Pakistan World Cup Hockey Champions 1994

The idea of the World Cup was conceived by the Pakistan Hockey Federation sometime in the late 1 960s and the beautiful trophy for the winner was designed and donated by Pakistan.
At FIH Council meeting held on October 26, 1969, it was decided to hold a World Cup Competition. The first World Hockey Cup tournament was held in 1971 in Barcelona, Spain. His Excellency the then Ambassador of Pakistan in Belgium handed over the World Cup to the FIH President on March 27,1971.
The 8th World Hockey Cup was organised by the Australian Hockey Federation on behalf of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Australia had the honour of holding the World Championship in a most befitting manner.
Hockey is national game of Pakistan and hundreds of thousands of hockey fans from Pakistan witnessed the World Cup Champion-ship Hockey Tournament at Sydney (Australia).
The 8th World Hockey Cup was the most prestigious Hockey Tournament. Twelve (12) teams selected by the Fl H on the basis of their ranking, participated. The teams were divided into two pools. Pool \'A\' consisted of Pakistan, Spain, Argentina, England, Austra-lia, USSR (Bela Rus), Pool \'B\' comprised of West Germany, South Korea, Belgium, South Africa, India, Holland.
The matches on the two pitches were played on league basis. The winners of Pool \'A\' played against runners up of Pool \'B\' and winners of Pool \'B\' played against runners up of Pool \'A\' for the semi finals. The winners of Pool \'A\' & \'B\' contested for championship and Pakistan beat Holland on Penalty Strokes by 4 goals to 3 as they were 1-1 at the close of scheduled time.
Pakistan has the distinction of winning World Hockey Cup in 1971 (Barcelona - Spain), 1978 (Buenos Aires - Argentina), 1982 (Bombay- India) and Silver Medal in 1975 (Kuala Lumpur).
These achievements are as yet unparalleled. Pakistan was during the past few years facing bad patch in international competitions but now faced the coveted World Hockey Cup Competition with confidence and won World Cup gold medal. The statistical record of the World Hockey Cup since its inception is as follows:
Venue Victory Stand Year Place Country No of Teams Winner Runners Up 3rd Position 1971 Barcelona Spain 10 Pakistan Spain India 1973 Amsterdam Holland 12 Holland India W. Germany 1975 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 12 India Pakistan W. Germany 1978 Buenos Aires Argentina 12 Pakistan Holland Australia 1982 Bombay India 12 Pakistan W. Germany Australia 1986 London G. Britain 12 Australia England W. Germany 1990 Lahore Pakistan 12 Holland Pakistan W. Germany 1994 Sydney Australia 12 Pakistan Holland Australia
Mr. Bashir Moojid the designer and artisan from the Pakistan\'s Army\'s Corps of Electrical & Mechanical Engineers had designed and shaped the World Cup Trophy as per the idea of the then PHF President. The World Cup is a magnificent trophy, 65 centimeters high and 11.56 kilograms in weight, made from gold (895 grams), silver (6815 grams), ivory (350 grams) and teak wood (3500 grams). The trophy stands mounted on a 12 cm high blade base beautifully inlaid with ivory. The trophy itself consists of globe depicting the world in silver and gold, on top of which is a ball and hockey stick with gold and silver.
The insignia of World Cup Trophy has one stick at the top with a hockey ball and the bottom of a round circle indicating the world. Pakistan Hockey Federation insignia has been placed in the middle of the World Cup. Colour scheme indicates green and white colours of Pakistan flag.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 5/- denomination on December 31, 1994.

Centenary of Lahore Museum (1894- 1994)

The Lahore Museum conspicuously stands opposite to the Allama lqbal Campus on the Shahra-e-Quaid-e-Azam reflecting the curzonian style of Architecture of the British Period in Lahore.
In 1887. as the result of a public subscription to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Her Late Majesty Queen Victoria, the present building was commenced. Its foundation stone was laid in 1890 by His Royal Highness, Albert Victor, the then Prince of Wales. After the completion of the building. if was opened to the public in 1894 with Mr. Fred H. Andrews as its First Curator. The material displayed in six sections was more or less collections of mineral, agricultural and industrial specimens with a part of ancient objects of archaeology and arts.
Later on, the Museum was converted into a cultural and historical institution. At the time of the partition. its collections suffered badly due to the transfer of the divided objects to India. After 1965, a special campaign was launched to renovate the building and improve the collections. Various new galleries like Join Temple. Join, Ethnological I & II. Struggle for Freedom. Pakistan Postage Stamps. Manuscripts and Calligraphy. Contemporary Handicrafts, Coins and Medals have been added to the Museum in a very short span of period.
At present Lahore Museum is the largest museum in the county. It plays a vital role not only in introducing the national culture and history to the nationals and foreigners but also stands a great educational centre. The original six sections have now swollen to twenty-three.
The collection has grown through pur-chases, acquisition and donation.
The collections range from prehistoric to modern times. Its pre-historic section comprises material relating to Early Stone Age in the Soon Valley. Objects from Mehr Garh, Rohri, Amri, Jalilpur, Kot Diji and Cholistan show different phases of cultural development in the pre-Indus time. The material from Harappa and Moenjodaro reveals the advanced set up of human life during the proto-historic period. The statue of Fasting Buddha is said to be one of the wonders of the world. The Islamic collection displays the cultural achievements in the fields of miniature paintings. manuscripts. calligraphy, architecture, crafts i.e. wood work, papier-mache. arms, carpets. shawls, textiles, ivory. Ceramics and jewelry. Manuscripts collection contains specimens of Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Punjabi, Pashtu, Turki, Sindhi, Hindi languages etc.
The wood work collection is the largest collection in any Pakistani institution, The arms collection is also a single effort in the field. The collection comprising thirty five thousand Coins and Medals ranging from the earliest issues of Punch Marked coins down to the modern coins of Pakistan is a remarkable treasure in the Museum.
The Museum Library is stocked with about 35,000 books and archival material of historical nature. The material of Pakistan movement is also invaluable, The facility of micro-film and micro-fish reader-cum-printer, and photostat is available for the research scholars and students. Museum Laboratory equipped with modern and latest conservation facilities and foreign-trained staff looks after the conservation of paper, textiles, wood, metal, coins and other hard and perishable material in the museum collections.
For conducting the Education programme an Auditorium, a Committee Room and educational equipment have been provided. Trained staff helps in the maintenance of the Museum and facilitate research scholars as well as students.
(Contributed by Director. Lahore Museum, Lahore)
To commemorate the celebration of Centenary Lahore Museum, Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 4/- denomination on December 27, 1994.

