On the Celebration of 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight (1903-2003) (2003-23)

2003 marks a historic year in aviation. On 17 December 1903, the sands of Kitty Hawk, North California witnessed a breathtaking spectacle in the annals of human history. On this epoch-making date, a hundred years ago, two brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, stunned the world by staging a successful flight in their first piloted biplane. Their intense preoccupation with flying was fuelled not by economic necessity but mostly from their imaginative determination to cross one of the last technological barriers to human flight-stability in the air. The event changed the course of history. The year 2003 therefore is a year to celebrate the past and embrace the future.
After the death in a crash of Otto Lilienthal in 1896, Orville and Wilbur Wright became increasingly infatuated with aviation. They first built in August 1899 a biplane kite of 5-foot span. During the next three years, they developed, designed and tested, with varying degrees of success, three gliders. After the eventual success of the third glider, constructed during August and September 1902, the two brothers turned to the design of a powered aircraft for which they built their own 12 hp engine and propeller. After an unsuccessful attempt at Kitty hawk on 14 December 1903. Orville Wright took of at 10:35 a.m. on 17 December logging a flight of 12 seconds covering 120 feet. This was acclaimed as the world's first manned, powered, controlled and sustained flight in a heavier-than-air machine. During the fourth and final flight that day, Wilber flew for 59 seconds covering 852 feet.
The Wright brothers' quest for powered flight spanned many years and took them many thousands of miles from their home in Dayton, Ohio. The Wright story did not end on December 17, 1903 with Wilbur's flight of 120 feet from the beach of Kitty Hawk, but grew as they took their invention to Europe. Their demonstrations of the 'Wright Flying Machine' brought their accomplishment to the World scene in a way that truly marked the beginning of a new era.
At the dawn of the centennial year of powered flight on 17 December 2003, aviation technology has traversed a long distance, interspersed with phenomenal strides, over the past one hundred years. This is true of all kinds of aviation-commercial, general , military and space-focused. In just 100 years man has progressed from those first hesitant hops to conquering the globe and beyond it into space. Distances have amazingly shrunk, and man has already stepped on the moon. Every place on earth is now only hours away-rather than weeks or months before the aeroplane. The story of the preceding century is one of unceasing innovation, vision and outstanding courage in unlocking the secrets of flight and extending the boundaries of performance.
Equipped with hi-tech combat planes with vastly enhanced capabilities of speed, reach, mass, surprise, flexibility, accuracy, manoeuvrability and lethality, air power has become a decisive arbiter in modern warfare. The spectacular performance of air power in recent conflicts in the Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq and the favourable outcomes deriving from its effective application, both in peace and theatres of crises, points to its undisputed potency as an element of force projection. Air power, it appears, has acquired for itself the mantle of authority to fulfil the prophesies of its ardent advocates like Glulo Douhet, and perhaps exceeds his vision of the potential of air bombardment. Winston Churchill, minced no words in acknowledging the role of air power when he stated:
For good or ill, air mastery is today the supreme expression of military power. And fleets and armies, however necessary and important must accept subordinate rank. This is a memorable milestone in the march of man.
Growing from a small band of dedicated airmen with a meagre stock of aircraft and equipment, Pakistan Air Force did not take long to attain the stature of a force "second to none", befitting the fond aspiration of Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It has triumphantly withstood many a challenge and tribulation since its inception, fifty-six years ago. It continues to strike awe into the heart of the enemy despite his vast numerical superiority. Inexorably destined to fight outnumbered. PAF has always counted on the quality and character of its personnel and leaders who consider it a sacred trust and commitment to jealously guard its repute as a potent force to reckon with.
PAF has had the distinction of acquitting itself most admirably in situations threatening the survival and security of Pakistan right from the Kashmir War in 1948. In every trial and crisis, the servicemen of this gallant force have measured up to the trust of the nation in the tradition of their illustrious predecessors. The superb performance of Pak Fizaia and the air supremacy that it commanded during the fateful war of 1965 was hugely acclaimed both at home and abroad. With similar courage, zeal and prowess, PAF participated in the 1971 War generating much higher rate of war missions and raids on the enemy targets than that of 1965 War. It is a pity that its outstanding performance remains eclipsed due to the unsavoury outcome of the war. So were daringly challenged and met frequent Afghan air incursions into Pakistan territory during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, resulting in loss of several intruding planes at the hands of brave and accomplished PAF pilots. During the 10- month long bitter eyeball-to-eyeball standoff with India, in 2001, PAF emerged highly alert, vigilant and ready to strike through rapid deployments of its combat elements along the possible spectrum of conflict. It is thus rightly adored as the 'pride of the nation'.
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of powered flight, all ranks of Pakistan Air Force profoundly share the sense of jubilation surrounding the centennial celebration of powered flight on 17 December 2003. They pay their profound tributes to Wright Brothers, the brilliant legends of their times, whose indomitable passion to fly in a powered plane paved the way for an incredible revolution in human existence. Pakistan Air Force holds them and their successive generations of pilots, aeronautical designers and engineers in high esteem. On this centennial event, the fighting elements of PAF renew and reaffirm their resolve and commitment to hone their skill and capability to use the potent strength of air power in the best service of the nation.
Commemorative postage stamps issued on the eve of 100 years of powered flight reflect PAF's deep sense of belonging to this historic moment. The select aviation paintings by SMA Hussaini, PAF's official aviation artist, and Mr Shujaat, a UAE-based Pakistani artist chronicle the tale of this gallant service's courage and commitment which will evoke spontaneous admiration of the viewers at large. The nation's air arm considers it a pleasant obligation, on this singular occasion, to communicate to society the importance of aviation and to inspire the new generation to take up the challenge in combat aviation, in the supreme service of the nation. Pakistan Air Force owes to Pakistan Post Office profound gratitude for their keen interest in issuing these memorial Stamps and thus honouring not only PAF but also millions of aviation enthusiasts the world over.
Date of Issue (December 17, 2003)

