20 Years of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad

THE BIRTH OF THE UNIVERSITY
In 1974 under an Act of Parliament, it was for the first time that in this part of the Region, a distance teaching educational institution with the name of Peoples Open University was established in Pakistan.
In 1977 on the occasion of the Centenary celebrations of the birth of great national poet, Allama Muhammad lqbal, University\'s name was changed from Peoples Open University to Allama lqbal Open University. It was only after the establishment of this kind of University in Pakistan that similar Open Universities were opened in many other countries of the South Asian Region.
Now with a passage of 20 years of its existence, the Allama Iqbal Open University is celebrating its 20th Anniversary to mark a point in its life where it has almost passed its teenage and has now proudly entered into its age of maturity. This occasion also signifies the will and commitment of all those who conceived this idea, were the pioneers of this institution, have worked for is promotion in the past and include several hundred thousand students who were able to educate themselves while being at their own homes and places of work for making this University a real centre of excellence.
PHILOSOPHY \'OPENNESS\'
Significance of Allama Iqbal Open University - an institution of its own kind - lies in its philosophical concept of \'OPENNESS\'. While students come to study at conventional Universities, under the open learning system, Allama lqbal Open University herself goes to the students.
This distinction of the AIOU to reach her students in their own homes and places of work through present day use of technology in education (mutual reinforcement of correspondence text with appropriate mass media mixed) symbolically expresses University\'s openness so that it is, in this sense, a University without walls.
OBJECTIVES
The need for establishing a distance educational institution was left with the purpose to:
- provide facilities to people who cannot leave their homes and job places;
- provide such facilities to the masses for their educational uplift;
- provide facilities for the training of teachers; and
- to provide education to all irrespective of the age.
REGIONAL OFFICES
The University has its 3 Regional Offices throughout the country.
TEACHING SYSTEM, METHODS AND TECHNIQUES
The AIOU is primarily a distance teaching institution, using multi-media techniques. The main components of its teaching system are:
- Correspondence packages, which include self-learning printed texts and supplementary study material.
- Radio and television broadcasts specially prepared for distance learners.
- Tutorial instruction through correspondence and face to face learning at study centres, where possible, with workshops where appropriate.
- Course assignments as an instrument of teaching and continuous assessment.
SYSTEM OUTCOME
The system has been able to produce hundreds of short and long term courses catering to the needs of thousands of students everywhere in the country. Student enrolment and number of courses in increasing every year and with its own limited resources the AIOU has been able to cope with this increasing demand of its learners. Today the University has an annual enrolment of 662452 students. In general education, the University offers courses at Literacy, Matric, Intermediate and BA/B.Sc. level. Courses are also offered at MA/M.Sc. and M. Phil level. Hundreds of self text books have been developed by the University. Specially developed \'READERS\' meant for MA/M.Sc students are recent additions. Many other courses like Women Policing, Environmental Studies, Open Tech, Mining and Energy are being developed and would be offered soon. Not only the AIOU students are using these learning packages, which include audio-video lessons with detailed Study Guides, but many other students of the formal system are benefiting from these also. Those who graduate from this University are themselves establishing their own worth in the Market. What perhaps is most important is the fact that the system is viable, cost-effective and above all it works and works well.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 1 .25 denomination on December 16, 1995.

National Water Sports Gala Karachi-95

Pakistan has nature\'s abundant gift of rich sea shores and profuse rivers stretching from the valleys of Attock to the plains of Sindh. There is evidence that riverine communication was once a popular activity in this region in the early days of Indus civilization dating back to 5000 BC. However, since Independence, owing to lack of awareness, water sports have remained obscure in Pakistan.
The riverine culture along the Indus is rich and unique, but unfortunately, hardly noticeable by virtue of its remote existence. The Mancher Lake, for instance, provides abode to more than one lac inhabitants who live on boats still carrying the traditions and customs of the fishermen of the earliest known civilization. Pressing need was therefore always felt to organise an event to identify the importance of developing water sports and preserving riverine culture in the country.
The basic purpose of holding this Gala is to promote water sports and give countrywide exposure to marine and riverine culture of various regions. The diversified exhibitions during the Gala would not only provide public entertainment, but will also identify the inconspicuous potential of modern water sport in Pakistan.
The Gala will be held from 14 to 16December95 at the Marina Club, Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, under the auspices of the Pakistan Navy.
A Sea Food Festival will also be organised for the duration of the Gala. Traditional seafood vendors will be invited for displaying the preparation, cooking and serving of exotic sea foods and authentic cuisine of various regions.
(Contributed by the Pakistan Navy)
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a set of four commemorative postage stamps of Rs. 1. 25 value each on December 14,1995.

First Decade of Saarc 1985-1995

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in 1985, so that member of. South Asian could work together towards finding solutions to their common problems in a spirit of friendship, trust and understanding and also to create an order based on mutual respect, equality and shared benefits. It comprises on Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The main objective of the Association is to accelerate the process of economic social development in the member states through a joint action in the agreed areas of cooperation.
The institutional structure of the SAARC consists on Summit which is the higher authority of the Association. So far 8 SAARC Summits have been held and the recent one was held in New Delhi on 2-4 May, 1995. During this Summit it was decided that the First Decade of SAARC will be celebrated by the Member States. A number of activities/programmes were approved for the commemoration of 10th Anniversary of SAARC, which includes National Activities as well as SAARC Activities with participation of other Member States. Issuance of Postage Stamps was one of the activity, approved by the Council of Ministers Meeting, which is second highest authority in the SAARC.
SAARC is Regional Organization with tremendous resources and vast opportunities in various fields. Signing of SAPTA Agreement in 1993 which has been ratified by all Member States which is a manifestation of their comments on liberalization of trade in the Region. The SAARC Member States have also signed a number of Conventions such as Suppression of Terrorism and Drug Control Abuse etc. Four Regional Centres have also been established which are working for the betterment of the people of the region. SAARC is also planning to have cooperation in variety of areas. Experts are engaged to identify those areas and make recommendations for such a cooperation.
(Contributed by: SAARC Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad)
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 1.25 denomination on December 8, 1995.

International Conference of Writers & Intellectuals, Islamabad - Nov. 30 - Dec. 3,1995

An International Conference on Literature, Culture and Democracy will be held in Islamabad in November 30 -December 3, 1995 under the auspices of the National Commission on History and Culture to exchange views on the way these crucial aspects of humanity influence one another.
Particular emphasize will be given to the contribution of Literature and Culture in restoring and strengthening the democratic institutions. It will be attended by delegates from all over the world.
Democracy is backbone of any society that claims to be civilized. Whereas there is a long history of the struggle in evolving meaningful democratic institutions in some of the Western countries, the development of such institutions in the Third World countries is a recent phenomenon and by no means could be considered as embodying the essential ingredients of democracy.
However, within a comparatively short period, the countries like Pakistan have indeed achieved commendable strides in strengthening the foundations of democracy. In this regard, the contribution of our literature and culture has been considerable. This struggle dates back to the colonial times when a culture of resistance emerged defying the British onslaught on indigenous institutions. This culture gave birth to new forms of literature which though influenced by our contact with the western literacy works, yet had an unmistakable impact of yearning for freedom and democracy. Our journey towards freedom would not have been easy without the consciousness created by our writers, poets, short-story writers and novelists.
Similarly, during the post-independence period, various attempts to undermine the democratic institutions were challenged by our literary figures which sought expression in different political movements aimed at restoring democracy.
Since literature mirrors the aspirations of the society as well as resentments against imposed socio-political systems, it essentially assumes the role of a mouthpiece for cultural manifestations. Democracy embodies these aspirations and creates an environment for wider participation of the people in their social, cultural and economic growth, therefore this triangle of democracy, culture and literature represents not only the ultimate triumph of the people but also in the event of a crisis strengthens one another.
It is hoped that the delegates will reflect on this crucial relationship between societies and their political institutions which invariably reflect their literary and cultural genius.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 1.25 value on November 30, 1995.

