Golden Jubilee of Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Wah. (2001-20)

1. The Pakistan Ordnance Factories, the premier defence industry and the lifeline of over half million strong armed forces, is completing its 50 years of existence on 28th December 2001.

History

2. During their colonial rule in India, the British raised 16 Ordnance Factories. At the time of creation of Pakistan in 1947, we were unlucky that all the sixteen factories fell to Indian share. Newly created Pakistan with fragile state apparatus and fragmented armed forces had absolutely no arms and ammunition manufacturing facility to meet the security challenges to its sovereignty. The first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Khan Liaqat Ali Khan immediately realized this imbalance and issued directive within four months of creation of Pakistan to establish an ordnance factory to manufacture 303 rifle and its ammunition in Rawalpindi. Subsequently, the foundation stone of four workshops was laid by the second Prime Minister of Pakistan Khawaja Nazim ud din in the small town of Wah in December 1951. This was the first step towards the establishment of mother defence industry in Pakistan.

Present status.

3. Today by the grace of God Almighty, we have fourteen big factories at Wah which are taking care of almost 100% requirements of our armed forces. This modern defence industrial complex, which is the oldest & largest in Pakistan defence production industrial system, later helped many other sister defence production setups to flourish. Resultantly today Pakistan has a reasonably good defence production potential in which Pakistan Ordnance Factories occupies the central position.

Organization and Production capabilities.

4. The factories are under the control of a Board consisting of a Chairman, a Financial Advisor and two career technical members. The factories are headed by Managing Directors who are quite independent within the frame work of policy guide lines determined by the POF Board. POF was created with a vision to provide arms & ammunition during peace & war to the armed forces of Pakistan and has fulfilled its commitment by continuously honouring the targets assigned to it. The initial products of POF were of British origin and standards. Soon American products and standards were introduced, followed by German and Chinese. Now POF is working on NATO and other internationally recognized standards. The amalgam of technology from various sources has resulted in the blossoming of a high standard of workmanship and quality control. After 50 years of continuous growth and development POF is a sprawling industrial complex of the following 14 Factories and 7 subsidiaries:-

Factories Weapons Factory Bombs & Grenades Factory Tungsten Carbide Factory Machine Gun Factory Filling Factory Propellants Factory Heavy Artillery Ammo Factory Small Arms Ammo Factory Brass Mill Tungsten Alloy Factory Tank Amrno Factory Explosives Factory Medium Artillery Ammo Factory Clothing Factory

Subsidiaries Wah industries Ltd. Wah Nobel (Pvt) Ltd. Wah Nobel Chemicals Ltd. Wah Nobel Detonators Ltd. Wah Nobel Acetate Ltd. Attock Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd. Hi-Tech Plastic (Pvt) Ltd.

5. The two main subsidiaries namely Wah Industries Ltd and Wah Nobel Ltd. were established to utilise spare capacities of Factories for commercial applications but later on Hi-Tech Plastics Ltd, Wah Nobel Chemical Ltd, Wah Nobel Detonators Ltd and Attock Chemicals Ltd were set up to meet the requirement of civil market. These subsidiaries are earning significant profits annually thus adding to the national wealth. POF produce approximately 70 major products for supply of Army, Navy and Air Force. The main products include automatic rifles, machine guns, sub machine guns, anti aircraft guns, complete range of mortar and artillery ammunitions, aircraft and anti aircraft ammunitions, tank and anti-tank arnmunitions, bombs, grenades, anti-tank mines, pyrotechnics and rockets etc. Apart from raw materials, all other inputs needed for the manufacture of arms and ammunition such as brass, gilding metal and clad steel, steel products, carbide and tungsten alloy products, fuzes, rocket and artillery propellants, all types of explosives are produced in POF.

Modernization.

6. The past 50 years have seen a breathtaking expansion and modernization. POF which started with the manufacture of 303 rifles and its ammunition with an old plant of world war II vintage, has since moved into the era of state of the art technology, computer aided design and computer aided manufacture. POF were confined mostly to the traditional products in the first 15 to 20 years but after passing through different phases of expansion, diversification and consolidation, POF has come of age by taking a quantum jump to the modern state of art manufacturing technology During the last ten years or so POF has emerged as an armament manufacturer of international repute. POF is alive to the the emerging technologies in armament production and interacts with the world renowned manufacturers and R&d establishments at different forums to keep itself abreast of the latest developments.

International Quality Standards.