Brief History of Submarine Construction in Pakistan. (2003-22)

Pakistan Navy Submarine Force was established in April 1964 with the acquisition of first Guppy class conventional submarine from US Navy. Subsequently 03 newly constructed Daphne class conventional submarine were acquired from DCN France in the year 1968-70. Another Daphne class submarines was acquired from DCN France.
Immediately after the acquisition of first submarine, foundation of submarine maintenance infrastructure was laid at PN Dockyard Karachi. Over the years this infrastructure was expanded with state of the art machinery, tools, jigs & fixtures and skill of the work force was also enhanced. The decision for major overhauling of submarines in PN Dockyard proved to be a turning point in the history of submarine force. Till today PN Dockyard has on its credit 30 major overhauls of the submarines.
This rich experience of submarine maintenance coupled with special repairs of pressure hulls of PNSM HANGOR and PNS/M SHUSHUK in 1991-92 and naval construction experience of midget submarines, PNS LARKANA, and auxiliary crafts raised the confidence level of the decision makers to embed the elements of transfer of technology in the acquisition of future submarines. As a result in September, 1994 a contract was signed with DCNI of France to build 03 submarines.
The first submarine was to be completely built in France. Pakistan Navy engineers and workmen were to be trained and qualified in the construction processes. DCN was to assist PN Dockyard to upgrade the infrastructure for construction of submarine. To optimize the available infrastructure some works were shared with KS&EW as well. The first submarine joined PN Fleet in December 1999 as PNS/M KHALID.
The transfer of technology level for next two submarines was to be raised gradually in second and third submarine. This was also necessary to immediately put to use the new acquired construction skills. Based on this principle, three pressure hull sections of submarine No. 2 (PNS/M SAAD) were built in France and delivered in 1998. This enabled the engineers and workmen trained in France to quickly organize and put to use their skills. Even before the delivery of sections of submarine No. 2 the work on major structures was started in December 1997. The three sections were transferred to Section Building Hall using Dual Walking Beams and were pre-outfitted for one year. These sections were lowered in Graving Dock in December 1999 and junctioned together. The outfitting phase in Graving Dock included 14000 equipment and foundations, 6000 pipes, 40 kilometres of cables and 38000 connections. Approximately 30000 quality checks were performed during the construction of submarine No. 2. The second submarine was launched on 24 August 2002 and started its harbour and sea trials. This submarine has completed over 1200 harbour and sea trials and on successful completion this has been commissioned as PNS/M SAAD on 12 December 2003.
The maximum transfer of Technology was envisaged in submarine No. 3. The cylindrical part of the pressure hull was to be built from raw plates. All major structures and appendages were to be built in Pakistan. The work of pressure hull construction also started in 1997, was shared between PN Dockyard and KS&EW. PN Dockyard provided the material after cutting to size and shape on NC cutting machine to KS&EW. This kit of material was rolled/formed and welded to make 12 subsections. These subsections were taken to Section Building Hall in PN Dockyard to make 03 large sections. On completion of pressure hull these three sections were pre-outfitted with decks, bulkheads and large structures. Based on similar construction methodology these sections along with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system MESMA, have been lowered into Graving dock on 19 August 2003 and outfiting has started.
The submarine construction at PN Dockyard Department is now fully qualified as per ISO-2000 and its product has been proven and validated. This will meet the need of Pakistan Navy for decades to come. Date of Issue (December 12, 2003)