Over 80 Years of Women\'s Education Kinnaird College For Women, Lahore - Established 1913

In these simple but inspiring words lies the quintessence of Kinnaird, the oldest and most distinguished women\'s college of Pakistan. Kinnaird, is an institution of learning where a unique blend of education and values has continued to flourish for well over eighty years. Kinnaird\'s beginnings were humble and simple. In its early years, at the start of the present century it was housed near the Kinnaird High School, Lahore. Here, Intermediate classes began in 1913 followed by B.A. classes four years later. But even at that early stage Kinnaird sensed that it needed more room to grow and so the college moved to Lake Road in 1926. In a few years Kinnaird moved again. In 1933 land was acquired near Lahore\'s famous canal and new buildings were constructed to house the streaming number of girls who flocked to this institution. By 1939, the 20 acre campus was humming with activity. In 1972 Kinnaird was nationalized. Since then it has been run by Dr. Mira Phailbus who has succeeded in maintaining Kinnaird \'s traditions and in expanding the facilities and educational options for its students. Today, Kinnaird ranks as the country\'s premier institution where over 1800 students are enrolled. Kinnaird is affiliated with the University of the Punjab and the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education. It also conducts classes leading to a Masters Degree in English Literature and an English Teaching Diploma for graduation.
Kinnaird has always been an institution of special significance. It is more than a college, a community enriched by the spirit of inquiry that it kindles in students and a dedication to the higher values of education and culture that is reflected in almost 100 teachers who comprise its staff. Young students at Kinnaird are taught to acquire knowledge not merely for itself but to explore every avenue so that their personalities can bloom fully. The teachers thus encourage a spirit of inquiry, research and participation in their students. Above all, students who enter Kinnaird can conquer the challenges of the 21st century. Kinnaird makes this transition possible because it produces women who are individuals in their own right, who quickly begin to display intelligence, competence, flexibility, maturity and a sense of responsibility, both to their academic pursuits as well as to their overall personality development. The graduates of Kinnaird continue to make a major contribution to the civic life of Pakistan and to the many communities abroad where they tend to excel by virtue of special grounding at Kinnaird.
In the face of declining educational and discipline standards that have unfortunately characterized our country, the responsibility of continuing to maintain standards of excellence as follow on Kinnaird, but it has met this challenge with custom-ary meal and spirit. Its academic records have continued to soar higher and higher, but perhaps more than that, it has maintained ethical standards that it set for itself many years ago. Today with the world on the threshold of a new age and a new century, Kinnaird can take stock of its great past, vibrant present and a bold future for the women of Pakistan without whose education and participation, Pakistan cannot flourish. Each new generation of students that walks through its gates is expected to memories and practice the college oath.
\"I pledge to live up to the trust placed in me; to willingly and conscientiously fulfill my responsibilities; to work with integrity and loyalty; to be rather than to seem” To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 1.25 on November 3,1995.

50th Anniversary of The Founding of United Nations

The name \"United Nations\" was devised by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was first used in the \"Declaration by United Nations\" of 1 January 1942, during the Second World War, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their Governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers.
The United Nations Charter was drawn up by the representatives of 50 countries at the United Nations Conference on International Organization, which met at San Francisco from April 25 to June 26, 1945. Those delegates deliberated on the basis of proposals worked out by the representatives of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States at Dumbarton Oaks in August-October 1944. The Charter was signed on June 26,1945 by the representatives of the 50 countries; Poland, not represented at the Conference, signed it later and became one of the original 51 Member States.
The United Nations officially came into existence on October 24, 1945 when the Charter had been ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States and by a majority of other signato-ries;24 October is celebrated each year as United Nations Day.
Pakistan became a member of the United Nations on September 30, 1947.
Pakistan has been actively participating in the UN multinational efforts to maintain peace and order in different parts of the world since 1960, thus. practically endorsing its belief in the purposes and the principles of the UN Charter, Pakistan\'s contribution to UN peace-keeping has been as wide-ranging as the varied cultural, geographic, political and security conditions in which it has had to operate.
Its troops were part of the UN peace-keeping force that helped end the civil war and laid the foundation for a constitutional government and a stable society in Congo in the early 1960s.
In 1962, as a result of an agreement between Indonesia and the Nether-lands, it was decided that the UN would administer New Guinea (West Irian) and hand it over to Indonesia the next year. Pakistani troops were part of the UN contingent that assumed control of the area when Dutch forces withdrew and oversaw a smooth transition as envisaged by the world body.
Pakistan Army had been engaged in performing peace-keeping, humanitarian and war-recovery missions in Kuwait, Cambodia and Somalia from 1991 to 1995. It had helped Kuwait reclaim its war-ravaged land, which was vital for the country\'s quick recovery and its programme of reconstruction after the Gulf war.
It provided valuable assistance during Cambodia\'s transition from a country ripped apart by long factional strife, aggravated by foreign military intervention, to a nation charting out a democratic course and forming a civilian government under a new constitution.
In Somalia it was deeply involved in peace-keeping and humanitarian programmes that had brought succour to a large number of starving and sick people affected by senseless factional violence that had caused wide-spread destruction and dislocation of population.
Other UN peace-keeping missions in which Pakistan Army has participated include the UN Yemen Observation Mission (January 64- September 64), UN Transition Assistance Group in Namibia (1 980-90). UN Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (April91 -todate), UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara (September 91 - todate), UN Protection Force in Bosnia (March 92 - todate), UN Peace-restoration Mission in Haiti (November 94 - todate) and UN Observers Mission in Liberia (September 93 - todate).
PAKISTAN ARMY\'S PARTICIPATION IN UN OPERATIONS AT A GLANCE
S. No. Country Mission Dates a. Congo ONUC 31 Aug 60- May 64 b. West Irian UNSF 3 Oct 62 - 30 Apr 63 c. Kuwait UNIKOM Apr 91 - todate d. Cambodia UNTAC Mar 92- 15 Nov 93 e. Somalia UNOSOM Apr 92 - Mar 95 f. Western Sahara MINURSO Apr 91 - todate g. Yemen UNYOM Jan 64- Sep 64 h. Namibia UNTAG 1 Apr 89 -2 Mar 90 i. Bosnia UNPROFOR Mar 92 - todate j. Liberia UNOMIL Sep 93- todate k. Haiti UNMIH Nov 94-todate
Pakistan\'s participation in peace-keeping activities of the United Nations reflects its belief in the brotherhood of mankind and its commitment to peace across the globe. The humble contribution it has made in this regard bespeaks its desire to see the principles of human dignity, freedom and self-determination applied to all the peoples struggling to secure their inalienable basic rights.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 7/- denomination on October 24, 1995.