7. Quality control has always been the hall mark of POF products. This is in built in the nature of the manufacturing processes. POF produces arms & ammo of German US, British and Chinese origin strictly to International standards of acceptance. In 1999, M/s Moody International of UK awarded the ISO 9001 certificate to all the 14 major industries and 6 department of POF. Work on ISO 14000 certification is in progress and POF is aiming to obtain ISO 14000 certification by May 2002.

Exports.

8. Achievement of ISO 9001 certification for quality, POF's participation in various International defence exhibitions and its effective marketing strategy has earned it an international recognition. POF has been at one time or the other exporting arms and ammunition to 30 countries around the globe. During the last three years, POF recorded high exports of arms & ammo and was awarded the FPCCI trophy for exports. Military delegations and heads of States of various countries have been visiting POF and taking with them an ever-lasting impression of the wide range of products and their excellent quality.

Self-reliance through development of vending industries.

9. In view of the tight foreign exchange situation and sanctions imposed by developed countries, POF management has undertaken indigenization programmes aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in raw materials, semi finished goods and other products. In the process, POF has saved millions in foreign exchange. Instead of expanding its own facilities, POF management as a matter of policy, encourages the development of local vending industry in order to utilize their assets for manufacturing parts of arms and ammunition. The enhanced interaction between the private and the public sector has not only created a better environment for indigenization but also has resulted in utilization of POF surplus capacity of plant & machinery for civil production.

Computerization.

10. The present century is an era of information technology. POF after modernization of its manufacturing facilities is currently working on a programme for computerization of its systems, procedures, data and processes. It is intended to computerize and link all the 14 factories. Accordingly a Mega Computerization Project has been started to achieve the objective of On-line Integrated Computerized Systems in POF for enhancing efficiency and quality in its functions and activities. Date of Issue (December 28, 2001)

2001 as year of the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. (2001-19)

On December 25, 1876 a child was born in a prominent mercantile family of Karachi who was destined to change the course of history in South Asia and to carve out a homeland for the Muslims of India where they could peruse their destiny according to their faith and ideology.

From his very childhood, young Jinnah developed the habit of stern independence and self-reliance. In 1892, he was called to the Bar at the very early age of 16. He stayed for four years in England and on his return, started his practice in Bombay. The early period was spent in hard and constant labour. However, he soon came to be looked upon not only as a brilliant lawyer, but also as a man of great integrity and character. He was soon elected to the Imperial legislative Council.

Mr. Jinnah began by accommodating the Congress point of view, and was called 'Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity' when he brought about rapprochement between the Congress and the Muslim league in 1916. He soon felt, however, that the Congress was merely a camouflage for consolidating Hindu India at the expense of Muslim, and it was at the London meetings of the Round Table Conference during 1930-32 that he received the shock of his life. "In the face of danger" he said, "the Hindu sentiment, the Hindu mind, the Hindu attitude led me to the conclusion that there was no hope of unity".

Mr. Jinnah returned from England in 1934, and set out to galvanizing the Muslim League into a most dynamic organization. "We are a Nation" he asserted, "with our own distinctive culture and civilization, language and literature, art and architecture, names and nomenclature, sense of value and proportion, legal laws and moral code, custom and calendar, history and tradition, aptitude and ambitions; in short, we have our own distinctive outlook on life and of life. By all canons of international law we are a Nation."

In subsequent years, Mr. Jinnah, popularly known by the title "Quaid-e-Azam" (the Great Leader), came to symbolize the Muslim aspirations for a separate independent homeland, and in 1940 the Muslim League, under his inspiring leadership, demanded that India should be partitioned and the Muslim majority areas should constitute the sovereign, independent State of Pakistan. It was his ardent advocacy and unbending character, his unshakable determination and his power of persuasion that brought about the successful fruition of the Muslim struggle in the shape of Pakistan.

Quaid-e-Azam performed the opening ceremony of the establishment of State Bank of Pakistan on 1st July, 1948. The Quaid-e-Azam was accompanied by Mohtarma Fatirna Jinnah. On arrival, he was greeted by State Bank's first Governor, Mr. Zahid Husain. After having inspected a Guard of Honour of a detachment of Pakistan Army, Quaid- e-Azam took the salute.

The function, among others, was attended by the members of Central Board of Directors of State Bank of Pakistan Sir Maratab Ali Shah, Mr. Wabiduz-Zaman, Mr. Hatim A. Alavi, Mr. Jogesh Das and Mr. Kasim Hussain Kassam Dada. The freedom fighters, Pirzada Abdul Sattar, Sir Gbulam Hussain Hedayatullah, Khawaja Shababuddin. Mr. I.I. Chundrigar, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, Sir Zafarullah Khan and Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan were also present to witness the creation of the Bank.