Celebration of 1000 Years of Hakim Abul Qasim Firdousi

Hakim Abul Qasim Firdausi was born in the year 934 in the village of Bhoshi in the Province of Tusa (North Persia). It was there that he received his education and the honorary title ‘Chakin’.
In the second half of the tenth century the decline on the state of the Samanides commenced. Centrifugal forces intensified, Bedouins frequently raided the towns, and the Samanides state was in danger on falling into ruin. In order to face this danger all the tribes on this territory had to unite themselves into a whole. One possibility achieving such a union consisted in collecting mythological materials and emphasizing the horizon and patriotism of the people on the east.
Such beginning was supported by the rulers on the Samanides state. In this connection there appeared in the 950s and 960s four variants of Shahnama in prose and verse forms. Later, Firdausi (round about 975) ;and his companions Daqiqi (978) commenced work on the creation of their own poems under the title \"Shahnama.
Firdausi finished his manuscript on the poem \"Shahnama\" in the year 992 (or 994) but presented it to nobody as a gift.
The State of the Samanides was falling into ruin. Mahmud of Ghazna was made ruler. Firdausi was still busy in correcting and editing his poem and he finally decided to give to Mahmud of Ghazna. He presented his Shahnama to the ruler who did not adequately appreciate his value.
The Poem \"Shahnama\" consists on three parts. The Mythological, the Heroic and The Historical part. It is reported in the book on the rule on the Shah Kajumarsa upto the assassination on the last Sassanidic Shah, Yezdigird III. Two forces are constantly noticeable in this book, the good and the bad. The fundamental ideas which Firdausi expounds in his poem are justice, patriotism and morality. \"Shahnama” consists of 60,000 bytes and counts as one of the most important literary works on the world. It has been translated into Arabic, German, English, French, Turkish, as well as into other languages. Firdausi died in the year 1020 in his country.
To commemorate the celebration of 1000 years of \"Shahnama\" Hakim Abul Qasim Firdausi Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Re. 1/- denomination on October 27,1994.

Medicinal Plants of Pakistan - Ajwain Khijrasani/Henbane (Hyoscyamus Niger Linn)

Pakistan is endowed with the wealth of medicinal plants. These are the natural botanical source of medicines being manufactured by indigenous pharmaceutical houses in Pakistan. These are also the basic source of modern pharmaceutical market, although today it has become an entire medical world of synthetics, with elevated prices a common man can not afford.
It is, therefore, the most appropriate time to consider development and organization of our medicinal plants industry to become independent in the provision of common indigenous natural drugs that are being used to treat diseases in most of our rural areas. In our country they are grown wild or cultivated medicinal plants species which possess great potentialities not in the light of their use from centuries in the sub-continent in Greco-Arab (Unani or Eastern) system of medicine but also in the light of active principles or bio-dynamic compounds being isolated from them using ultra modern screening techniques available in our country.
Hyoscyamus Niger Linn Ajwain Khurasani/ Henbane Member of family solanaceae is an erect, viscidity hairy, annual or biennial plant upto 5-feet high distributed wild in the Himalayan range, in Kashmir, Baluchistan and Iran also cultivated. The herb is valuable (for its contents) and its various parts are used in Unani preparations as nervine, astringent, resolvent, digestive, vermifuge, anticatarrhal, anodyne and disinfectant properties for various affections.
(Contributed by Director Research & Bait-al-Hikmat, Hamdard, Karachi)
To mark the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a special postage stamp of Rs. 6/-denomination on October 18, 1994.

First International Festival Of Islamic Artisans At Work

Lok Virsa (The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) is respected internationally as a research institution for preservation of the folk and traditional culture of Pakistan. This organization, working under the Federal Ministry of Culture, was established in 1974 in pursuance of the Resolution of the UNESCO Conference held at Yogjakarta, Indonesia in 1972. It functions more or less on the same pattern as the prestigious Smithsonian Institution of Washington, D.C. U.S.A.
Since its inception, Lok Virsa has been working towards the salvation of our crafts threatened by social and economic change. From small scale craft bazaars, Lok Virsa succeeded in organizing a first full-fledged Lok Mela (Artisans-at-Work festival) in 1983. Since then, Lok Mela has become an annual feature and central to the work of Lok Virsa.
The festival has gained international recognition. Besides participation from SAARC Member Countries and Iran, it has acquired an international flavour which has found endorsement from the World Crafts Council, Asia-Pacific Zone.
The Rabat Conference of Islamic Countries proposed to hold the First Islamic Festival of Artisans at Work in Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan has endorsed the decision.
In implementation of this decision, Lok Virsa, Pakistan in collaboration with Research Centre for Islamic History, Art & Culture, Istanbul, Turkey, the World Crafts Council, Asia Pacific Zone and UNESCO, Paris is organizing the INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL from October 7-15, 1994 at Islamabad.
GRAND FOLKLORIC PARADE
A grand Folkloric Parade is organized on the main Jinnah Avenue to mark the inaugural of the festival. Colourful floats, folk-songs, dances and costumes will be displayed. The master artisans from Central Asia will be honoured in the ceremony of \'Dastarbandi\' by the head of the state. The Prime Minister, the President, Heads of Armed Forces and all important members of the government are likely to attend.
CRAFT BAZAAR
A exotic Craft Bazaar is established. National organizations are to set up pavilions and are participating with full force.
CONFIRMATIONS
A number of VIPs including Secretary General, 010, Deputy Director-General, UNESCO, Ministers for Culture of the 010 Countries, Director-General, IRCICA (Turkey), have already confirmed participation in the inaugural programme.
A 50-member delegation of Muslim China will come by the traditional Silk route and has been confirmed to participate in the Silk Route Pavilion.
A 150-member entourage of craftsmen and scholars from the Central Asian Republics has confirmed participation.
A large contingent of the Iranian Handicrafts Organization has confirmed participation and will set up a grand stall of Iran products.
A 25-member group of scholars and organizers from Paris UNESCO has confirmed participation.
The International Organization of Folk Art in Vienna has con-firmed to set up stall on the occasion.
A 50-member contingent of the World Crafts Council from the Asia Pacific Region will hold 18th Asian Assembly during the festival.
30 well known scholars in Islamic art and 6 organizers of IRCICA (Turkey) have already confirmed participation.
Innumerable other confirmations have already been received from individual institutions and scholars from all over the world.
This will be an internationally important and one of the most prestigious cultural events ever organized by Pakistan.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 2/- denomination on October 7, 1994.

2nd Saarc & 12th National Scout Jamboree 94, Quetta

The National Council of the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association has approved holding of 12th Pakistan National Jamboree in Quetta 22nd September, 1994 and has decided that the Jamboree should be named as 2ND SAARC SCOUT JAMBOREE\". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accorded its approval for the conduct of \"2ND SAARC SCOUTS JAMBOREE\" with a view to bring together SAARC Member Countries in the field of Scouting. The last SAARC Jamboree was held in Colombo between 14-22 February 1990 and attended by all SAARC Member Countries inclusive of Pakistan\'s contingent consisting of 150 Scouts/Leaders.
PROGRAMME
The Programme of the Jamboree is classified into two groups:
Group I - includes daily activities sub camp wise and
Group II - includes the whole camp activities based on the following items:-
a) Adventure Trail, Skill Learning, Community Service, Educational Tours and Sports.
b) Husn-i-Qiraat competition, Naat Sharif, Pioneering, Scout Craft, Tent pitching, Cooking, knotting, First Aid, Commando Race, Speech contest role of Scouting in the integration of SAARC countries; National Songs, Poster Competition on prevention from Narcotics and Quiz Competition.
Scout displays will indicate into a cultural show, camp fire and 2nd SAARC Youth Forum. VENUE
Quetta, the Capital of Baluchistan, 1692 meters above sea level, lies at the mouth of Bolan Pass. Quetta is connected the rest of country by road, rail and air. The ROD Highway connects it to Karachi and then on (via Kho-e-Taftan) to Tehran, Iran, 1435 kM away. The road to Sibi connects it with Punjab and upper Sindh. The Chaman Road is a link between the country and the Afghan border.
Quetta can rightly be called the fruit basket of Pakistan. Plums, Peaches, Pomegranates, Apricots, Apples, Guavas (locally called Zaitoon) some unique are all grown in abundance. Some quantity of pistachios is grown in Qila Saifullah also.
The People: The inhabitants are mainly Pathans, Baluch and Brahuies.
Nomadic tribesmen pass through Quetta Valley during spring and autumn with their herds of sheep and camels and their assorted wares for sale. This seasonal movement adds colour to the life of the city.
The City: The name is derived from the word \'kot\' which means a fort and no doubt it is a natural fort surrounded as it is by imposing hills on all sides. The encircling hills have the resounding names of Chiltan, Takatoo, Mordar and Zarghun.
Eleven National Jamborees of Pakistan have so far been held for which the Postal Authorities had almost issued the commemorative postage stamps, First Day Covers and Leaflets.
To celebrate the occasion \"2nd SAARC and 12th National Scout Jamboree, Quetta\" Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 7/- denomination on September 22, 1994.