50 Years of Service To Humanity of United Nations - Food For All

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations came into existence on 16th October, 1945 in Quebec, Canada where the representatives of 44 countries signed the FAQ Constitution. FAQ now, is the largest of the UN specialized agencies having a membership of about 170 countries.
The FAQ constitution aims at raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the peoples, securing improvements in the efficiency of the production and distribution of all food and agriculture products; bettering the condition of rural population; and thus contributing towards an expanding world economy and ensuring humanity\'s freedom from hunger.
2. The organization holds particular appeal for countries such as Pakistan, which have large rural population with agriculture sector as a primary producer based on small farm production, and a country where 80% of the farms are smaller than eight hectors. And where agriculture provides employment to more than 52% of the total work force.
3. Pakistan came into being on August 14,1947. Just after 21 days of its independence Pakistan joined FAQ on September 7,1947. After about 3-1/2 years the first agreement between FAQ and Pakistan was signed on January 17,1951. Since 1951 FAQ has been helping Pakistan in the fields of agriculture policies and planning, development of crops, livestock and fisheries. The programme included components such as farm machinery, storage plants, control of animal diseases, forest and forest industry, census of agriculture, cooperatives, fishing industry and the training of Pakistan agriculture scientists and administrators.
4. So far 163 projects of various sizes with the total expenditure of US$104 million have been implemented. Truly speaking FAQ has contributed a lot in the development of Pakistan\'s agricultural sector. Particularly the FAQ focussed its attention towards the strengthening of institutions, agricultural planning and policy formulation, agricultural research and extension services, integrated rural development programmes, crop sector, livestock and poultry sector, forestry sector and fisheries sector. From these projects some were funded through UNDP some through Trust Fund and remaining through Technical Cooperation Programmes (TCP).
5. Presently FAQ is helping in various fields through 38 projects. 18 projects are being funded by UNDP 10 through Trust Funds and the remaining 10 under TCP. Some projects are for specific provinces/areas while some projects are being carried out on national level. These projects are addressing various priority areas of Pakistan\'s agriculture sector.
(Contributed by: Ministry of Food & Agriculture, Livestock)
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 1.25 denomination on October 16,1995.

1995 - Birth Centenary of Liaquat Ali Khan - First Prime Minister of Pakistan

Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan was born at Karnal, Haryana in 1895. He was the son of Rukunuddualah Shamsher Jung Nawab Rustam Ali Khan, the Nawab of Karnal. He did his graduation in 1918 from MAO College, Aligarh and went to Exeter College, Oxford in 1922 and then Inner Temple for his Bar-at-Law in 1922.
On his return to India in 1923, he joined the All India Muslim League. Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan was a Member of the United Provinces Legislative Council from 1925-40. He was elected Deputy President of the United Provinces Legislative Council and held that office for six years. He was also Leader of the Democratic Party of the Council.
In 1937, he went to London as a Member of the lndo-British Trade Delegation. When Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah reorganized the All India Muslim League in 1936, Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan was elected its Honorary General Secretary. In 1940, he was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly and became the Deputy Leader of the Muslim League. He entered into an agreement with Bhulabai Desai on the question of representation in the Interim Government known as \'LIAQUAT-DESAI PACT, 1945\'.
In 1946, he was appointed as ~. Member of the Governor General\'s Executive Council and the Leader of the Muslim League Party in the Indian Interim Government. He held the portfolio of Finance, being the first Indian Finance Minister. The Budget for 1947-48 which he presented was acclaimed throughout the Country as a \'Poor Man\'s Budget\'.
Liaquat All Khan attended the Simla Conference on behalf of the Muslim League in 1945 and 1946. He was one of the most prominent of the All India Muslim League Leaders and one of the most trusted Lieutenants of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. He was Muslim League delegate to All Parties Convention at Calcutta in December 1928. He was elected Secretary, All India Muslim League in 1936 and re-elected in 1938,1940, 1941,1942 and 1943. He was Member of the League Central Parliamentary Board in 1936. He moved a resolution regarding certain amendments in League Constitution in its historic 27th Session at Lahore in March 1940. He was Convener, Action Committee of the League and Member Parliamentary Board in 1943; he was also a Member Subjects Committee League\'s Legislator\'s Convention held at Delhi in April, 1945.
On August 14, 1947, he became the First Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence of the new Dominion of Pakistan. He wielded effective power and provided dynamic leadership to Pakistan during the most crucial phase of its history. He signed the \'LIAQUAT-NEHRU PACT\' in 1950 in New Delhi on the problem of minorities. He was the Vice Chairman, Basic Principle\'s Committee of the Constituent Assembly in March 1949, which submitted its report in 1950. Liaquat Au Khan moved a resolution at the All India Muslim League Council Meeting held at Karachi in December 1947 calling for the \'split of the All India Muslim League into two independent Leagues for Pakistan and India\' and was elected Convener, Pakistan Muslim League in the same meeting. He was elected President, Pakistan Muslim League in 1950.
He died at the hands of an assassin on October 16, 1951 while addressing a public meeting at Rawalpindi and was buried in the courtyard of the Quaid-e-Azam\'s Mausoleum.
To celebrate the Birth Centenary of Liaquat Ali Khan, First Prime Minister of Pakistan, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 1 .25 denomination on October 1, 1995.

Floral Pattern Definitives

To enhance postage of different slabs, some low value stamps were printed. The supplies of highest denomination was made available at different time. A floral design encircles the face value on colorless ground. Country name appears below design in a horizontal panel.

100th Death Anniversary oF The Louis Pasteur - (1895-1995)

All of Pasteur\'s work is closely inter linked, beginning with his studies on crystallography and up to the discovery of virus vaccines, and the prophylaxis of rabies.
The origin of his research dates from his reading of paper by the German physicist Mitscherlich. The latter had observed that two chemical substances, para tartrate and sodium/ammonium tartrate, had the same chemical constitution and the same crystalline form, but nonetheless had a different effect upon polarized light. Pasteur set out to discover the cause.
First Period From 1847 to 1862 (from the age of 25 to 40)
Pasteur was basically a physicist and a chemist.
1847 Studies on molecular dis-symmetry
After several years of research in which he combined crystallography, chemistry and optics, Pasteur established that there existed a parallelism between the outer form of a crystal, its molecular composition and its effect upon polarized light. Dis-symmetrical crystal caused slanting of the polarized light symmetrical crystals did not.
1855-1857 Studies on fermentation
It was while observing paratrate crystals that Pasteur had initially discovered molecular dis symmetry.
1857-1862
Pasteur studied lactic and alcohol fermentation, and demonstration that: all fermentation is due to the presence of a microorganism.
Second Period From 1862-1877
From the age of 40 to 55, Pasteur became a biologist. He elaborated the germ theory and abolished the doctrine of spontaneous generation.
\"Spontaneous generation is a chimera\" (Pasteur)
He next questioned the way in which fermentation works and how ferments act.
Fermentation is the consequence of life without air Experiments on fermentation led Pasteur to apply microbiological techniques to industry and agriculture.
He studied the formation of vinegar and the transformation of alcohol into acetic acid by the microorganism Mycoderma aceti, which fixes oxygen from the air on alcohol. He showed vinegar-makers how to consistently obtain high-quality vinegar.
Wine diseases
While studying parasitic ferments of wine, Pasteur demonstrated that each disease was due to a different ferment. By heating to 550 it was possible to protect the wine from disease. This method, when applied to any liquid capable of being altered, is known throughout the world as pasteurization.
Beer
Changes in beer are produced by microorganisms found in air dust. Pasteur taught the brewers how to prevent the worst from becoming contaminated and how to prevent disease by heating the beer to 55.
Silkworm diseases
In 1865, the silkworm industry in France, as well as in Italy, Australia and Asia Miner, was ravaged by a disease caused pebrine. Under the microscope, Pasteur observed that infected silkworms had shiny particles on them, which were responsible for the disease.
He demonstrated that the disease was hereditary and contagious.
Third period From 1877 to 1887 (from the age of 55 to 65)
Pasteur applied microbiological techniques to medicine and surgery.
1877 - Study of infectious diseases.
1880 - Method for attenuating microbial virulence.
Chicken cholera (by aging in contact with oxygen in the air) anthrax (by culture of anthrax-carrying germs at 430, attenuated by oxygen from the air).
1881 Vaccinations
- cholera
- anthrax
- swine-fever
By applying his method
- to the study of infectious diseases (microbial agents)
- to their prevention (asepsis)
- to their prophylaxis by immunization (Vaccination)
Pasteur was the founder of immunology.
1880-1885 Rabies
By this time, Pasteur had thoroughly mastered his experimental methodology. When studying rabies, he sought to isolate a microbe, but could not find it. Rabies is a disease of the nervous systems. He cultured an invisible \"microorganism on rabbit marrow and fixed the virulence.
On July 6,1885, the method of, attenuation of virulent marrow was tested on a human, Joseph Meister.
November 14,1888 inauguration of the Institute Pasteur by Sadi Carnot. He died on 28.9.1895.
(Courtesy: Louis Pasteur Institute)
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 5/- denomination on September 28, 1995.