World Summit On The Information Society. (2003-21)

The World Summit on the Information Society will be held in two phases. The first phase of WSIS will take place in GENEVA hosted by the Government of Switzerland from 10 to 12 December 2003. The second phase will take place in Tunis hosted by the Government of Tunisia, from 16 to 18 November 2005.
Background:- Resolution 73 of the International Telecommunication Union (Minneapolis, 1998) resolved to instruct the ITU Secretary General to place the question of the holding of a World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) on the agenda of the United Nations Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC now the United Nations System Chief Executive Board - CEB) and to report to the ITU governing body, the Council, on the results of that consultation. In his report to the 1999 session of the Council on that consultation, the Secretary - General indicated that the ACC had reacted positively and that a majority of other organizations and agencies had expressed interest in being associated with the preparation and holding of the Summit. It was decided that the Summit would be held under the high patronage of the UN Secretary-General, with ITU taking the lead role in preparations.In 2001, the ITU Council decided to hold a Summit in two phases with the first phase to be held from 10 to 12 December 2003, in Geneva, Switzerland and the second from 16 to 18 November 2005 in Tunis, Tunisia.
The UN General Assembly Resolution 56/183 endorsed the framework for the Summit adopted by the ITU Council. The Resolution also endorses the leading role of the Union in the Summit and its preparation, in cooperation with other interested organizations and partners.The UN General Assembly Resolution 56/183 further recommended that preparations for the Summit take place through an open-ended intergovernmental Preparatory Committee that would define the agenda of the Summit, decide on the modalities of the participation of other stakeholders in the Summit, and finalize both the draft declaration and the draft plan of action. It invited the ITU to assume the leading managerial role in the Executive Secretariat of the Summit and invited Governments to participate actively in the preparatory process of the Summit and to be represented in the Summit at the highest possible level.In Resolution 56/183 the General Assembly also encouraged contributions from all relevant UN bodies and other intergovernmental organizations, including international and regional institutions, non-governmental organizations civil society and the private sector to actively participate in the intergovernmental preparatory process of the Summit and the Summit itself.
The ChallengeThe global information society is evolving at break neck speed. The accelerating convergence between telecommunications, broadcasting multimedia and information and communication technologies (ICTs) is driving new products and services, as well as ways of conducting business and commerce. At the same time, commercial, social and professional opportunities are exploding as new markets open to competition and foreign investment and participation. The modem world is undergoing a fundamental transformation as the industrial society that marked the 20th century rapidly gives way to the information society of the 21st century. This dynamic process promises a fundamental change in all aspects of our lives, including knowledge dissemination, social interaction, economic and business practices, political engagement, media, education, health, leisure and entertainment. We are indeed in the midst of a revolution, perhaps the greatest that humanity has ever experienced. To benefit the world community, the successful and continued growth of this new dynamic requires global discussion.The OpportunityThe World Summit on the Information Society will provide a unique opportunity for all key stakeholders to assemble at a high-level gathering and to develop a better understanding of this revolution and its impact on the international community. It aims to bring together Heads of State, Executive Heads of United Nations agencies, industry leaders, non-govemrnental organizations, media representatives and civil society in a single high-level event. The roles of the various partners (Member States, UN specialized agencies, private sector and civil society) in ensuring smooth coordination of the practical establishment of the information society around the globe will also be at the heart of the Summit and its preparation.Outcome
The anticipated outcome of the Summit is to develop and foster a clear statement of political will and a concrete plan of action for achieving the goals of the Information Society, while fully reflecting all the different interests at stake. The scope and nature of this ambitious project will require partnerships with public and private entities, and such partnerships will be actively sought in the coming months.High Level Summit Organizing Committee (HLSOC)A High-Level Summit Organizing Committee (HLSOC) has been established under the patronage of Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General and Chairman of the United Nations System Chief Executive Board for Coordination (CEB formally ACC)Its purpose is to coordinate the efforts of the international United Nations family in the preparation, organization and holding of WSIS. All the members of the HLSOC have engaged to provide specific information about their work that will help develop the Summit themes. The HLSOC reports directly to the CEB and oversees the work of the Executive Secretariat.
