Forts of Pakistan Definitives

Pakistan Post Office is introducing new set of definitive public and services postage stamps (Paisa Values) in the Fort Series on June 16, 1984. The two public postage stamps are of 20 Paisa and 60 Paisa denominations depicting a view of the Attock Fort and the Lahore Fort respectively.
Service Postage stamps of 20 Paisa and 60 Paisa value in the above designs alongwith stamps of 5 Paisa, 10 Paisa and 50 Paisa denominations in the new series depicting Kot Diji Fort, Rohtas Fort and Hyderabad Fort will be issued later.
Public and Service postage stamps in the existing definitive series will continue to be sold and valid for pre-payment of postage till notified otherwise.
Other values were later added to make a set of 8 stamps; 05p, 10p, 20p, 50p, 60p, 70p and 80p.

Save Moejodaro (December 31, 1984)

The dead city of Moenjodaro is located on the right bank of the Indus River, about 400 Kilometres North of Karachi. The remarkable discovery of Moenjodaro in 1922 was at first nothing more than the result of routine explorations by the Archaeological Survey of British India, regarding twin mounds, one large & the other small, in the district of Larkana, about 12 Kilometres east of the small town of Dokri.
The excavations conducted in the subsequent years established that a civilizations possessing a high standard of art & craftsmanship & a well-developed system of pictographic writing had existed about 2250 BC., in the Indus Valley for a considerable period before the arrival of lndo-Aryans. Moenjodaro and other sites of Indus Valley have provided very significant archaeological results and given us considerable information about the civilizations of the original inhabitants of the subcontinent.
The excavated ruins at Moenjodaro, which have so far been subjected to the attention of archaeologists, cover an area of about 100 hectares.
Well-constructed and covered drainage systems and neat parallel streets, laid out in an orderly design, suggest a developed and major civilizations, far ahead of most of the rest of the ancient world. Europe at the time, more than 4,500 years ago, had barely emerged from the Stone Age. Moenjodaro, however, yields its secrets reluctantly, It will be sometime before a really comprehensive picture of the life of the people begins to emerge.
The economy of the cities of Moenjodaro was based upon the fertile valleys of the major rivers of the Indus Basin & the easy means of communication and transportation which these rivers afforded. As such, agriculture was the main occupation of the people of these regions. There is evidence to show that wheat, barley, seasamum, dates and cotton were cultivated. The farmers depended on the annual rains and floods for the irrigation of their fields. The architecture of the Moenjodaro period is plain & utilitarian. There are neither imposing temples nor royal tombs. It seems that the aim of the city builders was to make life comfortable rather than luxurious. No definite answer cm be given to the question, as to who were the people who lived in Moenjodaro. But it is certain that they were of non-Aryan racial stock and highly civilized.
Among the causes for the decay and desertion of these ancient cities of lndus Valley civilizations after 1800 B. C., progressive desiccation of the Valley may have been one. Another possibility may be the grow-ing danger of floods which compelled the inhabitants to evacuate these cities. There was a remarkable dearth of weapons of defence and war and it is probable that those rich cities with their un-warlike mercan-tile population were either ransacked by the invading tribes from the neighbouring hilly regions or that the inhabitants were compelled to migrate to more fertile valleys when dry & arid climatic conditions started prevailing on the Indus Valley.
It is a paradox of facts that the ruins of Moenjodaro buried beneath the accumulations of five thou-sand years remained in an excellent state of preservation. But as soon as they were exposed from oblivion to the incredible gaze of the 20th Century, they were overtaken by water-logging and salinity. These two diseases, combined with the threat of bank erosion by the Indus River, pose a grim danger to the existence of one of the most valuable cultural legacies of the human race.
Measures to Save Moenjodaro have been devised by the Government of Pakistan with the help of UNESCO experts. As a part of an international appeal for assistance to preserve Moenjodaro, the Pakistan Post Office, in collaboration with the Authority for the Preservation of Moenjodaro (Pakistan), had arranged to bring out a series of special stamps for public motivation. The first issue of the \"Save Moenjodaro\" series, consisting of a set of five stamps in se-tenant, was brought out on 29th February, 1976. This was followed by a 20-Paisa stamp issued on 31st May, 1976 and a 65-Paisa stamp issued on 31st August, 1976. Earlier, on 16th September, 1963, a set of four stamps was issued on Archaeological Series, out of which one 13-Paisa stamp depicted Moenjodaro.
Now, Pakistan Post Office is issuing, on December 31, 1984, two special postage stamps of the denomination of Rs. 2/- each on Moenjodaro, in the World Heritage Monument series, as a part of Save Moenjodaro Campaign.