Fourth World Conference On Women, Beijing China

Background Information: There have been three United Nations World Conference on Women held so far. First Conference was held during International Women\'s Year in Mexico City in 1975 which adopted a plan of Action that led to the declaration, by the United Nations General Assembly, of the United Nations Decade for Women.
In 1979 the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which to date has 133 States Parties as signatories. A committee of independent experts reviews the implementation of the Convention, discusses reports submitted and makes recommendations to governments for further improvement. These activities demonstrate the commitment to bring about positive change.
At the Second Conference which held in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1980 a programme of action for the second half of the decades for Women was adopted with emphasis on education, employment and health.
The Third World Conference took place in Nairobi, Kenya in1985 to review and appraise achievements made and obstacles encountered during the Decade for Women. The Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women to the year 2000 were adopted by consensus.
The strategies provided a framework for action at the national, regional and international levels to promote empowerment of Women and their enjoyment of human rights.
A 1990 evaluation of the Forward-looking Strategies by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women revealed that the world community had become more conscious of and sensitive to issues affecting women. However, there seemed to be some loss of momentum in implementation. The Fourth World Conference on Women aims to rekindle this momentum and focus on new issues, such as violence against women including the issue of sexual harassment which have been placed on the global agenda.
Goals of the Conference: The objectives of the Conference are: -To adopt a \'Platform for Action\' concentrating on key issues the critical areas of concern identified as obstacles to the advancement of women in the world. It will reflect the review and appraisal of the advancement of women since 1985 in terms of the objectives of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women to the year 2000. This document will propose and suggest corresponding strategic objectives and action to be taken by Governments, the international community non governmental organizations the private sector and individuals for the removal of the remaining obstacles in Women\'s full and equal participation in development in all spheres of life. It will include action to eradicate poverty, eliminate inequality in education, ensure access to relevant health care. employment and economic participation, further protection and preservation of the environment and inequality in sharing of power and decision-making improve image of women in the mass media promote women\'s human rights and eliminate violence against women.
To determine the priority actions to be taken between 1996 and 2001 for the advancement of women by the international community including the United Nations system.
To mobilize women and men at both the Policy-making and grass-roots levels to achieve those objectives.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a set of four commemorative postage stamps of Rs. 1.25 value each on September 15, 1995.

Centenary Celebration of Presentation Convent School, Rawalpindi - (1895 - 1995) (1995-13)

On September 8,1895 the first Presentation Convent School in the Punjab was opened by 3 Irish Sisters and three pupils were enrolled that day. Today, in Pakistan there are many branches of this school catering for the educational needs of a total of thirteen thousand children, approximately, rich and poor alike, in Urdu and English-medium schools. These schools managed by Pakistani and Irish Sisters are under the administration of the original Rawalpindi school.
Their aim is to enable each individual to become aware of the dignity and value of each person and the interdependence of the human race. They have therefore a vital role to play in community and nation-building. There are Presentation schools in Rawalpindi, Murree, Jhelum, Sargodha, Chak 59 MB. (Khushab Distt.), Wah, Peshawar, Risalpur, Mingora (Swat) and in Sindh.
The Presentation Convent Schools of Pakistan had their origin and inspiration in the Ireland of the 18th Century where the first Presentation Convent was founded by an Irish lady, Nano Nagle in 1775. The eighteenth century was Ireland\'s darkest hour. The Penal laws which were then in force reduced the majority of the people to poverty and ignorance. Into this scene came Nano Nagle, who, appalled by the evils of ignorance which she experienced, resolved to redress these ills by opening schools to teach the children the rudiments of education. She thus became one of the pioneers of popular education in Ireland.
To ensure the continuity of her work of education Nano founded the Congregation of Presentation Sisters whose name today is synonymous with education in its broadest sense and whose educational institutions are known in all five continents.
The commemorative stamp shows a part of the first Presentation Convent School in Pakistan. Sr. Ignatius McDermot was an Irish woman who with Sr. Evangelist Coatsworth and Sr. Xavier Lonergan founded Presentation Convent, Rawalpindi in 1895. The portion of the school shown in the stamp is now the Sisters\' private residence. It stands today much the same as it was a hundred years ago. The lantern in the foreground, recalls pictures of Nano Nagle which nearly always depict her carrying a lantern which lighted her way to the hovels of the poor, the sick and the most neglected. It symbolises the light of hope which dispels the darkness of ignorance, poverty and indifference.
There are many outstanding and famous names on the school admission registers and there are also the names of the humblest and least known of persons. People, not status, is the factor in the Presentation outlook on life, irrespective of class or creed. A past pupil of Presentation Convent, Rawalpindi has written \"The thousands who have passed through the gates of Presentation Convent have belonged to all religious denominations. Many of them are amongst the pioneer women who contributed to the uplift of society through their respective vocations.
They are today\'s doctors, nurses, teachers, some in government service, some in the armed forces as well as being wives and mothers. The students who entered as little girls and left as assured, confident, tolerant-minded young women were not perhaps aware that they owed their foundations in learning to an enlightened woman in Ireland, Nano Nagle.\"
(Contributed by: Presentation Sisters Pakistan, Rawalpindi)
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 1.25 denomination on September 8,1995.

Defence Day Of Pakistan - Nishan-E-Haider - Major Raja Aziz Bhatti (Shaheed) - (1928-1965) (1995-12)

Born in Hong Kong in 1928 in a family from Gujrat, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was commissioned into the Punjab Regiment in 1950. He won both the Sword of Honour and the Norman Gold Medal at the Pakistan Military Academy - a unique distinction in itself.
On September 6, 1965, Major Bhatti was commanding a company in the Burki area of the Lahore sector. Although two of his platoons were located on the home bank of BRB canal, he choosed to move with the forward platoon.The enemy launched incessant attacks from September 7 with the full weight of his artillery and armour. But Major Bhatti and his men held on and continued to fight with grim determination. On the night between September 9 and 10, the enemy mounted a major attack all along the sector, throwing a whole battalion against Major Bhatti\'s platoon.
In view of the situation, Major Bhatti was ordered to pull back to the home bank of the canal.
When he fought back his way to the ferry site with his last platoon he found the enemy in occupation of the site. Here he led his men in a fierce charge and threw the enemy out of the area. He covered the withdrawal of his men and vehicles and was the last to leave the enemy bank.
Back on the home bank, Major Bhatti organised his company to defend the canal. Undaunted by constant fire from enemy small arms, tanks and 8rtillery, he continued to face the onslaught, directing his men to answer the fire. In the process he received a direct hit on his left shoulder from an enemy tank shell which killed him on the spot.
For the supreme sacrifice that he made for the honour of his country, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was awarded Nishan-e-Haider, the highest military award of Pakistan on September 11, 1965.
To commemorate the auspicious occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 1.25 denomination on September 6, 1995.