International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day is celebrated and observed all over the world on September 8th each year to focus attention, reaffirm commitment, speed up action on issue of literacy and to create a new spirit and forge a new political climate making access to literacy and basic education in developing countries like Pakistan.
International Literacy Day should not be a celebration but a summon to Action. This day (I.L.D.) takes place each year on 8th September and can be observed as an appropriate \'Moment\' to focus attention, concern, commitment and action on issues of Literacy and Basic Education.
The problem of eradication of illiteracy is becoming increasingly difficult and complex. In countries like Pakistan systems are not geared to accommodate all the children of Primary School age group in schools. This contributes to a concerned additions in the ranks of illiterate populations.
At present the literacy rate is estimated (Economic Survey of Pakistan 1992-93) to have improved to 35% (47.3% male and 22.3% female) in 1992-93 from 26.2% in 1981. It is also estimated that 14120 thousand children (9695 male and 4425 female) have enrolled during the year 1992-93 at the primary stage, reflecting an improvement of 10% at primary level alongwith an increase in participation rates which is very encouraging. According latest figures it is estimated to have raised from 65.7% to 66.3% at primary level from 1992 to 1993 and from 66.3% to 69.0% during the year 1992-93 respectively, which shows an increase of about 3% in primary participation rates.
The resolution adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1967 provides the following objectives in connection with celebration of International Literacy Day:
i) Every one has the right to education.
ii) Education shall be free at least in the elementary and functional stages.
iii) Elementary education shall be compulsory.
iv) Technical and professional educational shall be made gener-ally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
v) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedom.
vi) It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups and shall further the activities of the UN for the maintenance of peace.
For the last 27 years, UNESCO has been observing International Literacy Day and considerable efforts have bone into creating a general awareness of the need to grant people to their basic right of literacy and basic education. Despite the progress in extending basic/primary education and combating illiteracy, the problem of illiteracy remains as colossal as ever.
AN STATISTICAL PICTURE ABOUT THE LITERACY AND PRIMARY EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN DURING 1981 -1 993 BY SOCIOECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS IS GIVEN BELOW
Indicators 1981
Population (in million) 84.254
Crude Birth Rate 43.30
Crude Death Rate 11.80
Infant Mortality -
Life Expectancy -
Male -
Female -
Compound Growth Rate % 3.06
Labour Force Participation Rate 27.67
Civilian Labour Force 25.80
Employed 24.70
Literacy Rate 0/0
B. Sexes 26.2
Male 35.1
Female 16.0
Current participation Rate
Primary Level (1991-92)
B. Sexes - 66.3%
Male - 83.0%
Female - 49.2%
No. of Primary Schools 124,000
No. of enrolment in Primary School (thousand) - 12,721
Total
Male - 8,685
Female - 4,636
Population 5-9 (million)
School age Children 13.50
Indicators 1991
Population (in million) 113.781
Crude Birth Rate
Crude Death Rate
Infant Mortality 107.7
Life Expectancy
Male - 59.3
Female - 60.7
Compound Growth Rate % 3.10
Labour Force Participation Rate 28.82
Civilian Labour Force 31.82
Employed 29.82
Literacy Rate 0/0
B. Sexes
Male
Female
Current participation Rate
Primary Level (1992-93)
B. Sexes 68.9%
Male 84.8%
Female 53.7%
No. of Primary Schools 133,033
No. of enrolment in Primary School (thousand) 14,120
Total
Male 9,695
Female 4,425
Population 5-9 (million)
School age Children 18.20
Indicators 1992
Population (in million) 117.32
Crude Birth Rate
Crude Death Rate
Infant Mortality 108.0
Life Expectancy
Male 59.3
Female 60.7
Compound Growth Rate % 3.10
Labour Force Participation Rate 28.83
Civilian Labour Force 32.82
Employed 30.75
Literacy Rate 0/0
B. Sexes
Male
Female
Current participation Rate
Primary Level
B. Sexes
Male
Female
No. of Primary Schools
No. of enrolment in Primary School (thousand)
Total
Male
Female
Population 5-9 (million)
School age Children 19.00
Indicators 1993
Population (in million) 20.84
Crude Birth Rate 41.00
Crude Death Rate 11.00
Infant Mortality 104.70
Life Expectancy
Male 59.3
Female 60.7
Compound Growth Rate % 3.00
Labour Force Participation Rate 27.97
Civilian Labour Force 33.80
Employed 31.68
Literacy Rate 0/0
B. Sexes 35.0
Male 56.0
Female 26.7
Current participation Rate
Primary Level
B. Sexes
Male
Female
No. of Primary Schools
No. of enrolment in Primary School (thousand)
Total
Male
Female
Population 5-9 (million)
School age Children 20.00
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 7/- denomination on September 8,1994.

Indonesia Pakistan Economic and Cultural Cooperation Organization (IPECC) - (1968-1994)

The Indonesia-Pakistan Economic and Cultural Cooperation Organization (IPECC) is a bilateral agreement between the two countries which aims at promoting closer economic, technical and cultural cooperation and welfare of the people of Indonesia and Pakistan. The decision to form this organization was taken in September, 1964 by the Heads of the States of the Republic of Indonesia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and it came into being on August 19, 1968.
2. So far Pakistan Postal Services Corporation and Postal Administration of Indonesia have issued commemorative post-age stamps on two common themes. The first set on IPECC was released on 5.2.1978 depicting \"Traditional Costumes\" of both the countries, Second set in the series was issued on 19.8.1983 depicting \"Traditional weaving handicrafts\". The third set consisting of two commemorative postage stamps, each of Rs. 10/-denomination on IPECC is being issued on August 19,1994 on the common theme of \'Pottery\' depicting \'LOMBOK POTTERY\' of Indonesia and \'HALA POTTERY\' of Pakistan.
HALA POTTERY
In Pakistan, arts of pottery and ceramics carry a tradition of thousands of years. The craft of pottery, as evident from archaeological finds was in existence in Sindh during the Indus Valley\' civilization. However, the potter of this region learned their expertise after the Arab conquest and the advent of Islam in Sindh. The potters of Hala were ori9inally migrated from Iran and Mesopotamia. After the advent of Iranian influence in ceramic. ware, during the late 15th and 16th century, the potters of Hala began using Iranian blue with white background. This art has continued to the presently day. Hala, today, retains the specialty of blue and white combination. But, there has been some deviation and the Hala craftsmen have broken away from the monotonous colour of their environment by painting bright blue, yellow and golden flowers.
The earthenware of Sindh varies in form, technique and decoration. The process consists of turning clay in a potter\'s wheel, creating different kinds of shapes. After drying, the craft is painted with specially prepared dyes that would change its hue on baking. Then comes the glazing process. The craft is then baked in traditionally built oven on controlled temperature.
Hala pottery vessels exhibits a great variety of shapes. Amongst them shapes like stands, bowls, goblets, water pitchers, plant pots, dishes, pans, storage jars etc. are very popular. Most of these are wheel made, well fired and plain.
THE POTTERY OF LOMBOK
Lombok, a small island in the province of West Nusa Tenggara, has a unique type of pottery. At the beginning, Lombok pottery comprises only a few basic traditional implements such as jars, jugs, mortars and piggy-banks.
Thanks to some innovators, to-day Lombok pottery has been technically developed. At the same time in compliance with the demands of the customers the design has also been improved.
Lombok pottery is characterized by additional decoration made of plaited rattan and sometimes combined with old coins.
The basic colour of Lombok pottery is black.
To-day\'s Lombok pottery comprising flowers pots, large bowls or ornamental plates has won a reputation as an artistic element in many five star hotels.
The demands for Lombok pottery is increasing, mostly from Japan, Singapore, Belgium, and Canada.

