching hospital for its undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate medical students, it is a fully functional 300-bed hospital, providing the best possible treatment to patients at subsidized rates.

Hamdard also runs an eastern medicine hospital (ShifaulMulk Memorial Hospital) and Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital. In addition, it also contributes to other welfare organizations.

Other Hamdard philanthropic work:- Just a few examples of miscellaneous other charitable works engaged in by Hamdard and launched by Hakim Mohammed Said, are stipends for poor windows and needy people, different scholarships for meritorious and needy students, Blankets distribution among the poor families in winter, free ration in the holy month of Ramzan for needy families, and free patients scheme in Taj Medical Complex (total free treatment).

On 100th Birthday of Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said (1920-2020), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on January 10, 2020.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations of OIC (1969-2019) December 30, 2019 (2019-8)

1. OIC is a 57-member body (along with five observer states). As an intergovernmental Organization, it is second only to UN in size. Its combined population is over 1.7 billion with GDP of US$19.4 trillion (8.2% of world GDP). Founded in 1969, this is the 50th year of OIC's establishment. The Organization is the collective voice of the Muslim world. It endeavors to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.

2. The Organization was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on 12th Rajab 1389 Hijra (25 September 1969) following the criminal arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem. In 1970 the first ever meeting of Islamic Conference of Foreign Minister (ICFM) was held in Jeddah which decided to establish a permanent Secretariat in Jeddah headed by the Organization's Secretary General. Dr. Yousef Ahmed Al-Othaimeen is the 11th Secretary General who assumed the office in November 2016.

3. The first OIC Charter was adopted by the 3rd ICFM Session held in 1972. The Charter laid down the objectives and principles of the Organization and fundamental purposes to strengthen the solidarity and cooperation among the Member States. Over the last 40 years, the membership has grown from its founding members of 30 to 57 states. The Charter was amended to keep pace with the developments that have unraveled across the world. The present Charter or the OIC was adopted by the Eleventh Islamic Summit held in Dakar on 13-14 March 2008 to become the pillar of the OIC future Islamic action in line with the requirements of the 21st century.

4. The Organization has the singular honor to galvanize the Ummah into a unified body and have actively represented the Muslims by espousing all causes close to the hearts of over 1.7 billion Muslims of the world. The Organization has consultative and cooperative relations with the UN and other inter-governmental Organizations to protect the vital interests of the Muslims and to work for the settlement of conflicts and disputes involving Member States. In safeguarding the true values of Islam and the Muslims, the Organization has taken various steps to remove misperceptions and has strongly advocated elimination of discrimination against Muslims in all forms and manifestations.

5. OIC has a dedicated contact group on Jammu and Kashmir. Turkey, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Niger and OIC Secretary General are its members. Its meetings are held from time to time on our request.

6. Pakistan hosts two important OIC outfits. OIC's Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) is based in Islamabad while the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture(ICCIA) is located in Karachi, Pakistan is also member of governing boards of: (1) Islamic Centre for Development and Trade (ICDT) (Casablanca); (ii) Islamic University of Technology (IUT) (Dhaka); (iii) Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture (IRCICA) (Istanbul); and (iv) Islamic Solidarity Fund and its Waqf (Jeddah).

7. In the 14th Islamic Summit, Pakistan was elected as Vice Chair of the bureau on behalf of the Asian Group.

Major OIC Events hosted by Pakistan

8. Over the past 50 years, Pakistan has hosted a number of key OIC meetings/Summits. These include:

a. 2nd Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, Lahore (22-24 February 1974)

b. 1st Extraordinary Islamic Summit, Islamabad (23-24 March 1997)

c. Four Council of Foreign Ministers Sessions (1970, 1980, 1993 & 2007)

d. Two extraordinary Council of Foreign Ministers Sessions (1980, 1994)

9. We are part of nine OIC contact groups (on Jammu & Kashmir, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yemen, Palestine, Muslims in Europe, Armenian aggression against the Republic of Azerbaijan, Somalia, Friends of Mediation and Peace and Dialogue).

On the eve of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of OIC (1969-2019), the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 50/-denomination and Sovunier Sheet of Rs. 250/- denomination are being issued by Pakistan Post on December 30, 2019.

550th Birthday Celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-2019) November 12, 2019 (2019-7)

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His birthday is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Kartik Pooranmashi, the full-moon day in the month of Katak, October-November.Birth place of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is considered holy place by Followers of Sikhism, Punjabi Hindus and Sahajdhari Sindhis across the Indian subcontinent. Because of his close connection with Hazrat Sheikh Farid-ud-din Ganj Shakar, the Punjabi Sufi saint, Nanak Dev Ji is also considered by many Muslims to be a Sufi, or adherent of Sufic tenets. His main teaching to the world was written down to be "devotion of thought and having good actions as the first of our jobs".