Inaugurating the Bank, Quaid-e-Azam began his historic, and what turned out to be his last public address by saying "the opening of the State Bank symbolizes the sovereignty of our State in the financial sphere'. Quaid-e-Azam has specially come to Karachi by interrupting his stay in Ziarat for the occasion of national importance. With his characteristic foresight he could see as early as that, as the put it in the concluding portion of his inaugural speech, that the Bank "will develop into one of our greatest national institutions".

The three other stamps epitomize Quaid-e-Azarn Muhammad Ali Jinnah's visit to 5 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment (Artillery) on 21st February, 1948 and 2/15 Punjab on 15- 4-1948. The 5 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment (Artillery) was given the unique honour of being the first Armed Forces unit to be visited by Quaid-e-Azam.

Regimental parade was held in Quaid's honour. When Quaid-e-Azam reached the saluting dais the Regiment gave a general salute. While the Regiment was still at 'present arm' Quaid was requested by Lieut. (later Admiral) Ahsan, his ADC, to move to review the parade. The parade commander just could not decide to order the Regiment to 'order arm' as Quaid was then moving. Thus Quaid reviewed the Regiment at 'present arm'. A tradition was thus born on Quaid's first visit to the Unit. Since then the 5 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment has been claiming the right to be inspected at 'present arm' as Quaid had inspected it at 'present arm' on his first visit. The claim of 5 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment was examined and re-examined many a time when finally it was approved by the Chief of Army Staff General Mirza Aslam Baig and Maj. Gen. Agha Masood Hasan, GOC Army Air Defence Command, inspected the 5 AD Regiment guard at 'present arm' at Quetta for the first time, when Lieut Colonel (now Major General) Tahir Mahmud Qazi was the Commanding Officer.

Since then the Regiment has a unique honour of being reviewed at 'present arm' and using the motto "Fakhr-e-Quaid". The stamp places the visit of Quaid to 5 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment in Philatelic history.

The Quaid was seventy-one when Pakistan was born. He was spared by Almighty only for one year to set the ship of the new State on its keel. In spite of his immense prestige and popularity he conducted himself strictly as a constitutional Head of the state and never deviated from democratic conventions and constitutional Propriety.

He died on September 11, 1948 deeply mourned by a grateful Nation but as one of the great immortals of history. Date of Issue (December 25, 2001)

Golden Jubilee Nishtar Medical College,Multan (1951-2001) (2001-18)

History affords few examples of an institution which comes into being as an embodiment of a peoples' dream and then exists as a living monument to Service and Discipline.

Certainly, Nishtar Medical College, Multan is one such institution. Its very name holds a special element of grandeur as it was Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, a celebrated companion of the Quaid-e-Azam and the then Governor of the Punjab, whose dynamism and humane leadership made the peoples' dream come true in 1951.

An unique role was played by Dr. Muhammad Jamal Bhutta (Sitara-e-imtiaz) who was not only the founding principal but also Project Director.

Now when this August institution is celebrating its Golden Jubilee it can proudly claim to have given 7000 graduates to Pakistan and the world community at large. These, in turn, are serving humanity and bringing laurels to their Alma mater.

The attached 1100 bed Nishtar Hospital is a tertiary health care center which is providing all kinds of medical services to more than 20 million people of Southern Punjab.

Interestingly, Nishtar Medical College, Multan is also a cultural land mark as regards architecture. The credit goes to Mr. Somjee, a renowned architect, for giving it a uniquely elegant Islamic touch with its familiar domes and tower.

Today it can be said that Nishtar Medical College has justified the faith which its initiators reposed in it and at present its destiny is in hands which certainly have the ability and zeal to keep the torch burning. Date of Issue (December 20, 2001)

30th Anniversary of PAK-UAE Diplomatic Relations. (2001-17)

Pakistan was the first country to accord formal recognition to UAE on its achieving independence. Bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation have progressed steadily ever since.

Pakistan and the UAE enjoy extremely close and traternal relations, founded on deep-rooted cultural affinities, shared faith and traditions, as also geographic proximity and identity of interests. These relations date back to the UAE's formation in 1971, and have since evolved into wide-ranging co-operation in various fields. UAE has been a major donor of economic assistance to Pakistan. UAE has been appreciative of Pakistan's contribution to the evolution of key institutions in the Emirates such as armed forces, police, health and education, and has reciprocated in the same friendly manner to the full satisfaction of Pakistan.