Hundred Years of Postal Life Insurance (PLI) (December 29, 1984)

Postal Life Insurance has completed 100 years of service to its clientele in 1984. This is a government managed life insurance enterprise primarily based on the consideration of the promotion of social welfare. The Post Office Department established an Insurance Fund in 1884 to provide its employees with a cheap and secure means of assuring their lives. The benefits of Postal Life Insurance were gradually extended to employees of other Government Departments and are now available to all persons having a regular means of income. Even members of the Armed Forces are eligible to purchase PLI policies at the same rates of premium as applicable to civilian policy holders.
2.The Postal Life Insurance offers the Whole Life and the Endowment Assurance policies. Children\'s Education and Marriage policies, Anticipated (three payments) and Joint Life policies form an important part of Endowment Assurance policies. Supplementary contracts providing insurance against accidental death or permanent disability are also offered to holders of Postal Life Insurance policies. For the benefit of people living in rural areas of the country where facilities for medical examination are inadequate, non-medical policies of upto a certain value are also available. Such policies are equally available to persons living in urban areas who may not wish to undergo medical examination.
3.PLI provides Group Insurance coverage to the employees of public and private organisations. The scheme is run as a welfare measure on profit-sharing basis. Postal Life Insurance also runs an annuity scheme particularly for the benefit of old persons who wish to have a regular and guaranteed monthly income.
4.Postal Life Insurance is known for its low premium and high rates of bonus. At present the bonus rates on Endowment and Whole Life policies are Rs. 36.00 and Rs. 45.00 per Rs. 1,000/. sum assured per annum, respectively.
5.The features which make the Postal Life Insurance unique in the insurance business include guarantee by the Government for the payment of the sum assured, the lowest premium and the highest bonus rate, most economical management, recovery of premium through Government servants\' pay bills and payment of premia at the Post Office of the insurant\'s choice and rebate on payment of advance premia in quarterly, half-yearly or annual basis. 6.At the time of Independence, Pakistan Post Office took over liability of 8,893 PLI policies for a sum assured of Rs. 20.9 million and the life fund amounting to Rs. 9.619 million. Ever since the progress has been phenomenal. By the end of June, 1984 the number of policies increased to 148,944 and the sum assured to Rs. 2142.125 million with the Life Fund amounting to Rs.661.50 million.
7.There are at present 25 PLI field Units in the country against only 5 in 1972-73. A field force of 2000 persons is busy in canvassing and securing fresh PLI business with a view to providing a better service to its clientele, a Regional Office, headed by a Director, was established at Lahore in 1982.
8.Against a target of Rs. 490.00 million of fresh business in 1983-84, the field force succeeded in securing a business of Rs. 510.66 million. The target of fresh business for 1984-85 has been fixed at Rs. 657.60 million.
9.The insurable age for life and endowment policies issued by the Postal Life Insurance has been raised by the Government from 55 to 60 years. The maturity age on fixed terms policies has also been raised from 60 to 70 years. The limit on PLI policies for Defence personnel has been raised from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000. Proposal for raising the limit on non-medical policies from Rs. 15,000/- to Rs. 30,000/- and introduction of some new types of policies viz: child protection policy and loaded policy in respect of under-average lives are also under active consideration of the Government.
To commemorate. the Centenary of PLI, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a set of two stamps of 60 paisa & Re.1/- denominations on December 29, 1984.