The day prior to the birthday, a procession, referred to as Nagarkirtan, is organized. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). They head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib and the Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by teams of singers singing hymns and devotees sing the chorus. There are brass bands playing different tunes and 'Gatka" teams display their swordsmanship through various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons. The procession pours into the streets of the town. The passage is covered with banners and gates decorated flags and flowers, for this special occasion. The leaders spread the massage of Sri Guru Nanak.

On the day of the "Gurpurab", the celebrations commence early in the morning at about 4 to 5 am. This time of the day is referred to as Amrit Vela. The day begins with the singing of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns). This is followed by any combination of Katha (exposition of the scripture) and Kirtan (hymns from the Sikh scriptures), in the praise of the Guru, followed by Langar, a special community lunch, arranged at the Gurudwaras by volunteers. The idea behind the free communal lunch is that everyone, irrespective of caste, class or creed, should be offered food in the spirit of seva (service) and bhakti (devotion).

In Pakistan main religious ceremony of Birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is held in Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib every year. On the occasion of the event Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB ) provides best available facilities to the Yatrees, in coordination with other government departments for their comfortable stay in Pakistan. Emphasis is made to improve these facilities in order to project Pakistan as a minorities' friendly country. Detail of the facilities provided to the Sikh yatrees by ETPB is as under:-

1. Reception/Langar:- Reception at Wagha Railway Station.

Provision of Langar on arrival / departure and throughout their stay in Pakistan.

2. Travel Arrangements:- Arrangements of special trains/buses for travelling of Yatrees.

3. Customs and Immigration:- • Liaison with Customs and Immigration / Rangers authorities for speedy immigration process for the Yatrees.

4. Security:- Adequate security arrangements in coordination with concerned Government Departments for the protection of Gurdwaras/Mandirs and Yatrees.

Provision of Security Staff of ETP Board to help Special Branch at Wagha Border for Bio-data Form filling of Yatrees.

Security Staff of ETP Board is detailed with Yatrees throughout their inland traveling in Pakistan.

5. Accommodation:- Comfortable boarding and loading arrangements for Yatrees within the premises of major Gurdwaras/Mandirs.

Various stalls, including Utility Store, Handicraft and Tourism are also established to facilitate the Yatrees.

6. Rituals:- To ensure holding of religious ceremonies in Gurdwaras as per traditions of Sikh religion.

7. Currency Exchange:- Arrangements for money exchange counters of National Bank of Pakistan/ Habib Bank Limited at Wagha Railway station and in all major Gurdwaras.

8. Telephone Facilities:- PTC telephone booths with NWD/ISD facilities in all main Gurdwaras.

Provision of Mobile SIMS for the Yatrees at all the major Gurdwaras.

9. Health Cover:- Round the clock availability of Doctors / Para Medical Staff for Yatrees during the travel of Yatrees and their stay at Gurdwaras/Mandirs.

On 550th Birthday Celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-2019), the Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs.20/- denomination each (set of 4) and Souviner Sheet of Rs. 550/- denomination are being issued by Pakistan Post on November 12, 2019.

30th Years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. (CRC) November 04, 2019 (2019-6)

 

The year 2019 is a special year for children of the world. It is the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history.

When countries- or states - sign a convention or make a treaty, they are making promises to each other. These promises create rights and obligations which are legally and politically binding.

By signing the CRC, world leaders agreed that children needed a special convention just for them because they often need care and protection that adults do not. They made a promise to children to protect and promote their rights to survive and thrive, to learn and grow, to make their voices heard and to reach their full potential. It was agreed that childhood, which goes up to 18 years, is a special, protected time, in which children must be allowed to grow, learn, play, develop and flourish with dignity.

Only a year after the signing of the CRC, Pakistan ratified the treaty making a strong commitment towards ensuring the fundamental rights of the child in the country. Ever since, noteworthy results, for children have been achieved in the country, however, a lot more needs to be done.

In his message for the 30th anniversary of the CRC, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H.E Dr. Arif Alvi said, "Pakistan is fully committed to combating all challenges that confront our children. We are dedicated to ensuring that no infant life is lost because of lack of basic health facilities; no school going child is deprived of education merely because of lack of schools; and no child is bounded to labour because of poverty, deprivation, and lack of opportunity. We will ensure that deteriorating environment does not affect our children. We will eradicate crime and terrorism from our society so that no child is ever prevented from leading a fulfilling life. It is, in short, our priority to transform each child into a productive and responsible member of our nation":

Over the past years, Pakistan has made steady progress for children, and the government of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf has committed to rise up to the challenges. The Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is committed to help children and young people survive, enter school, and develop the skills they need for employment said, "No country can prosper when there is a small island of rich people, and a sea of poor".