The two countries have common perceptions on all international and regional issues of mutual concern. Frequent exchanges of high level visits and regular bilateral consultations between the two countries are reflective of the fact that Pakistan and UAE have laid strong foundations of mutually beneficial relations, friendship and peaceful cooperation over the years, UAE has emerged as one of Pakistan's major economic and trading partners. A large number of Pakistani expatriates, numbering nearly 400,000 are gainfully employed in UAE. The Pakistani expatriates in UAE have contributed in a significant manner to promotion of bilateral understanding and to the economy of Pakistan through their home remittances.

The President of UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan has been the cementing force in the fraternal binding of the two countries. Sheikh Zayed's achievements are a living testimony to His Highness' enduring wisdom, sagacity and statesmanship. Date of Issue (December 02, 2001)

Wildlife Series Depicting "Birds". (2001-16)

LARGE PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE (Pterocies alchata)

'An over all sandy coloured terrestrial Pigeon like bird with a long pointed tail', is the only Sandgrouse in the region. The breast and belly of the bird is pure white with a broad pinkish chestnut breast band narrowly bordered by black in both sexes. The wing coverts are chocolate chestnut on the shoulder, each rounded feather margined with white the mantle and wing coverts are greenish yellow with Grey tips. The rump and tail are sandy yellow cross-barred black and the pintails are tipped.

This is a rather locally restricted Sandrgrouse, which is the winter visitor and passage migrant in autumn and spring to the small areas of N.W. Baluchistan, Northern Sindh and N.E. NWFP with a small number probably remaining to breed in the extreme S.W. corner of Baluchistan and on the Afghan Border around Chaman.

It feeds on green leaves, small seeds, pulse and grains. Breeds from May to July, lays normally 2-3 eggs on dry open flat ground without any sort of nest. This Sandgrouse is scarce in Pakistan.

BLUE THROAT (Luscima svecica)

In general it looks like a typical chat with a long-legged and slender body. The head, neck and back are greyish brown with a prominent creamy white supercilium. Its most conspicuous feature is the tail, which when fanned is russet chestnut with the central pair and a terminal band dark brown. Males have a striking pattern on the breast and throat and an iridescent blue patch on upper breast which is generally framed in a circlet at the mid-breast region. Females lack the blue throat patch but this area instead is noticeably white. The upper tail coverts are chestnut in both sexes.

A wide spread winter visitor throughout the Indus Plains from Punjab to Sindh. It also occurs in Baluchistan and NWFP during passage migration in spring and autumn. They obtain food by picking it off the ground and from low vegetation. Their diet comprises of mostly insects, small coleoptera, ants, and worms. They breed in alpine meadows in the north. The nest is a cup shaped structure concealed in a clump of grass or hollow in the ground, lay 4-6 eggs pale sage green to olive green colour mottled with reddish brown. Egg laying start in May with an incubation period varies from 13-14 days. Status Frequent in Winter.

HOOPOE (Upupaepops)

A medium sized bird but more slender in build with down curved black bill adapted for probing in the ground.

Its most conspicuous feature is the erectile crest of long narrow feathers down the Centre of the crown. Its head and body are orange-brown with black wings and tail prominently barred with a white on the wing coverts and the base of the black tipped flight feathers. The whole of the upper surface of the wings bears transverse black and white bars. The tail has a one broad white band in an inverted "V" pattern surrounded by black. The Iris is brown and feet are slaty brown, sexes are alike. The lower belly is whitish and the nape mantle is often ashy fawn colour.

Hoopoe breeds in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Indian Sub-Continent, China, lndo-Chinese Region, Malaysia and Indonesia. It inhabits areas which are lightly wooded and preferably where is some grass covering the ground. In Pakistan they are locally migrant but largely resident population, some which winters but not breed in Sindh and also a population which migrate to Himalaya and extralimitally in Central Asia for breed. Hoopoe is a pair bond and monogamous bird. During nesting they make cracks and holes in old trees comprises of a pad of straw, animal hair and feathers, lay 4-7 eggs of skim milk blue rapidly becoming stained brown. Only female incubates from 15-17 days and males bring food for her and nestling.