20th Anniversary of UNCTAD (December 24, 1984)

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established as an organ of the UN General Assembly in December, 1964 to formulate proposals and implement policies and measures for promoting expansion of international trade and economic development. All States which belong to the United Nations or its specialised agencies are its members. The Principal organs of UNCTAD include the Conference (held once in four years); Trade and develop-ment Board; the Secretariat located in Geneva and seven committees dealing with i) commodities; ii) manufactures; iii) shipping; iv) invisible and financing; v) economic co-operation among developing countries; vi) transfer of technology and vii) special committee of preferences. The developing countries played a very dynamic role in the creation of the UNCTAD, as they felt that the world prosperity was poorly shared, and there was an urgent need to establish a forum which could be used to help foster their growth and development.
UNCTAD has been active in bringing about conditions that would enable developing countries to increase their exports of manufactured and semi-manufactured goods and has made sustained efforts to promote international co-operation in trade and development. It has consistently highlighted the inter-dependence of the world and the inter-linkage of international economic issues. Specifically, UNCTAD has been instrumental in bringing about agreements and arrangements such as Integrated Programme for Commodities; Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) envisaging trade concession for products of developing countries; Convention on a Code of Conduct for liner Conferences; the Multi-model Transport Convention; the set of Multilaterally Agreed Equitable Principles and Rule for the Control of Restrictive Business Practices; Action Programme for Least Developed Countries; etc. UNCTAD is also serving as a forum for consideration, analysis and study of world economic issues with a view to finding their solutions. The development of developing countries remains the focal point of UNCTAD activities.
The 20th anniversary of UNCTAD which falls in December, 1984 provides an opportunity to highlight its role as an important factor in bringing about an equitable international division of labour in the framework of the New International Economic Order (NIEO). To celebrate this anniversary, Pakistan Post Office is issuing on December 24, 1984 a Commemorative postage stamp of the denomination of 60 paisa.

Silver Jubilee of United Bank Limited (UBL) (November 7, 1984)

Foreign banks dominated the Pakistan banking scene at the time of independence. The number of branches of scheduled banks declined from 631 just before Independence to 213 immediately thereafter and the total number of branches dwindled to 195 on 1st July, 1948 when the State Bank of Pakistan came into being. Of these, 38 branches were of Pakistani banks and the rest belonged to Foreign banks. The rapid economic growth, after Independence, underscored the need for creating new Pakistani banks and other Financial institutions to cater to the needs of the expanding economy. The banking in Pakistan had spectacular growth. By 1958, the total number of Pakistani banks had risen to 7 and their branches totalled 232, but even these were inadequate as the financial and commercial requirements of an increasing population continued to grow.
United Bank Limited commenced banking business on November 7, 1959. From the very outset it has strived to meet the challenge of a rapidly growing economy by providing a wide array of banking services. With a view to providing efficient and personalised service to its clients it has been trying to adopt the latest banking techniques and managerial practices.
In August, 1963 UBL established a branch in London. It also established two subsidiaries, namely, United Bank of Lebanon & Pakistan SAL and United Bank A.G. Zurich. The bank is also operating successfully two joint ventures, Commercial Bank of Oman Limited in Oman and United Saudi Commercial Bank in Saudi Arabia. UBL also has a large network of domestic branches which extend to the remote areas also. It not only provided sufficient financial assistance and professional expertise to industrial and commercial sector but also gave adequate agricultural loans to farmers to boost farm yields. Interest-free loans and supervised credit schemes have also been introduced particularly for small farmers.
For training its staff, UBL established three staff colleges, at Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. An Executive Development Centre was set up at Karachi which later shifted to Islamabad and was renamed UBL School of Banking.
UBL was the first bank to introduce modern computers in the banking industry, in 1966. It introduced a most modern system of electronic banking which provides efficient service and completes all formalities within a few minutes for intending Haj pilgrims.
The bank reached Rs. 20 billion mark in deposits in just 20th year of its operation and crossed Rs. 40 billion mark in deposits in its Silver Jubilee Year which was actually the year of \'Growth and Glory\'. In 1983, UBL was placed 17th amongst the 50 top world banks having real growth of assets.
UBL has also made visible contribution towards promotion of better sports and welfare. Between 1960 and 1983, UBL\'s authorised capital increased from Rs. 20 million to Rs. 1,000; paid-up capital from Rs.10 million to Rs. 531 million; reserve fund from Rs. 0.5 million to Rs. 430 million; deposits from Rs. 70 million to Rs. 41,504 million; profits from Rs. 0.7 million to Rs. 184 million; total assets from Rs. 104 million to Rs. 5620 million and the number of offices from 7 to1650. Staff strength has also increased from 196 in 1960 to 19000 by 1983.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of 60 paisa denomination on November 7, 1984.