CompositionThe HLSOC is composed of a Representative of the United Nations Secretary- General and Executive Heads of the following UN specialized agencies: FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ILO, IMO, ITU, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO. It comprises also the Director General of WTO, the Executive Director of UNITAR, the Executive Secretaries of the UN Regional Economic Commissions and the President of the World Bank. The Secretary- General of the International Telecommunication Union serves as Chairman of the HLSOC.Executive SecretariatExecutive Director: Mr. Pierre GagneDeputy Executive Director: Mr. Art Levin
The Executive Secretariat of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS/ES) was established under the authority of the HLSOC to assist in the preparation of the Summit. It is based at the ITU headquarters in Geneva, with the following mandate and terms of reference:
MandateThe mandate of the ES is as follows:
Advise on all aspects of Summit preparation
Prepare progress reports on the preparation of the Summit
Develop an operation plan and a timetable for preparation of the Summit
Obtain sponsorship and funding
CompositionA number of different organizations, including government ministries, private companies, UN agencies and NG0s have sent experts to the WSIS Executive Secretariat on a full or part-time basis. The composition of the ES is as follows:
Staff from Member States
Staff from the UN specialized agencies participating in the HLSOC
Staff from the private sector
Staff from NG0s and Civil Society
Host Countries Executive SecretariatsSwitzerland and Tunisia have created working secretariats under the direction of their respective Ambassadors to the World Summit.
Who will Participate?GovernmentsAll governments have a stake in the Information Society, whatever their level of national income or their infrastructure facilities. Governments are key for bringing the benefits of the Information Society to everyone through the development of national and global policies and frameworks to meet the challenges of the Information Society. In their pursuit of the public interest, governments can raise awareness, facilitate access to information for the public, and they also can lay the foundations for all citizens to benefit from Information and Communication Technologies in terms of improved quality of life, social services and economic growth.Private SectorThe private sector, will play an active role in conjunction with government and civil society by offering an economically viable model to achieve the development Objectives on the world agenda. The contribution of the private sector is instrumental in creating the material conditions for universal access to information and value added ICT services. Its involvement in the Summit will promote economic growth and new partnerships, technology transfer, increase awareness of new technologies, and motivate the creation of local content development and skilled employment opportunities.The private sector input to the Summit is being facilitated by the Coordinating Committee of Business Interlocutors (CCBI), chaired by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).Civil SocietyCivil society is playing an active role in identifying the social and cultural consequences of current trends and in drawing attention to the need to introduce democratic accountability on the strategic options taken at all levels. Its diversity and, often, hands-on approach to issues, make civil society a key player in the renewed international partnership called for by the UN Secretary-General.United Nations Family
The Summit offers a unique opportunity for the global community to reflect, discuss and give shape to our common destiny in an era when countries and people are interconnected as never before. The UN family of organizations serves as a catalyst for change by bringing together state governments, as well as the private sector, international institutions and civil society in pursuit of common goals. The United Nations system and its specialized agencies will be deeply involved in the organization and holding of the Summit, with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) taking a lead role.How to Contribute?The key opportunity to contribute and be part of the World Summit is to actively participate in the preparatory process of the World Summit. This can be done in the following suggested ways:
Build a constructive network
Stimulate multi-actor cooperation
Submit substantive inputs
Organize meetings
Organize training sessions
Formulate operational proposals
Provide funding and support
When and Where?The Summit is being held under the high patronage of Kofi Annan, UN Secretary- General, with the International Telecommunication Union taking the lead role, in cooperation with other interested UN agencies, and will occur in two phases:Geneva 2003: First PhaseThe first phase of the World Summit will take place in Geneva hosted by the Government of Switzerland from 10 to 12 December 2003. It will address the broad range of themes concerning the Information Society and adopt a Declaration of Principles and plan of action, addressing the whole range of issues related to the Information Society.Tunis 2005. Second PhaseThe second phase of the World Summit will take place in Tunis hosted by the Government of Tunisia, from 16 to 18 November 2005. Development themes will be a key focus in this phase, and it will assess progress that has been made and adopt any further plan of action to be taken.
Date of Issue (December 10, 2003)