Pioneers Of Freedom (Series)

NAWAB MOHSIN-UL-MULK (1837-1907)
Syed Mehdi Ali, better known by his title Mohsin-ul-Mulk awarded by Nizam of Hyderabad, belonged to a poor Syed family of Etawa, UP (India). He was the son of Mir Zamin All and was born on 9 December, 1837. He did not receive any formal education rather learnt Persian and Arabic at home and later was taught by Maulana lnayat Hussain at Phapund near Etawa. He gave up his studies and became a clerk in the District Revenue office of the East India Company at the tender age of 17 in 1857. He later got promoted as Tehsildar of Etawa in 1861. He thereafter appeared in an open competitive examination in 1867 and became Deputy Collector, Mirzapur and soon proved his acumen as an able administrator.
In 1874 he was picked up by Sir Salar Jang, Prime Minister of Hyderabad State, which he served with distinction for 19 years retiring in 1893. During this period he held the offices of Inspector General of Revenue, Commissioner of Settlement, in Survey Department and Revenue Secretary. He became Finance and Political Secretary in 1884. He also undertook journey to England in 1888 and met the Liberal statesman Gladstone. He was instrumental in replacing Persian by Urdu as the court language. He was awarded by the Nizam of Hyderabad with the title of Muneer Nawaz Jang, Mohsinud-Daula Mohsin-uI-MuIk. After earning his pension in 1893 he settled in Aligarh.
Although in the beginning he was critical of some of the literary work of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan yet, his personal meeting with Sir Syed in 1863 filled him with deep respect for this great person and he became one of his ardent admirers and a chief lieutenant. He played a leading part in furthering the objectives of the Aligarh Movement and contributed scholarly articles on religion, education and morals to Sir Syed’s journal Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq. Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk infused new life into All India Muhammedan Conference\' whose activities he guided and expanded as Secretary from 1896 to 1906. He was also twice elected as its President and made a mark as a gifted speaker at the Conferences. He worked indefatigably and toured different parts of the country to raise funds for the Muhammedan Anglo Oriental (MAO) College. After the death of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Nawab Mohsin-uI-MuIk opted as Secretary of the College and thereby saved it from virtual bankruptcy. The MAO College witnessed an un-paralleled era of educational expansion and cultural activities during his tenure. The crowning achievement of his career was the 35 member All India Muslim Deputation that he organized and which presented the memorandum to the Viceroy Lord Minto at Simla and achieved the grant of separate representation for Muslims in legislative bodies in October, 1906.
He was appointed, alongwith Viqar-ul-Mulk, Joint Secretary of the All India Muslim League at its inaugural Session in Dhaka in 1906. He was a great advocate of Muslim cause in India and ardently opposed Muslims participation in the Indian National Congress.
Nawab Mohsin-uI-MuIk died at Simla on 16 October, 1907.
SIR SHAH NAWAZ BHUTTO (1888-1957)
Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, a politician of great repute, belonged to the landed aristocracy of Sindh and was the son of Ghulam Murtaza Khan Bhutto. He was born in his ancestral village, Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto in Larkana District (Sindh) in 1888.
He got his early education at Sindh Madressah and later at St. Patrick High School at Karachi.
Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto was Member Imperial Legislative Council from 1919 to 1920. He was made Honorary First Class Magistrate, District Larkana in 1921. He was nominated Chairman, Cooperative Bank, District Larkana and President, District Local Board, Larkana in 1921-1934.
He was also Member of the Bombay Legislative Council from 1921 to 1936. He was President Muhammedan Association, Sindh in 1924.
He was a Delegate to the Round Table Conference in London in 1930-1931.
He remained Minister, Local Self Government, Bombay Presidency from 1934 to 1936.
Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto was the President of Sindh Azad Conference and Adviser to Government of Sindh from 1936 to 1937. In the 23rd Session of the All India Muslim League held in Delhi in November, 1933, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto was elected as Vice President of All India Muslim League.
Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto played a key role in the separation of Sindh from Bombay Presidency in 1935-36. He became Member Public Service Com-mission for Bombay & Sindh in 1937 and remained so till 1947. Meanwhile, he became Senior Member, Executive Council, Junagarh State. In 1947, he occupied the most coveted position in Junagarh as its Prime Minister. He was deeply impressed by the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and most successfully led the Pakistan Movement in the State of Junagarh. Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto has left an indelible mark in the history of our freedom movement by advising the Ruler of Junagarh to declare its accession to Pakistan an act of supreme devotion toward the cause of Muslim freedom in the Indo-Pakistan Sub-continent.
After the creation of Pakistan, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto migrated to his dreamland, \'Pakistan and gave to its people and the country two eminent leaders in the person of Shaheed Zulfiqar All Bhutto, his beloved son and Benazir Bhutto his loving grand daughter. He died in November, 1957.
NAWAB VIQAR-UL-MULK (1841-1917)
Mushtaq Hussain, widely known as Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk, was the son of Munshi Fazal Hussain and was born in a Village in Moradabad District, UP (India) in 1841. He got his early education at Amroha. After passing his Entrance Examination in 1859 he joined Roorke Engineering College but left studies un-finished and instead joined as a temporary Assistant Teacher in his hometown. His work in the Moradabad famine brought him to the notice of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, then Sub-Judge at Aligarh, who appointed him as his Reader in 1861. Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk assisted Sir Syed in his educational work in many ways. On Sir Syed\'s transfer to Banaras, Viqar-ul-Mulk worked under Moulvi Samiullah Khan. The two became friends and co-workers for / life. He helped Samiullah Khan in running the elementary school started by the College Foundation Committee Aligarh in 1873 and was a leading member of the Aligarh Scientific Society and an important contributor to Sir Syed Ahmed Khans \'Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq.
On recommendation of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan he joined the Hyderabad State service where he was appointed Inspector of Courts. He also held high appointments there but resigned in 1892. The title of Viqar-ul-Mulk was awarded by Nizam of Hyderabad during his service in Hyderabad State.
Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk settled down in Amroha and became member of the Amroha Municipal Board and remained so up till 1900. He took leading part in the attempt to form a Muslim political organization. He organized a meeting at Lucknow in October 1901 and toured the country to canvas support for the idea and convened a public meeting of Muslims at Saharanpur in July, 1903 at which was formed the \'Muslim Muhammedan Political Association\'.
He was instrumental in drafting \'Muslim Memorial alongwith Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk and Imad-ul-Mulk and was one of the members of the Muslim Delegation that presented the Memorial to the Viceroy at Simla in October 1906. Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk presided over the Inaugural Session of All India Muslim League at Dhaka in December 1906-7. He became Secretary, All India Muslim League from 1907-8 and Member, Central Committee in the First Session at Aligarh in March 1908. He was also Member of Reforms Sub-Committee in the Second Session of the All India Muslim League held in Amritsar in December, 1908. He was elected Vice President of the All India Muslim League in its Third Session in January, 1910 and re-IN elected Vice President in the Seventh Session held at Agra in December, 1913.
Following the death of Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk, he resigned as Secretary of All India Muslim League in 1908 to take over as Secretary of the MAO College and remained so till \'1913 when he resigned due to ill health. He was not in favour of Muslims joining All India Congress. Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk died on 27 January, 1917.
PIR ILAHI BUX (1890-1975)
Pir Ilahi Bux was born at Pir Jo Goth in 1890 in a spiritual family of District Dadu. He was only 9 years of age when his father Pir Nawaz Ali Shah died. He was brought up by his maternal uncle Fir Lal Muhammad. His family was a descendant of Makhdoom Moosa, 5th son of Hazrat Makhdoom Sarwar Nooh Rahmatullah Alaih.
Pir Sahib got his primary education from the Government High School Bhan Syedabad and did his matriculation from Naz High School, Khairpur (Mirs). Thereafter, he went to Aligarh Muslim University for his higher education. He was the first member of his family who received higher education. Deeply moved by the Khilafat Movement, led by Maulana Muhammad Au Jauhar, he soon left Aligarh Muslim University and joined Jamia Millia headed by Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and did his B.A. from there. But this Degree was not recognised by the British Government. He was so deeply motivated by the Khilafat Movement and the struggle for the freedom of the Muslim Ummah that he left his studies and returned to Sindh as a leader of Khilafat Movement.
On the suppression of the Khilafat Movement by the British Government, Pir Sahib was advised by Late Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, the then President, District Local Board, Larkana to go back to Aligarh for completing his studies. He also awarded him scholarship of the District Board for pursuing his educational career. Fir Sahib acceded to the advice of Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto and proceeded to Aligarh Muslim University from where he did his M.A. in History and thereafter obtained his degree in Bachelor of Law. Fir Sahib soon returned to Larkana and started his legal practice.
He also started taking part in politics. He was elected member of Sindh Legislative Assembly in 1937 in the election held under the 1935 Act. He got elected again by defeating influential landlords and zamindars of that time.
He founded the Sindh United Front\' which aimed at separating Sindh from Bombay Province which ultimately contributed significantly toward the establishment of Sindh as a separate Province.
He was inducted in Sindh Cabinet headed by Late Allah Bux Soomro and was given the portfolio of Education. Fir Sahib remained Education Minister for ten years.
Pir Sahib having been deeply inspired by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, soon joined Muslim League and became one of his most trusted Lieutenants. He was an indefatigable fighter for education in Sindh and strived hard to introduce adult education and compulsory primary education in every nook and corner of the province.
Having been deeply committed to the cause of education, he steered Sindh University Act in the Assembly and got it through. Quaid-e-Azam was deeply moved by this act of Pir Illahi Bux and personally donated Rs. 150,00OI-towards the University at that time.
Pir Sahib was one of the pioneers of S.M. College and remained as the President of Sindh Madressah Board for years together.