Pakistan Tourism Convention 1984 (November 5, 1984)

In pursuance of the President\'s directive Pakistan Tourism Conventions are being organized in various cities of Pakistan since 1981. The Fourth Pakistan Tourism Convention would be held in Karachi from 5th to 8th November, 1984.
The objective of the Convention is to project Pakistan as a tourist destination as well as to provide forum for business and social contacts between the members of Pakistan Tourism Industry and their counter-parts in foreign countries.
The recommendations made at the Convention for the development of tourism in the country are considered by the Government on top priority basis. Necessary steps are taken by the Government for implementation of the decisions taken at these Conventions.
THEME
The theme of the Convention is \"Adventure and Culture\". The roots of Pakistan, a country with 796,095 square kilometres of land mass, lie deep in antiquity as it has been truly a cradle of civilizations. The excavations at Moenjodaro in Sind and at Harappa in Punjab provide ample evidence about the high level of social structure & civilizations flourishing in these areas, centuries before the Aryans came to this sub-continent.
Pakistan is rich in tourist attractions as a destination in its own right. The scenery varies from the arid planes of Sind to the snow-capped Karakoram Mountains through which the world\'s greatest highway climbs over 5000-metre passes. Then it descends to the Indus Valley, from desert to lush irrigated planes, from rural villages to colourful bazaars and busy cities. Pakistan is a land of contrasts and of. diverse cultures but united by Islam.
The tourists from everywhere come to Pakistan and meet its diverse peoples from the modern city of Karachi to the rugged men of the Northern Areas. Each has his own traditions, costume, crafts, even language, but what they all share is hospitality. In fact, Pakistan offers a variety of charms to absorb people of all interests ranging from climbing and trekking to exploring its ancient archaeological sites and cultural centres.
SHAH JAHAN MOSQUE
The commemorative stamps issued on the occasion of the Convention shows different views of the Shah Jahan Mosque, located about 100 km from Karachi, past the humble dwellings of Thatta. This Mosque was built on the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan the builder of the famous Taj Mahal, who had once found refuge in Sind, when he was a Prince and engaged in war.
The Mosque is a glorious example of Muslim architecture. Its construction commenced in 1644 and was completed in 1647; the eastern range, including the great gateway, was added in 1658-59. The Mosque is in the form of a great quadrangle and its plan differs from the usual scheme, in that, to balance the main prayer chamber on the west side, an equally large chamber has been provided on the east. The two are linked by means of a double arcade covered with a series of 93 small domes. The domes also serve a practical acoustical purpose as they enable the voice of the leader or \'lmam\' to be heard in all corners of the Mosque.
The pride of the building is its glazed tile-work, which is the most complete surviving specimen of its type. The interior of the main dome is a superb starry vault in blue and white. The spandrels of the arches are filled with the conventional floral compositions in mosaic technique while on the friezes are ornamental inscriptions.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing five commemorative postage stamps in se-tenant, each of Re. 1.00 denomination, on November 5, 1984.

Pakistan International Trade Fair 1984 (September 01, 1984)

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry is holding an International Exhibition known as Pakistan International Trade Fair-1984 (PITF-84). The three-week long fair, first of its kind after a long gap of two decades, is scheduled to be opened on 1st September, 1984. The theme of the Fair is \"ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROSPECTS\". The project is of immense national importance and as such the President of Pakistan, General Muhammad Ziaul Haq, has accorded his kind patronage and has graciously agreed to perform the opening ceremony of the Fair.
The Fair is being organised in pursuance of the approved publicity plan of the Federal Export Promotion Board, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industries, the Ministry of Production, the Export Promotion Bureau, the Investment Promotion Bureau and the heads of various other concerned departments, corporations and agencies of the Federal and Provincial Governments are taking keen and active interest in the organisation of the Fair and extending their maximum possible assistance to make the Fair a grand national success.
The Fair will consist of international pavilions for foreign countries, pavilions and stalls for leading local industries in the public and private sectors. The engineering items will have importance in the display and projection of our capabilities.
A section has been earmarked for national pavilions of Associations of Trade & Industries and provincial governments. The national pavilions will display handicrafts and cultural heritage of the four provinces. The cultural and social events will be an important part of the Fair activities. A Pakistani Bazar for retail sales of food and eatables will be provided. The Fair will provide an excellent opportunity to local manufacturers in the public and the private sectors to introduce their products to the world market. It will be a good opportunity for our people in demonstrating the progress made in the different fields of national life by the private and the public sector. Plans for future development could be presented to the public thus generating In them the feeling of participation in the national effort and of pride and confidence on account of what has already been achieved.
Participation from industrially advanced countries and display of their sophisticated products will provide a rare opportunity to the local manufacturers and prospective investors in terms of transfer of technology. It will develop awareness of the importance of the quality of products for improving indigenous technology for diversification of export trade.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of 60 paisa denomination on September 1, 1984.