The Eve of International Day for Disabled. (2003-20)

The field of Disability refers to an organized system of services to be provided by specially qualified professionals to all children, youth and adults who need special attention, special equipment and materials, special physical facilities and specially organized conditions and environment at the earliest possible time after the identification of its need. The purpose is to assist those individuals who need special attention in attaining their full potential, so that they are able to perform according to their capabilities and become to the best possible extent functional individuals of society. Specialized services may be provided for as long as are necessary, which may be for a short time, for a prolonged period, or for the rest of the lives of certain individuals.2. As against the W. H.O. estimates of 10% of the population is involved in one form of the disability or the other, the National Census Report of 1998 indicates a low estimate of 2.49% of the total population based on the reported cases of persons with disabilities, who require immediate attention and support.
3. During the recent years, International movements for empowerment of persons with disabilities have emerged rapidly through international conventions and agreements. This has made the Government of Pakistan a partner in the global movement for betterment of this segment of society.
4. The provision of a comprehensive range of facilities for persons with disabilities from pre-natal care through education, vocational training, employment and support during adult life cannot be matter for a single government department or agency. Active cooperation: of a large number of relevant organizations at Federal, Provincial, Local and NG0s level, along with involvement of the family, professionals and communities at large, have, therefore, to play their active role in the provision and growth of services of real quality for this segment of society.
Date of Issue (December 03, 2003)

US $10 Billion Exports Target 2002-2003. (2003-19)