In 1948 he was nominated the Chief Minister of Sindh Province by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad All Jinnah. Pir Sahib was always proud to have been nominated as the Chief Minister of Sindh by no less than the Quaid-e-Azam himself. He was also the founder of Karachi University and was the prime mover of the establishment of Urdu College, Karachi.
He was deeply perturbed over the mass influx of refugees from India during the early period of the establishment of Pakistan and initiated a number of moves for the settlement of refugees in Sindh. He established the famous Pir Illahi Bux Colony in Karachi toward the end in 1948.
He was also instrumental in inviting eminent educationists from Aligarh Muslim University, his alma mater, to serve the Muslims of Pakistan by appointed them in the Sindh University. One of such personalities was Professor A.B.A. Haleem from the Aligarh Muslim University, who was appointed by him as the first Vice Chancellor of Sindh University. Pir Illahi Bux died on October 8, 1975.
SIR SHEIKH ABDUL QADIR (1874-1 950)
Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir was the son of Sheikh Fatehuddin of Kasur. He was born at Kasur (Punjab) in 1874. He got his education from Forman Christian College, Lahore and did his B.A. from there in 1894. He went to England \'for higher studies and stayed there from 1904 to 1907.
He did his Bar-at-Law from Lincoln\'s Inn in 1904.
Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir started his career as a journalist and became the Editor of \'The Observer\' (English weekly) from 1888 to 1904 and \'Makhzan\' monthly (Urdu) from 1901 to 1911, both from Lahore. Sheikh Abdul Qadir soon emerged as an eminent man of letters. He retained his devotion to Urdu during many years of his varied public activities as lawyer, politician, judge and administrator. He has a number of books to his credit. He practiced in Delhi for 2 years and was later appointed Public Prosecutor at Lyallpur (now Faisalabad), Punjab in 1919-20.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir was elected Member Punjab Legislative Council in 1923.He remained Deputy President, Punjab Legislative Council in 1924. He became the first elected President of the Council in January, 1925 by defeating Gokul Chand Narang by a wide margin of votes. He was later nominated non-official Member, Punjab Legislative Council.
Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir resigned from the President-ship of the Council to a as Minister of Education, Punjab. He was Member of the Committee of Enquiry to examine the Jail Administration in Punjab. He was deputed as a full Delegate to represent India at the Seventh Assembly of League of Nations in Geneva in 1926. He acted as Revenue Member of the Punjab Executive Council in 1927 and Member Public Service Commission in 1929. He became Additional Judge, Lahore High Court on 20 February, 1934 and Member, Council of the Secretary of State for India in July, 1934.
Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir was appointed Adviser to the Secretary of State for India from 1937 to 1939. He also briefly officiated as Law Member, Government of India in the later period of 1939.
He was elected Member of the International Committee for Intellectual Cooperation, Geneva in 1939 and remained Chief Justice, Bahawalpur State from 1940 to 1943.
He started his political career by initially joining the Unionist Party but S00I left it to join the Muslim League. He attended all its Annual Sessions right from its early days and actively participated in its deliberations. He was Member of the various Committees set up by the All India Muslim League He was elected President of the All India Muslim League in its Delhi Session held from 29 to 31 December, 1926.
Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir was a great advocate of education for the Muslims of India and ardently pleaded for the introduction of Constitutional Reforms to better the lots of the Muslims of India. He ardently supported separate electorate for Muslims to enable them to become a forceful and viable entity in India. He pleaded fervently for a fair share for Muslims in services.
He was Chairman, Anjuman-i-Himayat-i-Islam Lahore for many years-the Anjuman being, after the Muslim Educational Conference, the most important All India Muslim Organisation. He was also Member Kamal Yar Jang Educational Committee in 1940 which addressed itself to the Muslin-education in India. He died in February, 1950.
DR. SIR ZIAUDDIN AHMED (1878-1947)
Dr. Sir Ziauddin Ahmed was a great mathematician, an accomplished educationist, a capable administrator and a great politician. He was the son of Hafiz Muinuddin, an employee in the District Collectorate and related to Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk. He was born in Meerut in 1878. He was a brilliant ~ student at MAO College, Aligarh from where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1895. Deeply impressed by his acumen and intellect he was recommended by Principal Theodors Morison for nomination as Deputy Collector, but he gracefully declined the offer and instead got a job as a teacher of Mathematics in his college in July, 1895.
Dr. Sir Ziauddin Ahmed simultaneously continued his studies. He did M.A. in Mathematics from Calcutta University, and D.Sc. from Allahabad University in 1901 and thereafter proceeded to Trinity College, Cambridge (1901-1903) and studied in Cambridge for specialisation in the study of Arab contribution to astronomy. He was also made member of the Mathematical Society of London and Fellow of Royal Astronomical Society in 1904. He got his Ph.D. from Goettingen University in Germany in 1905. He studied modern geometry in Bologne University, Italy. He also studied in Sorbornne (Paris) and Al-Azhar, Cairo.
Dr. Ziauddin returned to his teaching post in Aligarh in December, 1906. He devoted himself passionately to the affairs of the college and became a Professor of Mathematics. Later he became the Principal of MAO College. He was the Secretary, \'Muslim University Foundation Committee\' to draft the constitution of the University in 1916. When the MAO College was turned into Aligarh Muslim University in 1920, he became its first Pro Vice Chancellor. He was member of deputation to submit grievances of Muslim regarding their backwardness in education to the U.P. Government on 14th August, 1924. He was President, \'Provincial Muslim Educational Conference\', Pilibhit in 1926. He was also the President of \'All India Educational Conference\', Lahore in 1933. He also attended the Lucknow Conference on Muslim Education, February 1934. In 1935 he became the Vice Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University for two terms. In 1946, he became the Rector of Aligarh Muslim University.
Dr. Sir Ziauddin was one of the founding members of All India Muslim \'League and remained its member till the end. He attended the Annual Sessions of the All India Muslim League and actively participated in its ~ deliberations. He was Member of the U.P. Legislative Council from 1924 to 1926. He was Member of the Central Legislative Assembly from 1931 to 1935. As Member of the Legislative Assembly of India, when Quaid-e-Azam formed the Muslim League Parliamentary Party, Dr. Ziauddin was chosen to be its Secretary. So, in the field of education on the one hand and the Muslim political emancipation on the other, he, as a true lieutenant of Quaid-e-Azam, played in the renaissance of the Muslims of India. He was re-elected in 1935 and again, on Muslim League ticket in 1946.
Sir Ziauddin died in December, 1947 in London where he had gone with the scheme of setting up a Medical College in the Aligarh Muslim University.
JAM MIR GHULAM QADIR KHAN (1920-1988)
Jam Mir Ghulam Qadir Khan was born in 1920 at Bela, District Lasbella (Balochistan). He was the son of Jam Ghulam Muhammad Khan, ruler o Lasbella State. Due to extreme illness of his mother, he was brought up by a noble lady of Ronja tribe, Hajiani Aami. This upbringing in the family of common people and away from princely luxuries left a deep mark on his character which remained manifest for the love of the common man al along his life. His father was extremely conscious of imparting proper education to his princely son. He was initially sent to Sindh Madresah-tul-Islam, Karachi and thereafter he was sent to Aitchison College, Lahore where he did his Senior Cambridge.
His considerably long stay in Lahore with varied experience widened his knowledge and exposed him to the political currents of his time which helped him a lot in his later years.
Deeply inspired and moved by the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his ceaseless struggle for freedom of the Muslim Ummah from the twin clutches of the Hindus and the British Raj in India, Jam Ghulam Qadir was one of the first princely rulers to announce accession of his State Lasbella to Pakistan in 1947.
In 1948, he was elected. Member of the Pakistan Constituent Assembly and remained so till the dissolution of the Assembly. He was again elected Member of the West Pakistan Legislative Assembly in 1954. He was subsequently appointed Cabinet Minister for Auqaf and Prisons in the then West Pakistan Government. Again in 1962 he was elected member of the National Assembly on the Pakistan Muslim League ticket. He was once again appointed Minister in the West Pakistan Cabinet.
He also acted President of Pakistan Muslim League, Karachi and Lasbella. He was elected Member of Provincial Assembly, Balochistan in 1970. In April, 1973 he assumed the office of the Chief Minister of Balochistan. On the imposition of Governors Rule in Balochistan in 1976, he was appointed as the Chief Adviser to the Government of Balochistan with the status of the Chief Minister. He also held the post of Speaker, Provincial Assembly, Balochistan in 1976-77. From July, 1977 till 1985 he remained Member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament). After 1985 elections he again became the Chief Minister of Balochistan and remained so till 1988.
In the summer of 1988, Jam Ghulam Qadir proceeded to America. On his return he fell ill and died in London on the 10th December, 1988 due to heart attack.
SARDAR AURANGZEB KHAN (1899-1953)
Sardar Aurangzeb Khan was born in 1899 at Kulachi, District Dera Ismail Khan, in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP). He was the son of Mohammad Ayyaz Khan and belonged to a renowned Pathan tribe “Ghandapur”. After completing his early education at Kulachi he passed his secondary school examination from Mission High School, Dera Ismail Khan.
Deeply impressed by the services of Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qaiyum Khan toward the cause of education of the Muslims of the lndo-Pakistan sub-continent, he settled in Peshawar and under the active patronage and guidance of Sir Sahibzada he passed his B.A. examination from Mission College, Peshawar with distinction and got admission in Aligarh Muslim University and earned Bachelor of Law degree. He was President of the Muslim Students Union and was awarded the title of Best Student of the College. On completion of his studies at the Aligarh Muslim University he returned to Peshawar to practice law in the courts.
He participated in Round Table Conference as Personal Secretary to Sahibzada Abdul Qaiyum. In 1937, he joined the Muslim League and was elected as Member Legislative Assembly in the same year. He was Opposition Leader in the NWFP Congress Government. In 1943, Muslim League Government was formed in the NWFP Province and Sardar Aurangzeb became its Chief Minister, being Leader of the House. The Muslim League Government continued till the year 1945. He became Vice President of the Muslim League in NWFP after the creation of Pakistan in 1947. He was one of the founding members of the Muslim League in NWFP. He was appointed as Ambassador of Pakistan to Burma where he served till his death in 1953.
To commemorate the Pioneers of Freedom (Series) Pakistan Postal Services Corporation is issuing a set of eight commemorative postage stamps of Re. 1/- each denomination on August 14, 1994.