Status common

INDIAN MAGPIE ROBIN "DHYAL" (Copsychus Sanlaris)

It is a very large chat with relatively stout bill and long tail. The male is metallic blue black all over the head, neck, back and wings, with outer tail feathers and belly pure white. The female is of similar pattern but blue black is replaced by dark iron Grey or unglossy. In both sexes legs and feet are black. It is found throughout the year with sedentary habit and well known bird, wide spread in India and South East Asia. In Pakistan it is uncommon but resident in the outer foot hills of the Murree hills extending down to lslamabad. These large chat forage solitarily expect for during the nesting season and run forward in hopping spurts like typical chats raising their tail over the back as they pause, often fanning open the tail and drooping the wings. Their food includes a wide variety of soil born crustacean, mollusca, spiders, millipedes and insects. They make nests in tree holes and use drain pipes and eaves of buildings as nest boxes. The bird from April to July lay 3 to 5 eggs pale green in colour densely spotted and splotched with reddish brown. Incubation take 12-13 days, males help in bringing food to the nestling, in close attendance or escorting the female during incubating and rearing the chicks. Males sing throughout the nesting season and often in post monsoon and autumn season. Status very local and scarce. Date of Issue (November 26, 2001)

Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq Husain Qureshi. (2001-15)

Born at Patiali (U.P.), in 1902 in a lower middle class family of learned background, he made his mark as a student of the famous Muslim School of Etawa. Thereafter he drifted into politics and took an active part in the Khilafat movement. Passing the intermediate examination as a private candidate, he found a place in the St. Stephen's College of Delhi, rated as one of the top most colleges of India. In the M.A. examination he not only obtained the first position, but broke all records of the University. This secured for him a teaching position at the St. Stephen's College, In 1937 he proceeded to Cambridge from where he obtained a Ph.D. degree in History in 1939. A few years later he was appointed Professor of History at the University of Delhi and also became the Dean of the Faculty of Arts. He also served as Acting Vice Chancellor of the Delhi University. The publication of his book, "Administration of the Sultanate of Dehli", in 1942 became a land mark in the modern research in medieval history. After the Partition, he became a member of the Constituen Assembly of Pakistan.

In 1949 he was appointed Professor of History at the Punjab University, Lahore. But in the same year he joined the Government of Pakistan as Minister of Refugee Rehabilitation and later as central Minister of Education. After resigning his position as minister. Dr. Oureshi joined the Columbia University, New York. It was during his stay there he wrote his famous book, the Muslim Community of the Subcontinent (Hague, 1962). This book is the saga of the achievements and trials and tribulations of the Muslim community in its over one thousands years of history in the subcontinent. Dr. Qureshi also contributed a book on the Pakistan Movement entitled "The Struggle for Pakistan" another book on Education in Pakistan an authoritative book on the Administration of the Mughul Empire; and a book on the Role of the Ulema in the Politics. These books not only brought world fame to Dr. Qureshi, but also placed Pakistan on the world map of historical studies. Undoubtedly Dr. Qureshi was one of the most distinguished historians who flourished in the twentieth century the world over.

There can be no two opinions about the pivotal position of Dr. I.H. Oureshi in the haif-a-century history of the University of Karachi. While the pioneering services rendered by his predecessors cannot be denied. It is unquestionable that it was Dr. Oureshi who built up the institution into a truly full-fledged University. Quite a few departments were founded and a large number of new buildings were built during his tenure. Perhaps his greatest contribution was the building up of faculty cadres in all large Arts and science departments. Though himself not a scientist, his role in building up science departments and their faculties was truly unforgettable. During his long term the University came to enjoy unprecedented prestige as a center of higher studies and research, not only at home but also abroad. Graduates of this University found ready acceptance in prestigious foreign Universities.

To conclude, the late Dr. I. H. Oureshi was one of the most distinguished intellectuals historians and educationists that Pakistan has had during the last fifty years plus. It is only in the fitness of things that commemorative postage in his name is being issued. Date of Issue (November 20, 2001)

125 years of Convent of Jesus & Mary Lahore. (2001-14)

Drawing inspiration from the Foundress of the Sisters of the congregation of Jesus and Mary, Saint Claudine Thevenet, who said, "Let us so form these children that they may be regarded as a blessing in every house they enter", the Convent of Jesus and Mary started serving the cause of education in the city of Lahore in November 1876 in the Anarkali district south of the city wall. The School received official recognition in 1881, but by 1913 due to the congestion of the area and the fear of its being completely enclosed by the Bazaar, the property was sold to the Government and a site on Durand Road was chosen for the new building. Its healthy situation on Durand Road, spacious playing fields, wide and airy classrooms and homely atmosphere, drew greater numbers every year. After the Independence in 1947 the number of pupils greatly increased. In 1956 it was decided to open an Urdu Medium School to relieve the plight of many poor Christians and Muslims in the area who couldn't afford any education. A modest beginning was made with two rooms erected at the end of the school compound, facing Habibuilah Road, Fatima Urdu Medium School for girls began in this way with nine pupils. Fourteen years later a fine nine room building with classes from KG to Matriculation was built. Now it has about 500 pupils.