Independence Day Commemoration (August 14, 1984)

The creation of Pakistan as an Islamic State was the culmination of a 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, a historical entity and 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 that the 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 the 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 recognition of their separate identity. For the purpose \"Muslim League\" took birth as a political party in 1906.
The inspiration for modern Muslim nationalism in South Asia can be traced to the writings and poetry of Dr. Sheikh Muhammad lqbal. In 1930 the illustrious poet-philosopher of the sub-continent was invited to preside over an open session of the All-India Muslim League which was holding its Annual Convention in Allahabad. Allama lqbal 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 in-dependent Muslim State in the sub-continent.
Chaudhry Rehmat All 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 means \'land of the pure\'. After September, 1939, events moved fast as the intransigence of the Congress increased. There was no alternative for the Muslims 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 leader-ship of the Quaid-i-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 in-deed, 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 play-ed 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.
On the establishment of Pakistan the Quaid-i-Azam declared in his presidential address to. the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan:- \"You are free. You are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, or caste or creed. That has nothing to do with the fundamental principle of the equality of citizens of one State.
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 the 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, 1984 the nation is observing 37th 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 two stamps of 60 Paisa &. Rs. 4/- denominations on August 14, 1984.

Los Angeles Olympics 1984 (July 31, 1984)

Olympic Games are traditionally believed to have been first celebrated in 776 BC at Olympia in Greece. Thereafter, Olympics were a regular 4 yearly event till about 393 AD.
After their revival through the efforts of the French scholar and educator Pierre de Coubertin, the games of the first Olympiad of the modern cycle were held in Athens in 1896. Sub-sequent games were held at four years intervals in different cities of the world except during the war.
At first, the Olympic programme was confined to one day and consisted only of a single event - a race, the length of the stadium. Afterwards, additional races and other events were added and the duration was also extended. Olympic Games are now held for 16 days and include: Athletics, Gymnastics, Boxing, Fencing, Shooting, Wrestling, Rowing, Swimming, Equestrian, Pentathlon, Cycling, Weight lifting, Yachting. The following sports are optional Football, Rugby, Polo, Water Polo, Grass Hockey, Handball, Basketball, Canoeing and Gliding. Only sports practised in at least ten countries (6 of which must enter) may be included. The contestants in the Olympic Games must be amateurs.
The 1984 Olympic Games will include 220 events for men and women. At least, 16 new events are being included and there is likelihood of the addition of two events for handicapped competitors.
Pakistan is participating in the following games of 1984 Olympics:- Hockey, Wrestling, Yachting, Boxing and Athletics.
To commemorate the 1984 Olympics being held in Los Angeles from July 28 to August 12 Pakistan Post Office is issuing a set of 5 stamps each of Rs. 3/- value on July 31, 1984.

Tenth Anniversary of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) (July01, 1984)