World Population Day

Today we are living in a world of 5.6 billion people. By 2000 another 0.6 billion will be added. A little over 11 years from now 6.7 billion people will inhabit the earth. Population may not level off until its growth is checked in the developing countries.
The fastest growth is often in the least developed countries -those least equipped to sustain increasing demands for food, clean water, health care, housing, education and other necessities.
Many of the bigger cities are growing twice as fast as the rest of the World Population. They are becoming a threat to the health, environment, socio-economic development.
Poverty, population growth and environmental destruction mean more pressure for migration.
- 1.2 billion people live in absolute poverty.
- The 1990s will see the largest increase in the population of developing countries of any decade of history.
- Poverty and population growth combine for environmental degradation.
Pakistan - a developing and one of the most populated country ranks at No.8 in respect of population. With 16.6 million population in 1901, it reached 32.5 million at the time of independence in 1947. Today it is estimated that the population of Pakistan has risen to the tune of 126 million. During the same period, 1901 -1994, the world population grew two times, the population of developing countries increased four times and the population of Pakistan seven times.
If the population continues to grow at the same rate, it will reach 150 million mark by the year 2000. This means that the population of Pakistan will increase nine folds during the current century (1901-2000) as compared to the population of other developing countries which will increase six folds.
The improved health facilities in Pakistan have resulted in steep decline of death rate over the last 80 years while the birth rate has remained largely un-changed.
The total fertility rate in Pakistan is about 5.9, which means that on an average each woman has six children during her reproductive life span. This rate is among the highest in the world, however, death rate has declined quite dramatically during this century largely due to the introduction of modern anti-biotic, the success of public health and sanitation programmes.
The difference between the birth and death rate is the rate of natural increase. In the beginning of the century, the population of areas, now comprising Pakistan, was growing at less than one percent per year. Since the birth rate has remained high, while the death rate has declined, the rate of growth of population increased to about 3% per year. It is estimated at 2.9 percent today. It is quite obvious that if the birth rate remains high while the death rate continues to decline, the growth rate of population would remain higher.
As a result of rapid growth, the population of Pakistan is now composed primarily of young people. In Pakistan, more than 41 % of population is under the ages of 15 and 55% of the population is between the ages of 15 and 64.
Presently, due to over population, Pakistan is facing a lot of problems like poverty, illiteracy, un-employment, lack of housing, health and educational facilities. The situation is driving people to frustration, violence and drug addiction.
Realising the importance of this universal problem, the United Nations has declared July 11, to be observed every year as the World Population Day - a day set aside to reflect on issues of tremendous importance which affect everyone living on this planet.
Accessible family planning service is needed more than ever before to slow down the population growth and meet the reproductive needs of the people.
It is time we realise the importance of the problem and respond to it by making every one realize that the goals peoples welfare and well being shall remain elusive without population planning.
(Contributed by: Ministry of Population Welfare, Government of Pakistan. Demographic details by: National Institute of Population Studies (NIPS), Islamabad)
To focus world attention on the alarming growth of population, Pakistan Post is issuing a special postage stamp of Rs. 7/-denomination on \"World Population Day\" on July 11, 1994.