Wildlife Series - Fishes. (1995-10)

SARDINE (Sardinella longiceps)
It is known as oil sardine. Eyes are with broad adipose eyelids. The lower jaw is prominent. Colour is steel blue along back with a golden sheen, becoming silvery with purple at sides. A golden line is prominent dividing the back from sides. The dorsal fin is greenish, while the caudal is greenish grey. It is caught in large quantities from Mangrove areas and used in preparation of fish meal. The fish meal is consumed mostly in preparation of poultry feed. It attains 8 inches in length.
TILAPIA (Tilapia mossambica)
It is an African fish. Introduced in Pakistan in 1951. It is a medium size fish. Head is broad, snout rounded, eyes larger. Colour is brownish, olive or blackish. Vertical and ventral fins blackish; dorsal and caudal edge yellowish.
It breeds three time in a year. The female protects the eggs and the hatchlings by taking them in her mouth at the time of danger. It attains length upto 30 cms.
It is a carnivorous fish.
TROUT (Salmo trutta fario)
It is commonly known as brown trout, It was introduced into the Northern Areas (Gilgit) in 1916 by some British political officers.
Now it is widely distributed in various streams, rivers and lakes of Northern Areas. In NWFP, the brown trout was first introduced in 1928 in Kaghan Valley. It was subsequently introduced into the Swat and Chitral values.
The brown trout is more or less dark brown in colour with a greenish brown to greyish green back and lighter side and belly. The head, back and sides are marked with black and red spots.
Similarly the dorsal and adipose fins are also marked with black and red spots.
This fish is generally found in the cool and crystal clear water. It is a carnivorous fish and feeds upon a variety of animals including small fishes. Its breeding period extends from October to January. The growth rate is slow because of its inhabiting in cold water.
For the artificial breeding of brown trout, there are many hatcheries in NWFP and Northern Areas. The most famous hatchery is in Swat at Madyan.
It is a game fish in rivers and hilly areas and caught with great zeal providing good sport to anglers. It attains a length of about 1 1/2 feet.
ROHU (Labeo rohita)
It is commonly known as Rohu, found in the plains of Pakistan. Lips are thick with distinct inner fold to each lip. Snout is obtuse and depressed. A short thin maxillary pair of barbells is present. The colour is grayish on back becoming silvery on sides and below with spot generally present on each scale. The fins are sometimes black. The fish is very active and feed on aquatic weeds and vegetation. It breeds in July and August and attains a length of 3 feet. It is chiefly used for stocking tanks. It is one of the best fresh water edible fish having well flavoured flesh.
It is common in the rivers, ponds and lakes of Pakistan. (Contributed by: Mr. Muhammad Farooq Ahmed (Director), Zoological Survey Department, Government of Pakistan, Karachi).
To focus world attention on the need to protect and preserve this vulnerable wildlife species Pakistan Postal Services Corporation is issuing a set of four special postage stamps of Rs. 6/- value each depicting beautiful fishes on September 1, 1995. It is part of the series on wildlife stamps being issued by Pakistan Postal Services Corporation since 1975.

Wildlife Series - Butterflies. (1995-11)

Butterflies and Moths are members of the order Lepidoptera it means scale winged. Butterflies and Moths together form a single group of around 200,000 known species and new species are continually being described. It is sometimes difficult to tell a butterfly from a moth, but, generally, butterflies are brightly coloured and fly during the day (or, rarely, early evening), whereas the more subtly coloured moths are usually night-fliers.
The antennae of most butterflies are clubbed, rather than straight or feathery, like moths antennae, and butterflies rest with their wings folded upright over their backs, while moths hold them flat and roof-like over the body. Adult butterflies and moths feed on liquid food, which they suck up through along, coiled proboscis.\" Those that feed take flower nectar up through a tube-like proboscis. Some adults take no food, emerging from their cocoons only to mate and die.
Their wings and body are covered in tiny scales, which are really flattened and ridged hairs.
All species undergo complete metamorphosis, and the larvae, or caterpillars, are as varied in colour and shape as the adults.
Butterflies are universally popular and are among the most easily recognizable of all insects.
They seem to have escaped the usual revulsion for some \"creepy crawlies\', probably because they do not sting, bite or carry disease. Unlike other insects, their wings are colourful and opaque and many butterflies are among the most gorgeous of creatures. In the animal kingdom colour is the exception rather than the rule and the butterflies\' kaleidoscope of assorted colours and patterns, used for camouflage, defence and to catch the eye, are unrivalled.
To focus world attention on the need to protect and preserve this vulnerable wildlife species, Pakistan Postal Services Corporation, is issuing a set of four special postage stamps of Rs. 6/- value each depicting beautiful butterflies on September 1, 1995. It is part of the series on wildlife stamps being issued by Pakistan Postal Services Corporation since 1975.

Pioneers of Freedom (Series) (1995-9)

MAU LANA SHAUKAT ALI 1873-1938
The Famous Khilafat Leader, Maulana Shaukat Au, was born in a respectable family of Rampur on March, 10th 1873. He was the elder brother of Maulana Muhammad Au Johar. He got early education at Bareilly where his widowed mother sent in-spite of family opposition. Thereafter, he took admission in Mohammedan Anglo Oriental College, Aligarh and graduated in 1895.
During education he took part in sports and participated in College Cricket Eleven as a Captain. He won Cambridge Speaking Prize in 1894. After education he served inn Government Opium Department as Assistant Opium Agent for 17 years. He was elected Honorary Secretary, Old Boys Association of Mohammedan Anglo Oriental College, Aligarh from 1913 to 1915.
He was one of the founders of a society named \"Anjuman-Khuddam-i-Kaaba\" for the Protection of the holy places of Islam from non-Muslim aggressions. As its Joint Secretary, he did a lot to popularize the movement. He helped his younger and illustrious brother \"Muhammad All Johar\" in managing his papers. He, alongwith his brother, was interned in May 1915. He was released in December 1919.
He attended the session of Indian National Congress and All India Muslim League in Amritsar.
Alongwith his brother took part in the Non-cooperation Movement. He was elected Secretary General of Khilafat Committee in 1920 and then re-elected in 1922 its Honorary Secretary. He toured the country to propagate the Non-cooperation creed in 1920-21. He planned to sent a Khilafat delegation to Afghanistan regarding the suffering of Muhajirs in 1920, but the project did not materialize. In September 1921 he was prosecuted alongwith his brother and awarded two years imprisonment on October 29, 1923, he was released. He presided over the Annual Session of All India Khilafat Committee at Canada in 1924 in which it was decided to form a socio-political body for improving the social condition of Indians which was called \"Hindustani Seva DaI\". He also presided over its first session at Belgium. Like his brother, he greatly opposed the Nehru reports. He was the member of delegation to Round Table Conference in London in 1930. He campaigned for the Muslim League in the Assembly elections.
He participated in the Annual Session of All India Muslim League and moved a resolution for the calling of an All Parties Muslim Conference in 16th session, Bombay, December 1924. He attended Muslim League Council meeting where he appealed for unity and favoured compromise with Hindus. At special session in Calcutta in 1938, he said that the Congress has ceased to be a national organisation after the Muslims had left it. In 1934, he was elected Indian Member of Central Legislative Assembly. He died at Delhi in 26th November 1938 and lies buried near Jamia Masjid Delhi.
CHOUDHRY GHULAM ABBAS 1904 - 1967
Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, the veteran Kashmiri leader, a great pioneers of the Freedom Movement and a trusted lieutenant of Quaid-e-Azam was born in a middle class family of Jammu in 1904.
Educated and trained as a lawyer, his entire life was devoted to the struggle for the rights of the Muslims of Jammu & Kashmir who, despite their overwhelming majority, were subjected to worst kind of exploitation under the minority Hindu Dogra rule. The Young Men Muslims Association, which he set up as early as 1923, played a significant political role, particularly, in countering the Shudhi Movement of the Hindu fanatics. The sudden eruption of mass resentment, in 1931, against the tyrannical Dogra rule brought Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, alongwith Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, in the fore-front of freedom movement. A period of intense political activity that followed eventually resulted in the acceptance of a charter of demands put forth to the specially constituted Glancy Commission by All Jammu & Kashmir Muslim Conference a newly established political platform. Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas was a member of this Commission and contributed significantly to its deliberations.
In 1939, the Indian National Congress succeeded in creating a schism in the Muslim leadership of Kashmir by persuading Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to convert the Muslim Conference into a secular party, this was an obvious move to create diversion in the freedom struggle of the Muslims of Kashmir which was solely directed against the Hindu ruler and as such was Islamic in character. Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas was wise enough to see the trap; Sheikh Abdullah willingly walked into it.
Soon after Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas assumed the leadership of Muslim Conference. This was the beginning of a career of unswerving political determination and the conviction that the fate of the Muslims of Kashmir was linked with the Indian Muslims and an independent Islamic state was their common destiny.
In 1944 Quaid-i-Azam visited Kashmir and advised the Kashmiri Muslims to follow Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas under the banner of Muslim Conference. He was again arrested in 1946 and remained in Jammu Jail till his repatriation to Pakistan in 1948.
He was accorded the high status of Supreme Head of Kashmir Liberation Movement and AJK Government. He also held the office of Chairman, Kashmir Refugees Central Relief Committee with Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh and Frontier Provinces as its members. In 1962 he was elected Chairman Kashmir Committee with Khawaja Nazimuddin, Mr. Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, Chaudhry Muhammad Ali and Syed Abu-ul-Ala Maudoodi as its members. Revered as a symbol of dedication, honesty and self-lessness, Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas breathed his last in December 1967 at the age of 63 and is lying in rest in Faizabad, Rawalpindi.
To commemorate the Pioneers of Freedom (Series) Pakistan Post is issuing a set of two commemorative postage stamps of Re. 1/- each denomination on August 14,1995.