The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) was established on July 1, 1964 in the wake of the decisions taken in five Asian Broadcasters’ conferences held between 1957 and 1963 at the initiative of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation. It covers about two-fifths of the world’s circum-ference and contains nearly two-thirds of its population & provides an avenue for professional broadcasters in developing countries to cooperate and collaborate irrespective of political, racial or religious affiliation.
Presently, the ABU is composed of 67 members; 49 of them are situated in the ABU region from 33 countries and 18 associate members from eleven countries in other parts of the world. The supreme body of the ABU is General Assembly, which meets annually. Another main organ of ABU is the Administrative Council which comprises 13 members. This Council meets twice a year. The Secretariat is responsible for carrying out the decisions of the General Assembly and Administrative Council and provides services to members.
The programme services of the ABU is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Satellite Coordination Centre (SCC). The SOC enables members to share Satellite transmission costs by arranging multilateral receptions and to obtain favourable tariff rates. It also conducts investigations to promote the use of Communication Satellites by members.
The vast time difference between countries in the region and satellite access conditions enabled Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) and Nippon Hoso Kyokai, Japan (NHK) to establish in 1984 two TV news exchanges often referred to as “Asiavision”. These two news centres gather news from each other and from other regions of the world including those from “Eurovision” The collective acquisition of television rights for international sport events or events in which five or more members indicate an interest, is an important activity of the Union in protect-ing and promoting the interests of ABU members which operate a television service. The ABU is actively involved in promoting programme exchanges through various forms of co-production. “The Living Heritages of Asia”, “Living Artists in Asia and the Pacific” and “Children in Asia/Pacific” are the most recent examples of co-production programmes in which cultural traditions developed many centuries ago and living issues of the respective societies were depicted.
The Technical Centre of the ABU Co-ordinates the activities relating to technical and engineering studies carried out by the ABU member-organisations concerning broadcasting both in sound and television. Technical seminars are arranged from time to time on important subjects of topical interest. The technical centre publishes technical monographs based on studies undertaken by the ABU.
The ABU established the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), a regional body with its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, with the assistance of UNESCO and the Malaysian Government to provide the advance training facilities to the broadcasting staff of ABU members. Two publications, the ABU Newsletter and ABU Technical Review are produced bi-monthly by the Secretariat of ABU.
To mark the 20th Anniversary of ABU. Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 3/- denomination on July 1, 1984.

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture- 1983, Shah Rukn-i-Alam Tomb, Multan (June 26, 1984)

The mausoleum of Shah Rukn-i-Alam, built in 1320-24 AD is a massive, two storied, octagonal structure, Built mainly in red brick it is elaborately ornamented with dark blue, azure and white tiles.
2.The Mausoleum of the celebrated saint Sheikh-Rukn-Ud-Din, is the climax of Multan-style of tomb-architecture. This magnificent Mausoleum is unique for its architectural embellishment and has been rightly called by late Sir John Marshall, the famous archaeologist and author as \'One of the most splendid memorials ever erected in honour of the dead\'. If Sher Shah Sun\'s mausoleum at Sasaram, India, is the masterpiece of the Sultanate period and the Taj, the climax of the Mughal (lndo-Talmurid) tomb-architecture, the mausoleum of Shaikh Rukn-i-Alam is at the zenith of architectural glory of Multan-style. It is unique in its sophisticated surface decorations. The red of the bricks, cobalt blue of the enamelled tiles and dull brown of the timber, laid in a most visual and schematic pattern, leaves a pleasant impression on the viewer.
3.This colossal mausoleum is a diminishing gigantic mass in four stories viz., a ground floor, octagonal in plan, a second storey also octagonal but lesser in diameter, a high neck surmounted by a hemispherical dome culminating in a structural lantern and a golden pinnacle, which appears to be a later addition. The height above the floor, excluding the lantern and the pinnacle, is 99 ft. 1 inch, but as the mausoleum stands on a high artificial mound, the total height is about 160 ft. above the ground which gives it an appearance of a tower-tomb. The ground floor has a diameter of 49 ft. 3 1/2 inches each side measuring 20 ft. 6 inches from interior. The walls of the ground storey are 13 ft. 10 inches thick and 41 ft. 3 inches high including the parapet composed of battlement of blind-niched merlons. At angular points, the mausoleum is strengthened by sloping solid turrets with a total height of 53 ft. 3 inches. The slope in the walls is one in 27 inches which appears proportionate and impressive. 4.As many as ten building crafts and devices, as mentioned below, were used for the first time in the subcontinent in the construction of this grand edifice:-
(i)Introduction of Octagonal plan for the tomb.
(ii) Carved wood Mehrab.
(iii) Cut and dressed brick-work.
(iv) Carved and cut brick work.
(v)Enamelled tile work in a schematic way.
(vi) Enamelled tile intarsia work.
(vii) Filigree work.
(viii) Turn wheel (Kharadi) timber ornamental work.
(ix) Lacquer work.
(x) Gilding work.
5.This remarkable tomb won the Agha Khan Award for Architecture in 1983 (the Restoration of the tomb of Shah Rukn-i-Alam) which is a great honour for Pakistan, its architects and crafts-men. The award consisted of a trophy and a cash prize of U.S. $ 45,000/-
6.Pakistan Post Office is issuing a stamp on the tomb of Shah Rukn-i-Alam of the denomination of 60 paisa on June 26, 1984 to focus attention on its architectural magnificence.