International Year of The Family 1994

The family constitutes the basic unit of society and therefore warrants special attention. The widest possible protection and assistance should be accorded to families so that they may fully assume their responsibilities within the community. Families assume diverse forms and functions from one country to another, and within each national society.
These express the diversity of individual preferences and societal conditions. Consequently, the International Year of the Family (IYF) encompasses and addresses the needs of all families.
In United Nations instruments, the family is referred to as the basic unit of society; it is appreciated for the important socio- economic functions that it performs. In spite of the many changes in society that have altered its role and functions, it continues to provide the natural framework for the emotional, financial and material support essential to the growth and development of its members, particularly infants and children and for the care of other dependents, including the elderly, disabled and infirm. In the broader sense, it can, and does, educate, train, motivate and support its individual members, thereby investing in their future growth and acting as vital resources for development.
The family remains a vital means of preserving and transmitting cultural values: however, efforts to preserve the best of the past may be seen also as perpetuating attitudes that have, at times, worked to the detriment of society and some family members, notably women. In the context of social change, families must also become the medium for promoting new values and behaviour consistent with the rights of individual family members, as established by various United Nations Instruments.
Nevertheless, changes in social structure, in part a result of economic modernization and the ensuring pressures of development, have in many societies changed the nature of what is considered a family. With economic development and the spread of new forms of economic activity, family-based subsistence labour is, to a large extent, being replaced by work for wages, specialization of labour and concentration of activities in a workplace which is removed from the home. Improvements in communication, transportation and access to information have allowed individuals increased contact with ideas and behavioral norms beyond their traditional spheres. Formal education has also introduced many new concepts. Greater number of people, in both urban and rural areas, are becoming more aware of opportunities for different lifestyles and are also more likely to make individual decisions without the approval of extended family members. Although not universal, there has been a general trend towards reduced family size and increased emphasis on the \"nuclear family\".
The objectives of the International year of the Family are to stimulate local, national and international actions as part of sustained long-term efforts to:
a) Increase awareness of family issues among Governments as well as in the private sector. IYF would serve to highlight the importance of families; increase a better understanding of their functions and problems; promote knowledge of the economic, social and demographic processes affecting families and their members; and focus attention upon the rights and responsibilities of all family members;
b) Strengthen national institutions to formulate, implement and monitor policies in respect of families.
c) Stimulate efforts to respond to problems affecting, and affected by the situation of families.
d) Enhance the effectiveness of local, regional and national efforts to carry out specific programmes concerning families by generating new activities and strengthening existing ones;
e) Improve the collaboration among national and international non-governmental organizations in support of multi-sectoral activities; and
f) Build upon the results of international activities concerning women, children, youth, the aged and the disabled, as well as other major events of concern to family or its individual members.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 7/- denomination on May 15,1994.