The crossing of the psychological barrier of U.S. $ 10 billion in Pakistan's exports is only the beginning of a long journey of robust economic growth.
2. The committed efforts of our exporters, manufacturers, farmers and all other stakeholders have finally paid off. Pakistan did it despite the sanctions, llth September, war-risk insurance, appreciation of rupee, travel restrictions, visa issues, financial liquidity constraints and slowdown of the world economic growth.
3. Our textile and garment industry spearheaded the growth in exports, making large investments in capacity, technology and efficiency, managing their way through the maze of WTO and local regulatory environment, demonstrating keen insight and flexibility to the changing world consumer and customer preferences.
4. Our farmers fought the drought and the growing input costs. They worked hard at growing more wheat, enabling Pakistan to export for the first time. Better cotton helped exporters enhance market share and now basmati is growing in Sindh too.
5. Our tanners competing in a zero import duty environment, our soccer ball producers bouncing the world cup, our surgical goods producers daring new markets, our carpet producers readjusting to the challenges of Afghanistan situation, our fisheries and meat exporters coping with investment needs for phytosanitary conditions, our jewellery producers transcending the traditional markets, our pharmaceutical producers suffering the challenges of registration and pricing, coping with rigours of market penetration, cutlery, fans, auto parts and furniture exporters rapidly adjusting to the growing world requirements and technologies have made it happen.
6. Success in exports is a national achievement. Crossing the 10 billion U.S dollar mark has been the result of a close public and private sector partnership, of government providing an enabling environment with the Ministry of Commerce obtaining market access, providing force for collaborative efforts to develop sectoral road maps, rationalizing duties and tariffs, reducing cost of production, EPB spearheading transparent participation in an ever growing number of marketing events, providing prompt and accurate information and data, bridging efforts of our exporters and commercial offices abroad, guiding and facilitating exporters for day to day challenges, educating exporters on WTO and other regulatory mechanisms, managing textile quotas transparently and proactively, contributing to learnings of related stakeholders whether farmers, producers or exporters; Ministry of Finance, Central Broad of Revenue and State Bank of Pakistan managing fiscal reforms and facilitation and rescuing "hardship cases", BOI and SMEDA attracting investments and encouraging our vital SME sectors and so on. Date of Issue (October 20, 2003)

Golden Jubilee Celebration of P.A.F. Public School Sargodha.(2003-18)

The PAF School Sargodha was established in December 1953 as an RPAF Public School, under contract with a British company - Air Services Training (AST) Ltd. Before independence the present college campus was known as dhoop sari meaning 'sun burnt'. It was originally picked as a site for a Government College, but the Prime Minister Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan agreed to let the PAF establish its school instead.It was during the tenure of Air Vice Marshal Atcherley that the RPAF, in order to induct suitable young men for the pilots' branch, felt the need for its own nursery. Group Captain S F Mahmood, Director of Education, was asked to prepare a feasibility report on the subject, following which an RPAF pre-cadet public school started functioning in February 1953, with a British principal, Mr. E Sprawson, and 8 British teachers under contract for five years.
In December 1957, Mr. Sprawson left Pakistan on completion of his contract and Mr. G Stott, the deputy headmaster, took over as principal. In February he was transferred to Lower Topa as principal and Mr. Hugh Catchpole was appointed as principal of the Sargodha School. In 1967 the institution was raised to the intermediate level and renamed PAF College Sargodha. At this time Mr. Catchpole's tenure came to an end. He served as a highly dedicated principal and had been a great stabilizing factor for the institution. Mr. A Rahman Quraishi, who served the longest and most eventful sixteen years as principal, succeeded him.
In September 1973 Air Headquarters decided to change the status of the college and make it a part of the PAF Academy. The PAF soon realized the necessity of the role of nurseries PAF College Sargodha had been playing and in 1990 the Chief of Air Staff; Air Chief Marshal Hakimullah took the decision of reviving PAF College Sargodha. Since then the college has been functioning smoothly and performing its primary task of grooming young boys to join PAF.
Former Sargodhians had made a significant contribution during the two lndo-Pak wars. Four Srgodhians were decorated with Sitara-e-Jurat, two received Tamgha-e-Jurat while four made the supreme sacrifice of their lives in the defence of Pakistan.
The Institution has made a tremendous contribution by producing quality young men who have done well in all walks of life; be it the armed forces or the Civil Bureaucracy, Sargodhians have given an excellent account of themselves and taken up the mantle to face any challenge offered.
Date of Issue (October 10, 2003)

Golden Jubilee of the first Ascent of Nanga Parbat 1953-2003. (2003-17)