Handicrafts of Pakistan- Glass Work (May 31, 1984)

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 the 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.
The fourth set in the Pakistan handicraft series depicts Glass Work in Shish Mahal, Lahore Fort. Earlier issues in the series include (i) a set of four stamps depicting Guj embroidered shirt (Guj is a Sindhi term for woman\'s wedding shirt), Enamel inlaid brass plate, Baskets and Chain- stitch embroidered rug (August 23, 1979) (ii) a set of two stamps on Hala Pottery & camel skin lamp (Feb 20, 1982) followed by (iii) a set of two stamps on Panj Pholo (Five flower motif) and straw mats (March 9, 1983).
Kashi or glass work essentially consists of layer of glass spread on hard kind of plaster, sometimes on a material which is porcelaneous in structure. On analysis, the glass was found to be composed of a mixture of lime and siliceous sand, the hardness being due to salication which accounts for its bearing the heat required to fuse glass. The work consists of three components, i.e. the plaster called \"Khamir\"; the glass called \"Kanch\" and a material called \"Aster\".
Although the Art, as practised in India and Persia seems to have been derived from China at the end of the thirteenth Century, it was doubtlessly existed in other forms among Semitic nations in the ancient times. The art travelled to Europe through the Arabs at the end of the ninth century and was adopted by the Italians under the name of \'Majolica\'.
To focus attention on the majestic and beautiful glass work of our country, Pakistan Post Office is issuing four stamps each of Re 1/- denomination depicting glass work in Shish Mahal, Lahore Fort, on 31 May, 1984.

Twenty Years of PIA China Service (April 29, 1984)

Within a year of the signing of an air agreement between Pakistan and its great neighbour, PIA inaugurated its service to Canton and Shanghai. On April 29, 1964, a green and white PIA Boeing carrying VIPs, travel agents and journalists landed in Canton, and a little later in Shanghai, to a rousing welcome.
PIA was the first non- Communist airline to establish an air link with China. The national airline’s.China flight was greeted with enthusiasm by the governments, and people of both countries.Congratulatory messages and greetings were exchanged. The event made headlines not only inAsia but throughout the world.
The start of air service to China within just ten years of its inception was a reflection of the enterprising and pioneering spirit of the airline.
During its 20 years of operation, the PIA China flight, called the Silk route in its early days, has opened up new gateways for business and tourism. Starting from a scratch, tourism is today one of the fastest growing industries in China. With more than a hundred cities open to visitors, compared to only 5 cities in the early days, China is rapidly expanding its tourism infrastructure.
In the early years of the China flight PIA virtually enjoyed a monopoly on this route. In January 1973 PIA became the first airline to operate 2 weekly services to Beijing via Islamabad. The airline has over the years contributed significantly to closer social and economic relations between China and Pakistan and between China and the rest of the world. PIA has facilitated a constant exchange of artists and cultural troupes.
Massive growth has been recorded in PIA during the 20 years the airline has been serving China. To keep pace with increasing passengers, freight and fleet, PIA has expanded its ground facilities which now include a modern wide-body hangar, extensive catering facilities and computerised reservation system.
PIA, the nation’s biggest corporation, helps to link remote areas of the country with its mainstream and the country with the rest of the world. Its network today covers 60 cities in 4 continents.
To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of PIA’s China service, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a postage stamp of Rs. 3.00 denomination on April 29, 1984.