As the number increased of children seeking admissions increased, it proved difficult to provide better facilities in view of the Congregation's policy of self- support within the country and consequently no foreign aid. Government grants were hard to come by, so when the Parent Teacher Association was formed in 1968, one of its first aims was to improve and extend existing facilities and provide new ones. The Management was keenly interested in providing better science facilities, as well as training in Housecraft and Home Economics for the pupils - the future mothers of Pakistan. So with generous contributions by the parents and doubling of the funds by the Saigol family the science and domestic science block was opened on 7th November 1970. In 1976 the school celebrated its centenary in educating the youth of Lahore. In January 1998 it was decided to include, among the educational services, a centre for children with special needs. The Centre started in some spare rooms at the back of the Mariam Hall on February 3rd 1999. On July 22nd 1999 construction of Thevenet Center began, and it was officially opened on February 3rd, 2000. The aim of the center is to provide services that enable these children to realize their fullest potential and live the most independent lives possible. It now has about 50 pupils. Now in 2001 the school is celebrating its 125th year of educating the youth of Lahore. Date of Issue (November 15, 2001)

Medicinal Plants of Pakistan Depicting "Peppermint". (2001-13)

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 cannot 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 there are grown wild or cultivated medicinal plants species which possess great potentialities not only in the light of their use from centuries in the sub- content in Greco-Arab (Unani or Eastern) system of medicine but also in the light of active principles or biodynamic compounds being isolated from them using ultra modern screeing techniques available in our country. Peppermint is an example of such useful and effective medicinal plant.

Peppermint - Mentha x piperita L. (Labiatae/Lamiaceae)

Flowers: Reddish violet

Peppermint was in use in China and Japan at least 2000 years ago. The na' na' used by Ibn Sina appears to have been Peppermint. He describes it as an efficacious kind of mint and a good diuretic. Both the Arabs and Persians appears to have been well acquainted with the value of the mint in neuralgic affections. According to Dymock the Peppermint was first observed by Dr. Eales and was communicated to Ray, who noticed it in synopsis in 1696.

In Europe Peppermint become know about the later end of the last century. In olden days it was brought to Europe from China and Japan. When first brought to Europe it was used as a remedy for headache and neuralgia. Later on, it was used as an antiseptic and sedative in affections of nose, pharynx and larynx. Attaiba used it as aromatic, carminative stimulant, stomachic and emmenagogue. Date of Issue (November 12, 2001)

10th Anniversary of Independence of Turkmenistan. (2001-12)

Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Turkmenistan as an independent country in December 1991. Pakistan established formal diplomatic relations with Turkmenistan on 10th May 1992. The two countries (Pakistan and Turkmenistan) enjoy close and cordial relations which are rooted in common history, culture and traditions.

Exchange of high-level visits during the last 10 years give credence to the fact that Pakistan and Turkmenistan have laid foundation of mutually beneficial relations, friendship and understanding. The hallmark of the friendship was demonstrated during the official visit of the Chief Executive of Pakistan to Ashgabat in May - 2000, and again during his brief stop-over in November 2000. In the short span of 10 years, there have been six visits of Head of State/Head of Government from Pakistan to Turkmenistan. President of Turkmenistan Saparmurate Niyazov had visited Pakistan thrice in August 1994, March 1995 and March 1997.

The two countries have signed 21 Agreements and Memoranda of understanding in the fields of oil and gas, transport, energy, trade, science and culture. The issuance of commemorative stamps by Pakistan will be an important milestone in the gamut of bilateral relations.

The Government of Turkmenistan is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of its independence on 27th October 2001. The commemorative stamp is bearing the national flag and portrait of President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Niyazov, who is also widely known as Turkmenbashy. Date of Issue (October 27, 2001)

Dr. Imtiaz Ali Taj. (2001-11)

Syed lmtiaz Ali Taj, prose and drama writer, was born in Lahore on October 13, 1900. After his education, he was able to partake in his father's publishing institution, Dar-ul-Ishaat Punjab.

During his college days he showed his literary qualities by translating and directing several English plays, and then staging them for the college. He sometimes played female roles as girls in his time were not allowed to act.

His earliest involvement with publications began with 'Phool', a children's periodical and 'Tahzeeb-e-Niswan' for women readership.