First Conference of Women Parliamentarians - From Muslim Countries. (1995-8)

The Parliament of Pakistan has organized a three-day conference of Women Parliamentarians from Muslim countries at Islamabad from August 1-3, 1995.
AIM OF THE CONFERENCE
The aim of the Conference is to bring together women parliamentarians from Muslim countries, and to discuss problems of socio-economic development as well as to provide a consensus and direction for the forthcoming 4th United Nations World Conference on Women, scheduled at Beijing, in September, 1995. In this conference there will be general debate and consideration of Effective role of Women in the Parliament and Society at large.
CONSIDERATION OF THEMES
a) Theme 1 \"Projection of Islam as religion of equality, tolerance and non-discrimination\'.
b) Theme II \"Problems common to Women in Muslim countries and their solutions\".
c) Theme III \"Effectiveness of Women\'s role in economic development\".
Apart from many women parliamentarians three of them are Heads of Governments.
Professor Dr. Tansu Ciller. Prime Minister. Republic of Turkey Former State Minister Professor Tansu Ciller was born in Istanbul in 1946.
A graduate of Robed College, Tansu Ciller received a degree in economics from Bogazici University. Ciller obtained a Ph.D. degree in economics from the University of Connecticut.
Her post-doctoral studies were carried out at Yale University.
Ciller became associate professor in 1978 and full professor in 1983. After serving on the academic boards of various universities, mainly in Bogazici University\'s Department of Economics, Professor Ciller entered politics in November 1990 in Suleyman Demirel\'s True Path Party. She became deputy chairperson of the DYP, following her election victory to the DYP executive board.
In the October 20, 1991 election she was elected to Parliament from Istanbul on the True Path Party ticket. With the formation of the True Path Social Democrat coalition government; Ciller was appointed state minister responsible for the economy in Demirel\'s cabinet. Emerging as an active member of this cabinet, Ciller gained popularity, especially with her contacts in the West.
She decided to run for DYP leadership following Demirel\'s election as Turkey 9th President; Ciller got the highest vote in the first round of elections at the DYP\'s extraordinary convention on Sunday, leaving other candidates far behind. Ciller is Turkey\'s first woman Prime Minister.
She has nine publications on economy. Married with two children, Professor Ciller speaks fluent English and German. Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Prime Minister. Islamic Republic of Pakistan. On October 19,1993, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, 40, was sworn in as Prime Minister of Pakistan. She has rate distinction of being the second Prime Minister in the history of the country to have been elected to the office twice through a popular mandate. Her illustrious father late Mr. Zulfikar All Bhutto was the first.
From July, 1977 to 1988 as a leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto waged a relentless struggle for the restoration of democracy in the country. She was imprisoned for long years, witnessed the trauma of the hanging of her father in April 1979 and the mysterious death of her younger brother, Mr. Shahnawaz, and was also exiled. She faced the oppression with courage and determination.
Arrested nine times and held in detention or in prison for more than five and-a-half years.
Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto became an international symbol as she led the fight for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan from her prison cell. Her victory in the November 1988 elections catapulted her Pakistan People\'s Party to power. She played a key-role in the formation of a nine-party alliance for the restoration of democracy in 1981. Called the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MAD), the alliance mobilized the people to put pressure on the government of General Zia-ul-Haq to hold elections in the country and hand over power to the representatives of the people.
The regime\'s response to the call for the restoration of democracy was a sustained period of repression and the arrest of political leaders, including Ms. Bhutto, who was imprisoned in March 1981. She remained under detention until January 1984, when due to serious health problems she was obliged to seek medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
From exile, Ms. Bhutto continued to guide the resistance to the military regime in Pakistan.
She also decided to restructure the PPP, her objective was to strengthen the channels of communication and consultation at grass-roots level and to involve party cadres in the decision-making process.
Ms. Bhutto also played a significant role in espousing the cause of restoration of democracy at various international forums. She returned to Pakistan in April 1986. The reception given to her on her arrival in Lahore from exile has no parallel.
The turning point in the country\'s political set up came with the death of General Zia-ul-Haq in a plane crash in August 1988. General elections were held in Pakistan on November 16, 1988.
The Pakistan People\'s Party won majority of seats in the National Assembly and Ms. Bhutto was invited by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan to form a government. Declaring that \"Democracy was the best revenge\" she decided to guide people from anarchy to the management of democracy. She acted forcefully to restore constitutional freedoms. She lifted the ban on students\' and trade unions imposed under the military dictatorship, immediately restored freedom to the press and agreed to separation of the judiciary from the executive. During her 20 months as Prime Minister, her government built 8000 public and secondary schools and electrified 4600 villages throughout the country. The budgetary allocation in these sectors were increased so that fruits of democracy and freedom could reach the common man. Similarly, in the domain of foreign policy, her government pursued an aggressive and dynamic policy.
Addressing the Congress, during her state visit to the United States in 1989, Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto called for the establishment of an Association of New Democratic Nations.
Although, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto became the Prime Minister of Pakistan with popular vote and mandate to serve the people for full tenure, her stay was made difficult through back-door intrigues. Silhouettes of dictatorship and martial law by then continued to cast shadows over the nascent democratic system.
On August 6,1990, after having been in office for less than half of her tenure, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismissed her government unconstitutionally and called for fresh elections.
While ensuring that her party was no returned to power, the President and the Caretaker Prime Minister filed a series of references against Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Her husband, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari was arrested and imprisoned for over two years on a number of trumped up charges. None of the charges could be proved.
Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was the leader of the Opposition from 1990 to 1993. Her party questioned the fairness of the October 1990 General Elections. Even Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, who was the Caretaker Prime Minister questioned the fairness of the 1990 elections.
In July 1993, the President of Pakistan dismissed the Government of Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif and called for fresh elections. The Pakistan People\'s Party went to the hustings in October 1993 with a new Agenda for change. The programme envisages government at the doorstep of the people and priority to the social sectors.
Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was born in Karachi on dune 21, 1953. After completing her early schooling in Pakistan, she was educated at Radcliffe College and at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. While at Oxford she became the first non-British woman to be elected President of the Oxford Union, the University\'s prestigious debating team. She followed a long list important international leaders who achieved this distinction in their student days. In 1977, she completed Oxford\'s diploma course in International Law and Diplomacy and returned to Pakistan.
Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is author of two books - Foreign Policy in Perspective (1978) and Daughter of Destiny (1988). Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is the recipient of Bruno Kreisty Human Rights Award conferred on her in Vienna in 1988, and the Honorary Phi Beta Kappa Award (1989) presented by Radcliffe College, Highest Moroccan Award, Highest French Award, UNIFEM and Honorary Doctorate from Harvard University. Honorary fellowships have also been conferred on her by Lady Margaret Hall and St. Catherine\'s College, Oxford. She also received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Cause) at the University of Sindh in 1994. She is the first female Graduate from Harvard University to become elected Chief Executive of the country. At 35, youngest elected Chief Executive in the world and first woman Prime Minister in the Muslim World.
Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is married to Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, Member National Assembly, belongs to an old and influential family of Nawabshah. They have a five-year old son Bilawal, four-year-old daughter Bakhtawar and one year old Asifa.
To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a set of two commemorative postage stamps of Rs. 5/- value each on August 1,1995.