Eve of Bio-Diversity Day

The world\'s biological diversity (estimated at 5 to 30 million species of which only 1.5 million have been identified) is valuable for ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic reasons. This diversity is important for evolution and for maintaining the life sustaining systems of the biosphere. The conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity are of critical importance to meet the food, health and other needs of the growing world population.
However, the diversity of the world\'s plant and animal species is under threat. Species become extinct through natural selection and other natural causes, but man\'s intervention has accounted for or put at risk many more. This is partly the result of over- hunting, poaching and illegal trade and partly through agricultural and industrial development. Conversation is necessary to maintain sources of food, medicine-half of all medicines are derived from plants-and materials for the survival of mankind.
The world\'s economic resources are limited, and establishing priorities for conservation must take into account the benefits accruing nationally, regionally and globally from conversation and sustainable development. Substantial investments are required to conserve biological diversity, but they will pay-off with a broad range of environmental, economic and social benefits.
The world needs to conserve biological diversity and make sustainable use of its components in a fair and equitable way. Sustainable use means the use of natural resources in a manner and at a rate that dose not lead to a reductional of biological diversity in the long run. Concern over biological diversity extends not only to the diversity of species, but also to that of genetic material i.e. plants, animals, or microbial or other material containing functional units of heredity, and to ecosystems, i.e. groupings of living and non-living material that act as a unit.
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), commonly known as Earth Summit, was held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 which brought together Heads of State and government officials from around the globe together will delegates form United Nations agencies, international organisations and many representatives from non-governmental organisations. Pakistan also attended the Conference as leader of the G-77 and produced a report entitled \"Pakistan National Report to UNCED 1992\". The outcome of the Conference was the adoption of the following three documents:
- Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. Its 27 principles the define the rights and responsibilities of nations as they pursue human development and well-being,
- Agenda 21: a blue print on how to make development socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.
- A statement of principles to guide the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests, which are essential to economic development and the maintenance of all form of life.
Two major international Conventions viz Framework Convention on Climate Change and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) were signed by most governments, including Pakistan. Nations that ratify the Convention on Biological Diversity are required to identify the components of biological diversity important for conservation and sustainable use, develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and make conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity part of planning and policy-making. Many indigenous and local communities are almost exclusively dependent on biological resources as a means of subsistence. Nations should make use of their traditional knowledge of conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity by involving them in policy formulation and implementation of projects.
The Convention on Biological Diversity has entered into force on 29th December 1993 as the requisite number of parties (30) have ratified it. The Government of Pakistan also recognizes the importance of the conservation of Biological Diversity and its sustainable utilization.
Pakistan Postal Services Corporation in collaboration with the Environment and Urban Affairs Division, Ministry of Food & Agriculture (National Council for Conservation of Wildlife, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council) and World Wide Fund for Nature, Pakistan (WWFP) is issuing commemorative stamps on the following four components of bio-diversity.
(I) Brown bear
(ii) Masher -fish
(iii) Ratan jot
(iv) Wetlands
Each stamp possesses the slogan \'Preserve bio-diversity for sustainable utilization\".
(i) HIMALAYAN BROWN BEAR
(Ursus arctos Linnacus, 1758 Common name-Brown Bear)
Himalayan brown bears are variable in colour and generally appear a sandy or reddish-brown form a distance. The ears are small and rounded and the lips are noticeably protrusible and mobli. They feed on insects, small crustaceans, alpine bulbs and roots of plants, shoots of young grasses, domestic goats, sheep and voles (Alticola species). The cubs climb pyrus trees to feed on berries. They are nocturnal and their sense of smell is acutely developed and believed to be their principal means of finding food. Adult bear normally goes into hibernation at the and of October and emerges around the following March or April. The females give birth to cubs during their winter hibernation. The gestation period is form 180-250 days.
Females are believed to breed first at the age of five years.
The Himalayan brown bear is generally restricted to alpine meadow and sub-alpine scrub zones above the tree-line though it will descend to remoter side valleys or ravines with stunted juniper and birch (Betuala utilis) forest in search of succulent food plants. In Pakistan this bear occurs very sparsely in the higher mountain ranges. Yarkun Valleys of Chitral, lower slopes of Nanga Parbat and Astor, Swat, Indus Kohistan, Gilgit. In Baltistan it occurs in the lower Deosai plateau region. The brown bear is uncommon in Pakistan and is considered rare.
International trade in these bears, or their parts, is banned under the Convention on trade in Endangered Species of wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Provincial Wildlife laws ban the bunting, killing and capture of the bear in Pakistan.
(ii) MAHSEER FISH (TOR PUTITORA)
Mahseer is an important fish of hilly areas which occurs in cold waters of rivers and streams. it is commonly known as Mahseer. Its body is of long and is somewhat compressed. Head is broadly pointed and mouth is small. Two pairs of barbells are present and colour is greenish above, light pink on sides with a broad purplish lateral band above the lateral line. Fins are usually grayish green. It is found in clear and cold waters of rivers, streams of hilly regions and plains. Feeds on insects and aquatic vegetation. It can be cultivated in mountainous lakes, ponds and river. Flesh is good and tasty. It breeds from April to September in rocky waters and occurs throughout the mountain and sub-mountain regions of Pakistan and provides an excellent game to anglers.
(iii) RATAN JOT (Geranium Walliachianum)
A pretty perennial plant which grows in temperate and sub-alpine regions of Himalaya. Very common ir~ forests undergrowth and shady places on grassy slopes in Chitral, Dir, Kurram, Swat, Kaghan, Hazara, Gilgit, Kashmir and Murree hills. The stout root stock Produces profusely branched stem, 40-50 cm tall, plant are finely hairy. The leaves are long stalked and deeply 5-lobed are coarsely toothed. Large, conspicuous, paired stipules at the base of leaves distinguish it form other species. Mauve to purplish- blue flowers with prominent darker streaks are borne in pairs. Sometimes white flowered forms are also found.
Rootstock is a strong astringent used externally and internationally, especially in toothache and eye troubles. Also used as a tonic for debility and a tonic dyspepsia. Root stock is commercially harvested in the country for Ayurvedic preparations.
(iv) WETLANDS
Although predominantly arid and-semi-arid, Pakistan possesses a great variety of wetlands distributed almost throughout the country, from the coastal mangroves and mudflats on the Indus Delta to the glacial lakes of the high Himalayas. Over the past sixty years, many of Pakistan\'s natural wetlands have disappeared as a result of irrigation and drainage projects aimed at providing more land for food production and housing. Several new lakes and marshes have, however, been created upstream of dams and barrages on many of the major rivers. Other wetlands have been created as a result of faulty drainage systems and over spill from irrigation canals, and several of these now provide excellent habitat for waterfowl. Nine wetlands of international wetlands have been designated under the Ramsar Convention, 17 more wetlands have been identified for inclusion in the list so that they may get more attention to improve their status. Pollution is becoming a serious problem in many parts of the river system in Pakistan, as the volume of industrial effluents, domestic sewage and pesticides entering the rivers increases.
As far as Pakistan\'s wetland fauna and flora are concerned, man\'s extensive manipulation of the water resources of the Indus Basin has to date resulted in both gains and losses. Ways will have to be found to minimize the adverse environmental impacts of the new drainage and irrigation schemes, pollution of the nation\'s water-ways will have to be brought under control, and a major effort will have to be made to rehabilitates the mangrove ecosystem of the Indus Delta as far as possible. For the native conservation bodies, the priority will be to ensure that sufficient representative examples of Pakistan\'s Wetland ecosystems are adequately protected and managed in the nation\'s system of protected areas, so that the full diversity of Pakistan\'s wetland fauna and flora can be maintained.
(Contributed by: Environment Affairs Division, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad)
To mark the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a set of four commemorative postage stamps in Se-tenant of Rs. 6/- denomination each on April 20, 1994.

75th Anniversary of International Labour Organization (ILO) - (1919- 1994)

The International Labour Organisation was set up in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles to bring governments, employers and trade unions together for united action in the cause of social justice and better living conditions everywhere. It is a tripartite organisation, with worker and employer representatives taking part in its work on equal status with these of governments.
Towards the end of the First World War a new opportunity for positive action arose. At the request of trade unions in several countries, the peace Conference of 1919 set up a Labour Commission. After ten weeks of work the Labour Commission agreed on a document which on 11 April 1919 became Part XIII of the Treaty of Versailles. With amendments, it remains to this day the charter under which the ILO works. In its preamble the ILO Constitution declares that universal and lasting peace can be founded only on the basis of social justice.
In 1944 the International Labour Conference, meeting in Philadelphia, USA, adopted the Declaration of Philadelphia, which redefined the aims and purposes of the Organization. The Declaration which remains a guiding consideration in all ILO work, embodies the following principles:
* all human beings, irrespective of race, creed or sex, have the right to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual development in conditions of freedom and dignity, of economic security and equal opportunity.
* the attainment of the conditions in which this shall be possible must constitute the central aim of national and international policy.
* all national and international policies and measures, in particular those of an economic and financial character, should be judged in this light and accepted only in so far as they may be held to promote and not to hinder the achievement of this fundamental objective.
* it is the responsibility of the International Labour Organisation to examine and consider all international economic and financial policies and measures in the light of this fundamental objective.
In 1969 the ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The ILO is composed of a General Assembly, the International Labour Conference, which meets every year, an Executive Council, the Governing Body, and a permanent Secretariat. Pakistan became a member of the ILO in 1947 and has been ever since actively associated with its programmes and activities.
Nominees of the Government of Pakistan as well as of workers\' and employers\' organisations participate on a regular basis in international meetings, training courses, seminars and workshops organised by the ILO.
Between 1919 and 1993, 174 Conventions and 181 Recommendations have been adopted. They cover matters such as basic human rights (freedom of association, abolition of forced labour, elimination of discrimination in employment), training, occupational safety and health, labour administration, industrial relations, employment of women, employment of children, and employment of special categories such as workers or seafarers. Pakistan has so far ratified 30 Conventions and accepted 18 Recommendations, It is presently considering the ratification of other Conventions.
Technical co-operation is concentrated in the following major areas:
employment and development; training; entrepreneur ship, productivity and management; safety and health, condition of work and the working environment; social security; industrial relation (including labour administration); and workers\' and employers\' activities. Studies, research, new subjects.
The standard-setting activities of the ILO and its technical co- operation activities complement one another and are inseparable from its research and publishing work. ILO research is intended to throw new light on labour problems, to suggest ways of solving them and to indicate means by which these solutions can be put into effect. Such research is undertaken in the preparation of reports for consideration by the lnternational Labour Conference and for other meetings. Many studies and research projects are related to activities in the filed.
(Contributed by Labour, manpower and Overseas Pakistanis Division).
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 7/- denomination on April 11, 1994.