In 1918 he began the literary magazine called 'Kehkashan' in collaboration with his friend, Maulana Abdul Majeed Salik. In Phool he had the assistance of the famous short story writer Ghulam Abbas Ahmed as well as young Ahmed Nadeem Oasmi.

He translated into Urdu Shakespeare's play 'A Mid Summer Nights Dream' and entitled it in 'Sawan Rain ka sapna'. In 1922 he wrote 'Anarkali', which became a landmark in Urdu drama writing. This was later adapted into feature films in India and Pakistan.

In 1926 he wrote a play 'Chacha Chhakan' which was similar to the famous characters 'Uncle Podger' of the English dramatist Jerome, Chacha Chhakan remains until today the most humorous character in the Urdu literature.

Apart from criticism on drama, he also wrote radio plays, novels, short stories and several film stories, some of them directed by him. As the Director of 'Majlis' he republished many critical works of Urdu literature.

After the establishment of Pakistan, Syed lmtiaz Ali Taj conducted a daily feature 'Pakistan Hamara Hai' for Radio Pakistan. It was no doubt a popular programme.

On 19th April, 1970 while he was asleep, he was shot dead by some unknown persons. His wife Hijab lmtiaz Ali was seriously wounded. Date of Issue (October 13, 2001)

United Nations year of Dialogue among civilizations in the year -2001. (2001-10)

Reaffirming the purposes and principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations, which, inter alia, call for collective effort to strengthen friendly relations among nations, remove threats to peace and foster international cooperation in resolving international issues of an economic, social, cultural and humanitarian character and in promoting and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all,

Recognizing the diverse civilizational achievements of mankind, crystallizing cultural pluralism and creative human diversity,

Aware that positive and mutually beneficial interaction among civilizations has continued throughout human history despite impediments arising from intolerance, disputes and wars,

Emphasizing the importance of tolerance in international relations and the significant role of dialogue as a means to reach understanding, remove threats to peace and strengthen interaction and exchange among civilizations,

Noting the designation of 1995 as the United Nations Year for Tolerance, and recognizing that tolerance and respect for diversity facilitate universal promotion and protection of human rights and constitute sound foundations for civil society, social harmony and peace,

Reaffirming that civilizational achievements constitute the collective heritage of mankind, providing a source of inspiration and progress for humanity at large,

Welcoming the collective endeavour of the international community to enhance understanding through constructive dialogue among civilizations on the threshold of the third millennium,

1. Expresses its firm determination to facilitate and promote dialogue among civilizations;

2. Decides to proclaim the year 2001 as the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations;

3. Invites Governments, the united Nations system, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and other relevant international and non-governmental organizations, to plan and implement appropriate cultural, educational and social programmes to promote the concept of dialogue among civilizations, including through organizing conferences and seminars and disseminating information and scholarly material on the subject, and to inform the Secretay-General of their activities;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to present a provisional report on activities in this regard to the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session, and a final report to the General Assembly at its fifty-fifth session. Date of Issue (October 09, 2001)

Khawaja Farid, A Mystic and Spirtual Poet. (2001-9)

Khawaja Ghulam Farid, the top most spiritual poet in Siraiki Language, was born in 1845 A.D. at Kot Mithan, in a family of Arab settlers who had come to this country along with the Arab forces.

Maulana Khuda Bux had two sons, Khawaja Farid-ud-Din and Khawaja Fakhar-ud-Din. It is said that when Khawaja Ghulam Farid was a child, Maulana Muhammad gave him the first lesson of the first alphabet "ALIF" and asked him to say "ALIF". He repeated the same again and again till every-one present there was enveloped by a trance. Some qawali singers were invited and they too recited the same word on their musical instruments. The trance remained in sway for a considerable time.

Khawaja Farid's mother died when he was only four years of age. He was looked after by his eider brother. At the age of eight, he had committed to memory the whole of the holy Quran. Thereafter Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan took the child to his palace at Ahmad Pur Sharqia for imparting him religious knowledge by some renowned scholar. At the age of thirteen, Khawaja Farid became the disciple of Khawaja Fakhar-ud-Din, his elder brother. When he crossed 28 years of his age Khawaja Fakhar-ud-Din died. He left for Ruhi where the remained for about eighteen years. It was a typical wilderness but suitable for a recluse saint. It was very beneficial for connection with Kot Mithan or Chachar. About this wilderness of Ruhi, we often read in his lyrics. He performed Haj Baitullah in 1876.