Traditional Means of Transport And Communication (Series) - Karachi Victoria. (1995-7)

The buggies on the road at Karachi resemble those which one can only watch in an ancient movie. They are not just a part of our old culture but these buggies have their own heritage as well.
Basically the buggies are of Victorian times. They came or were introduced in the then British India during the late 19th century, very much a part of the British \"imports\" to this part of the world, they became like others a part of the culture in the South Asian Sub Continent.
Those were the time when riding in a horse cart was \"in\' thing.
Slowly the technological advancements took over the cultural background and buggies went out of fashion and off the roads. But even then, some for emotional reasons and others for monetary reasons never parted with their buggies and that is why even today, one can see buggies playing on the Karachi roads hustled in between the Accords and the Pajeros but still maintaining their own composure which was there when they first came on the road centuries ago.
What is truly amazing about the buggies which are on the roads even now, is the fact that the manufacture still follows the century old procedure of what his forefathers had incorporated.
According to manufactures of these buggies their forefathers believed in the \'Hand Made\" theory and even today with the availability of tools and technological know-how these cart builders follow the ancient technique, from the grind of the wheel to the upholstery on the seats all done by hand. Even the paint on the buggies is done by brush and doil paint. A buggy can take anywhere between three months to one year before it ready for the road, depending on how much detail one is willing to go into. Then there is of course the Gariwala himself who has been doing the same job for generations. He is an institution by himself, and a tourist can or should talk to these guys just to know more about the city, its culture and its people.
Leaving every thing aside, these buggies rides are really worth it. Forget the hand made stuff, the culture background and the heritage attached to these buggies. Above all they are simply good fun. A class above the maddening aerodynamics of the new Japanese imports of the supersonic travels of a Concord. These buggies reminds one of the past when everyone had enough time to enjoy life and not be bothered about the Fax coming in from New York. Perhaps the best way to describe and enjoy the buggy rides is to put on ear walkman (another hi tech equipment) and listen to Bobby Mc Ferrin singing \"Don\'t Worry - Be Happy\". This then is the real world we have been living in. So. go out there and ask for Gariwala by name. Happy buggy riding.
To commemorate this means of Transport Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 5/-denomination on May 22,1995.

Wildlife Series - Reptiles of Pakistan (Snakes) (1995-5)