Squash (March 17, 1984)

Squash probably originated in the late 19th century from the older game of RACQUETS but in the 20th century it has met with increasing popularity specially in American colleges and universities.
Squash is a game of Skill, speed and fitness. It is comparatively inexpensive indoor game which can be played in all kinds of weather. With added emphasis on physical fitness in recent days the popularity of squash is rapidly increasing amongst people of all age groups. The game offers opportunity of maximum amount of exercise in minimum space of time.
Since World War II the game has made tremendous strides in several countries. In the 1960\'s clubs and national associations in 35 different countries of the world were affiliated with the Squash Association. Open competitions in squash started after World War I. Players from Pakistan, Australia, Great Britain and Egypt have generally dominated the scene with Pakistan\'s pre-eminence in recent years. The legendary Hashim Khan won the \'Open\' six times consecutively from 1960-55 and again in 1957 for the seventh time. Hashim Khan, Roshan Khan, Azam Khan and Mohibullah senior dominated the world squash for no less than 12 years. Qamar Zaman brightened Pakistan\'s hope for regaining the lost glory in 1974. But the country eagerly looked towards a man who could re-establish its supremacy on sound basis.
Finally in the legendary Khan dynasty of squash we had our new world champion - Jahangir Khan. Jahangir the younger brother of late Torsam Khan who was a world class player and the youngest son of Roshan Khan the 1956 World Squash Champion, was born on December 10, 1863 in Karachi.
Jahangir stormed the world scene by capturing the 1979 world amateur title in Melbourne, Australia as a 15 year old school boy. Unseeded Jahangir Khan went through the qualifying rounds to go on top and fulfilled national aspirations when he dethroned Australia\'s all time great Geoff Hunt in the epic Toronto final of the fifth World Open Championship, held in November, 1981. Hunt\'s era finally ended with Jahangir Khan s unprecedented feat - winning the World Open title at the age of 17. Pakistan honoured its youngest world champion by awarding him the President\'s Medal for Pride of Performance, a high award in sports which his illustrious father Roshan Khan got in 1960.
As a teenager, his string of victories that includes no less than 43 major titles is by itself a land mark in world squash. Jahangir Khan\'s victories include the World Open, British Open, Australian Open, Pakistan Open, German Open, New Zealand Open, Swiss Masters, Egyptian Open, World Masters, Malaysian Open, Asian Title, ISPA Masters, ISRF Title, Chichester Open, British Under-23 Open and host of other championships.
Today, Jahangir Khan\'s supremacy in the game is indisputable. He has developed phenomena prowess and with his immaculate length and irretrievable drop shorts he is capable of defeating any challenger in the world. Jahangir looks set to dominate the world squash for many years to come. His secret of phenomenal victories lies in his continuous training, hardwork and fitness regimen. Pakistan is proud of its youngest ever champion of world squash.
Pakistan Post Office is issuing a special postage stamp of Rs. 3.00 denomination on March 17, 1984 to focus attention on the game of Squash and the distinction Pakistan holds in this field.

Wildlife- Snow Leopard (January 21, 1984)

The Snow Leopard may appropriately be called Rock Leopard, as it inhabits comparatively arid lofty mountain where its pelage merges imperceptibly with grey rocks of its background. Of all the larger cats the Snow Leopard is perhaps the most beautiful. Its fur besides being thick and densely luxuriant is most handsomely marked. The body colour is grey varying to greyish-buff with widely scattered black spots on the outer surface of the limbs. It stands about 56 cm at the shoulders. It has a long thick tail, which helps him in maintaining balance while negotiating steep cliff.
The snow Leopard leads a rather solitary life and travels widely to hunt over a very extensive area. It takes shelter in cleft and at times it is found basking on rocky peaks.
In Pakistan, it inhabits the inner Himalayan ranges where both snowfall and rainfall is scant. In summer it is found in meadows up to 5200 m elevation but in winter it occasionally descends to the broad mountain valleys lying as low as 1500m.The favoured prey of this mammal is Markhor (Capra falconeri), lbex (Capra ibex) and Bharal (Pseudois nayaur).
The Snow Leopard has come increasingly under the assault of hunters and is threatened with extinction. Some of the parts of Pakistan where it can still be found are the Chitral, Gol and the Khunjerab National Park where it is protected under the law. Legislation was promulgated in 1968 in Pakistan totally banning the trade in Leopard Skin.
To focus world attention on the need to protect and preserve this vulnerable wildlife species Pakistan Post Office is issuing two special postage stamps of 40-Paisa and Rs 1 .60 values depicting \"Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)\'on January 21, 1984. It is a part of the series on wildlife stamps being issued by Pakistan Post Office since 1975.