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is the UN organization mandated to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged, and is the only organization specifically named in the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a source of expert assistance and advice. As the flagbearer for the rights of the child, UNICEF continues to demand from the world leaders that they fulfill their commitments made in the CRC and take action to ensure that every child, has every right.

By promoting the ratification and supporting the implementation of the Convention and its Optional Protocols, UNICEF helps strengthen laws and policies and improves understanding of the Convention at all levels of society, including:

a.    Supporting governments to implement the Convention through laws and policies, including providing institutional and professional capacity development.

b.    Participating in different stages of the monitoring process. For example, UNICEF country offices assist governments in organizing major consultations prior to drafting their reports.

c.    Supporting the Committee on the Rights of the Child. For example, by participating in the Committee's review of submitted reports.

d.    Working with governments to identify implementation strategies in response to the Committee's recommendations.

e.    Helping to ensure that voices that too often go unheard are reflected in the information presented to the Committee. For example, by facilitating wide-reaching consultations at all levels of society, submitting written reports on the situation of women and children, and encouraging non-governmental organizations to submit their own reports to the Committee as a supplement to government reports.

UNICEF will continue to support the government of Pakistan to accelerate progress for children, work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and help children realize their rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This will be made through strong partnerships with provincial authorities, teachers and health professionals, frontline workers and social mobilizers, communities and families, and of course children and adolescents themselves.

On 30th Years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 04, 2019

Japan's International Cooperation Towards Pakistan. October 22, 2019 (2019-5)

Diplomatic relations between Pakistan Japan were established on 28th April, 1952 and have remained traditionally friendly and historically conflict free. The mainstay of bilateral relationship has been economic and commercial, with Japan being a key development partner, a major investor and a significant export destination for Pakistan. Total trade between Pakistan and Japan in 2018-2019 was US$ 1.94 billion. Pakistan and Japan have signed several MoUs/Agreements in various sectors for mutual benefit. About 86 Japanese companies have made investments in Pakistan. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is engaged in About 40 projects through grant aid, loans or technical cooperation.

Since 1954 Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Pakistan has forwarded on basic economic and social infrastructure projects. JICA's Technical Training Programme involves the transfer of knowledge and technology required for administrators, technicians and researchers as well as field workers. Technical cooperation is designed in order to enable people to become self-reliant, solving their problems through their own efforts which leads to sustainable development of Pakistan.

JETRO, the lead Japanese agency monitoring global business trends and advising Japanese businesses, rated Pakistan at number three and number one in its surveys of 2017 and 2018, respectively, in Asia in terms of business growth expectation, profitability and employment has also been very helpful in attracting Japanese investor interest in Pakistan. Major Japanese companies including Mitsui, Sojitz, Morinaga and Ajinomoto have already set up their operations in Pakistan during these past few years. Establishment of PTV, Indus Highway, Digitalization of telephone system, Kohat Tunnel, are among the many projects carried out with Japanese financial and technical assistance.

Japna's priority areas of assistance in Pakistan include energy, improvement of the investment climate and promotion of industries, agriculture and rural development. In the field of human security and improvement of social infrastructure, it includes health, water and sanitation, disaster management and education.

The signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) in February 2019 is an important step forward in enhancing cooperation in human resource development.

The Commemorative stamps are being issued at the occasion of the President of Pakistan's visit to Japan to attend the enthronement ceremony of Japan's new Emperor. It is in commemoration of Japan's important role being played in the socio-economic development of Pakistan in various fields, mainly, infrastructure development, water supply, education and vocational training, disaster prevention and disaster risk management.

The commemorative stamps depict the following:

(i)            JICA expert teaching at Construction Technology Training Institute (CTTI)

(ii)          An irrigation expert working on the survey on the water amount of a waterway with Pakistani counterparts.

(iii)         Technology transfer at Pakistan Readymade Garment Technical Training Institute.

(iv)         Kohat Tunnel, the 1.9 km tunnel as a part of the Indus Highway, known as the symbol of friendship between Japan and Pakistan.

On occassion of Japan's International Cooperation Towards Pakistan, the Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs.20/- each denomination (set of 4 diffrent stamps with 2 labels in the center) are being issued by Pakistan Post on October 22, 2019.