Poisonous Snakes
All snakes are commonly considered to be poisonous in the sense that the venom in their saliva is sufficient to kill or paralyze their prey. But in majority of them, their poison can act on small creatures only. Such snakes are harmless to human-beings and may be considered as non poisonous. Unless a definite poison gland, a duct to carry the poison from it and a specialized grooved or tubular tooth, called a Fang, to transport the poison, are present, a snake is not a poisonous one. Only very few of the land snakes are dangerously poisonous to man. These are Cobras, Kraits and Vipers.
Most of other land-snakes are practically harmless to men, though some may be slightly poisonous. All sea-snakes are poisonous.
Indian Cobra
Naja naja (Linnaeus)
There are ten species of cobra altogether of which 7 are found in Africa, one is peculiar to the Philippines and only two occur in Indian subcontinent. Cobra has a very beautiful appearance but it is a deadly poisonous and dangerous reptile, with an average length of 1371 to 1625mm.
The most prominent characteristic of cobra is its well marked hood. It has long ribs on the neck just behind the head with attached muscles. The hood is formed by the elongated ribs of 3rd and the following 27 vertebrae, the 9th on the left and right are the longest. Another distinguishing feature is the peculiar touching the intranasal having 3rd supralabial in contact with the eye. The hood sometimes bear spectacle mark like V, then they are called spectacled cobra. Cobra is extremely variable in coloration and markings with brownish or black above, with or without black and white mark on the hood, and with one or two black crossbars below hood.
Cobra is eclectic in habitat throughout Indian subcontinent to Southern China in the east and to the Philippines in the south. It occurs in heavy jungles, open cultivated land, in populated are as where old masonry construction form ideal refuge. White ant nests, holes in the ground or the tangle of roots at the base of a tree are particularly favoured. Frequently found near or in water and is a strong swimmer.
Usually not aggressive and often exceedingly timid but occasionally fierce and aggressive when disturbed. Young are much more dangerous than adults more easily excited and ready to strike repeatedly and with determination. If disturbed when close, it erects itself, sways its hood backwards and forwards, hisses and get ready to strike, If the person keeps still it drops its head and glides away quietly but if he makes movement, it again erects its hood and gets ready to strike. The bite of cobra is usually a quick snap but may be tenacious. The poison may trickle on the skin as a drop or may be sprayed and very little may penetrate through t he actual puncture. Cobra is diurnal in habit, during the day it is found roaming about in search of food or drink, It moves fast, feeds on rats, frogs and toads, less frequently on birds and their eggs. Sometimes the cobra itself is eaten by its bigger relative. Mating takes place in January, eggs are laid in April and May, about 45 eggs are laid at a time, which are soft shelled, elongate oval measuring 49x2Bmm. Both parents known to incubate. Hatching occurs after 48-69 days, hatchlings measure 250-280mm, at birth. The poison glands are active from birth. The poison of cobra is very potent and kills a man usually within 2 to 6 hours after the bite.
Common Indian Krait
Bangarus caerulus (Schneider)
Common Indian Krait is found throughout the Indian Peninsular regions from Sindh to west Bengal and in South up to cape, Sri Lanka. It inhabits fields, low scrub jungles and is common in the vicinity of human habitation, often taking up residence inside houses. Frequently found near or in water. It is nocturnal and of a placid temperament biting usually only under provocation. It feeds mainly on snakes including other Kraits. Young feed more or less exclusively on blind snakes occasionally frogs, lizards and small mammals are also taken. It is distinguished by enlarged hexagonal vertebral scales, the entire subcaudals, the uniformly white belly and the narrow white crossbars on the back more or less distinctly in pairs. Body rather long and cylindrical. Eyes rather small, scales shiny, iris black, pupil indistinguishable and short. The body coloration is lustrous black or bluish black above with paired narrow white crossbars are well defined and conspicuous. The male is longer in total length and has a longer tail. Mating occurs in February and March. A disagreeable smell of secretion from anal gland helps in recognition and identification of snakes. Female is known to stay with the eggs, clutch size varies from 6 to 15 eggs each measuring 35x1 9mm. Eggs hatch from May to July. Hatchlings measure 266 to 298mm. The venom of the common Krait is fatal to man and is considered to be fifteen times more virulent than of the cobra and the Krait is one the deadliest among the poisonous snakes of the world. The person bitten is overcome by a creeping paralysis but in addition there is a violent abdominal pain probably due to internal bleeding. The eyelids and lower lip droop and the person is unable to walk and to breathe, death occurs in 6-24 hours after the bite.
Russell\'s Viper
Vipera russelli (Shan)
This snake was first brought to the notice of the scientific world by Dr. Patrick Russel in 1796.Hence the name of species is given as russelli.
It is widely distributed throughout Indian subcontinent, from Baluchistan in the west and Kashmir in the north to the eastern Himalayas and eastwards to Burma, Thailand, Indochina, Formosa, Indo Australian Archipelago and Sri Lanka. Usually found in plains but has been recorded up to 2100m in south India and 1800m in the western Himalayas.
It has beautiful and distinctive appearance identified by a combination of characters head covered with small scales and without shields, 27-33 costals at mid body, subcaudals divided.
Body massive, cylindrical, narrowing at both ends, head flat triangular with short Snout, large gold flecked eyes with vertical pupil and large open nostrils. Neck constricted. Belly rounded tail short about 1/7th of the total length. Coloration is brown of various shades with three series of large ovate spots, one vertebral and two costals. Spots brown in the centre and black & white on the margins. Head with distinct dark patch behind, a dark streak margined with white, pink or buff behind eye. A dark stripe from eye to lip. A conspicuous white buff or pink line from gape converges to form a V about snout.
Belly white a few dark half moon marks of the margins of the anterior ventral.
Normally the snake is sluggish and does not strike readily unless irritated when it bites with great malice. The bite may be either a snap or the snake may hold on for many seconds. Largely nocturnal, its movements are slow. The young are more prone to be aggressive and to bite. The main food is rodent, in addition to squirrels, shrews, kittens, small birds calottes, lizards and frogs. Young are often cannibalistic. The Russell\'s viper is viviparous. The young are born alive with clear well marked, dark spots on the back, the young measures 8-11 inches long at birth. They are much more active than the adults and their poison is quite as potent.
It is a prolific snake, 30 to 40 or more being produced in one brood. Frequently the adults are 3-4 ft. long but they may grow up to 51/2 ft. The poison it can inject at one bite is about enough to kill two persons. There is intense pain and a thin red coloured fluid continues to ooze out of the wound. The victim may die in few hours or after some days if not treated properly.
Indian Python
Python molurus (Linnaeus)
Indian Python is a well known and common snake found in Indian subcontinent. It is normally a jungle dweller occurring in dense as well as in open forests with rocky outcrops. In the absence of forests, it occurs in rivers and jheels and feeds on small mammals and birds. It has been known to eat a fully grown leopard.
Python is a large stout snake from 10-15 ft in length and may occasionally grow up to 25 feet.
It is a heavy animal and been known to weigh as much as 250 lbs. It can be easily identified and distinguished from other snakes by presence of sensory pits on the rostral (snout shield) and first two labials (Lip shields). The number of scales in costals range from 58-73, ventrals 245-270, caudal 60-72 pairs. A massively built snake is rounded in outline and thickest in the middle tapering towards head and anus. Scales smooth, and glossy when the snake is in good condition. Neck distinct head flattened with a long snout. Nostrils large, directed upwards and situated high on the snout. Eyes small, pupil vertical, iris flecked with gold. Chin with mental groove. Tail short and prehensile tapering rapidly. Rudimontary hind limbs as curved claws on either side of anus, more highly developed in males. Coloration is ground grayish whitish or yellowish in adults and in the young often very pretty pink shade. A dark streak from eye to nostril in young may or may not be present in adults. A conspicuous dark oblique band from eye to gape. The body is covered with a series of large, roughly quadrate patches from neck to tail dorsally.
Two small rows of marking occur to the side of median row of these patches. Indian Python is lethargic and slow snake with peculiar method of rectilinear progression. They are quite at home in water swim deftly and strongly when necessary but usually remain submerged except for the tip of snout. It hibernates during cold season often in groups. Mating occurs during the cold season in December, January and February when it is in hibernation. Eggs varied in number from 8 to 100 and laid 3-4 months later in hot weather during March, April, May and June. Eggs are white soft and measure 1 2x6cm equally domed at both ends, hatch after 58 days of incubation period. Hatchlings measure 73cm at the time of hatching and become 11 ft long after 5 years.
The skin of python is commercially very important while its flesh is eaten in some parts of the world.
(Contributed by: Conservator of Wildlife, Government of Sindh, Karachi)
To focus world attention on the need to protect and preserve this vulnerable wildlife species Pakistan Postal Services Corporation is issuing a set of four special postage stamps of Rs. 6/-value each depicting different species of snakes on April 15,1995. It is part of the series on wildlife stamps being issued by Pakistan Postal Services Corporation since 1975.

Earth Day.(1995-6)

Nature has gifted Pakistan with a beautiful landscape comprising snow covered mountains, lush green valleys and riverine plains, cold and hot desert, mangrove forests and a vast coastal line.
For many centuries primitive mankind existed in this region in a state of ecological equilibrium. It was not until the last few decades of this century that Pakistan experienced profound and accelerated ecological changes resulting from greatly increased human population, industrialization, massive deforestation, salinity and water-logging combined with progressive desertification, decline of living resources.
The industrial wastes and affluent, air and noise pollution, population explosion, rural population explosion, rural population\'s migration to urban slums, sanitation etc. have all contributed to degradation of quality of life. There is still time to affect reversal in this devastation, so that our future generations can lead prosperous and productive lives.
The most efficient way of the protection of natural heritage is the designation of Protected Areas (PAs). World Conservation Union (IUCN) have designated 10 categories of PA5 which include Scientific Reserve/strict Nature Reserve, National Park, Natural Monument/Natural Land-mark, managed Nature Reserve, Wildlife sanctuary, Protected Landscapes, Resource Re-serve, Natural Biotic Area/Anthropological Reserve, Multiple use Management Area/Managed Resource Area, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.
Designation of the National Parks (NPs) is the most common way of conserving the natural heritage. NPs are defined as the designated areas to protect natural and scenic areas of national and international significance for scientific, educational and recreational use. This is an area of land which is set aside primarily or exclusively for the conservation of wild animals and plants and their habitats in which human occupancy and the use of the biological resources is legally limited. The first NP - Yellowstone, in the United States was established in 1872. Since yellow stone\'s establishment most governments have recognised the value of PAs to their people, to date there are more than 5000 PA5 in the world covering nearly four million sq. km. established by 124 countries. Government of Pakistan recognizes the importance of the NPs and other PA5 and have so far designated 15 NPs, 86 wildlife Sanctuaries and 85 Game Reserves.
To mark the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp of Rs. 6/- denomination on April 20, 1995.