Khawaja Farid was conversant with seven languages Viz, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Multani, Sindhi, Hindi and Sansakrat. He led a life of purity and was utterly devoted to the righteous path of the Holy Prophet of Islam. May his soul ever rest in peace.

The lyrics of Khawaja Farid speak of the sadness of his separation from God and Muhammad, the beloved of Allah. He never reckoned himself away from his goal. But at times he felt a great separation and so he cried, groaned and sang in his ecstacy of the love which united him to his creator but with a veil in between them. The body acts as a most obedient slave, the sould gives life to the body and the spirit infuses the mechanical power in man. All these faculties he utilised only for the sake of Allah to approach Him, the only Goal for the man to attain.

The spiritual yearing, purification and elevation depends on so many factors which have been explained by saints and spiritualists. The shortest way to the creator is Love and Khawaja used this Method of attaining sublimation. All the attributes of Allah, we know are the off- shoots of Love. Khawaja Farid expressed this love in his fine verses.

SERVICES RENDERED BY KHAWAJA FARID FOR SPREADING OF ISLAM

Khawaja Ghulam Farid rendered numerous services for spreading Islam and left behind disciples in Lacs. His most notable disciples are noted below:-

1. Nawab Qaisar Khan Magassi of Balochistan and his subjects.
2. Nawab Sadiq Khan 4th of Bahawalpur State and his subjects.

3. Mirza Ahmad Akhtar, the grand son of Bahadur Shah Zafar.

PUBLICATIONS

Khawaja Farid wrote the following books both in poetry and prose:-

1. Dewan-E-Farid in 1882. (Saraiki Poetry)
2. Dewan-e-Farid in 1884. (Urdu Poetry)
3. Manaqabe Mehboobia (in Persian prose)

4. Fawaid Faridia (in Persian prose)

Khawaja Farid died on 24th July, 1901 and was laid to rest in Kot Mithan. Date of Issue (September 25, 2001)

Sindh Festival 2001. (2001-8)

"Sindh Festival 2001" being held at Expo Centre Karachi from 22nd-27th September 2001 is a project of Government of Sindh. Sindh Festival 2001 is sponsored by Culture, Sports, Tourism and Social Welfare Department and backed by various Government and Semi governmental institutions of Sindh.

Sindh Festival 2001 is not just an exhibition but an exhibition with definite objectives such as:-

1.To project the rich cultural heritage of Sindh highlighting its music, art and fashion,
2. To promote the local industry of Sindh,

3. To promote tourism in Sindh,

4. To promote education,

5. To show that Sindh is a peace loving and progressive province.

The President & Chief Executive of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharaf will be inaugurating the festival on 22nd September 2001. A street parade is being organized to mark the opening ceremony in which thousands of school children, members of scouts Association, etc will march down from the University Road up to the Expo Center and will hand over the keys of the festival to the Chief Guest. A special theme song "Ho Jamaio" will be played at the moment as a tribute to the rich music of the province.

The festival will be full of extravagant events and activities all aimed to relive the true essence and spirit of Sindh. The exhibition will be divided into four distinct areas each highlighting a unique aspect of the province.

"Traditional Sindh Hall"

This area will depict and house a typical Sindhi Village with real life characters, animals of the region, fruits, flowers, crops and people. Here visitors will be able to see the artisens at work.

"The Modern Sindh Hall"

Major institutions and companies that are driving the economy, trade & commerce of Sindh will be represented in the Modern Sindh Hall. Visitors will be able to witness miniature versions of Sindh's monuments such as Quaid-e-Azam's Mazar and Habib Bank Plaza etc. The participants will be provided useful information about these institutions.

"The Sindh Art Hall"

Sindh's topmost painters, sculptors, jewelry designers, handicraft artists and photographers will be featured here. The public will be free to purchase certain works on display.

"The Sindh Live Hall"

For six days the live Hall will showcase some of Sindh's best musical talent. The performers will be from three musical disciplines i.e. 'Folk music', 'Classical music', and 'Modern music'. District level talent will be showcased every day followed by a headlining artist who will close the performance and hand out awards to the upcoming artists. Sindh Malakhara and various acrobatic activities will form part of the Sindh Festival 2001.

Sindh Festival 2001 will attract around half a million visitors including members of the Diplomatic Community, Foreign dignitaries. Trade Commissioners, a number of foreign business men and tourists and of course the Pakistan public.

In short, this six day event will be the largest ever exhibition organized in the provinces of Sindh and would be a kaleidoscope of Sindh's cultural, social and economic life. Date of Issue (September 22, 2001)