Pakistan is the meeting point of three of the world's mightiest and highest mountain ranges i.e. the Karakoram, Hindukush and Himalaya.
The central Himalayan mountains span Nepal reaching upto Bhutan and Sikim in the East and far into Pakistan in the west.
Rising to 8125 meters, ranking ninth highest on Earth, the massive Nanga Parbat stands in isolation like a big bull, guarding the Western bastion of the Great Himalaya. It is one of the five peaks in Pakistan rising above 8000 metres; K2 8611m, Hidden Peak 8068m, Broad Peak 8047m and Gasherbrum II 8035m of the Karakoram being others. Dominating Diamer District of the Northern Areas, Nanga Parbat is bounded by Astore Valley to its Northeast and East, Indus River to its North and lower mountains of Kaghan valley to its West and South. Its prime lay is North-East to South-East, with Doian ridge rising above the confluence of Rivers Astore and Indus and rising to Chongra Peak 6430m connecting it with Raikot Peak 7070m, and Rocky pillars of Silverzacken 7597m through east ridge. It leads further to the silver plateau dominated by Bazhin gap and long sharp rocky crest housing the main 8125m high Nanga Parbat summit, flanked by two subsidiary peaks i.e. North 8070m and South 8042m - a distance of 41 kms. This main Nanga Parbat ridge continues West and Southwest to 15 kms distant Mazeno Pass 5399m and 33 kms distant Tosha Gali, making the main ridge 74 kms long; over 5 kms of its portion lying above 7500m characterized by hazardous rocky, snow and icy steep slopes. Nanga Parbat summit is flanked on the East by highest wall of Rupal face and Bazhin glacier whereas its western flank descends into the Diamer Valley. Formed by the collision of the India-Australian and Eurasian Tectonic plates, Nanga Parbat, continues to rise upward, with equally strong erosion creating the balancing act, geological strata underneath remaining unstable, prone to high seismic activity. Monsoons hit the area in beginning July with heavy snow and storms and lasts till end August, permanent snowline remaining above 4500m. In view of its configuration and climate, Nanga Parbat has always been considered as a treacherous mountain to climb.
The climbing history of Nanga Parbat is replete with incomparable tales of dogged determination, tragedies and tribulations, endured mostly by German, British and Austrian climbers. It was on 3rd July 1953 that legendary Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl, climbing as part of a German Expedition, succeeded in setting foot atop Nanga Parbat, defying all myths and evils associated with Di amer. Golden Jubilee of this first ascent of Nanga Parbat fell on 3rd July 2003.
There have been a number of ascents of Nanga Parbat since then. Till date over 200 mountaineers have succeeded in reaching Nanga Parbat's summit, and much lesser than those on Mt Everest (over 1500). At the same time 53 mountaineers tragically lost their lives while attempting it, highest climb to death ratio, rivaled only by Mt Annapurna 8091m of Nepal. The first climbers from Pakistan to succeed in reaching the top were members of a Pakistan Army expedition led by Col. Sher Khan comprising 12 members. Until now 9 climbers from Pakistan have been able to scale the summit. The tale of climbing Nanga Parbat is a never ending story, as the mountaineers continue to climb, setting legends, climbing new routes, adopting new combinations and techniques. As we celebrate Golden Jubilee of First Ascent of Nanga Parbat, we remember and pay homage to all those gallant men from different nations, Who attempted to ascend this gigantic and arduous mountain, climbed it, or were lost in the white expanse of this ferocious fairyland Kingdom of Di amer. Date of Issue (October 06, 2003)

25th Anniversary of Karakoram Highway (1978 - 2003) (2003-16)

Karakoram Highway (KKH) has a total length of about 1300 kilometers in the most impressive and desolate landscape. It passes through three great mountain ranges i.e. the Himalayas, Karakorams and Pamirs. Most of the road is overshadowed by towering barren mountains and a high altitude desert that enjoys less than 100 millimeters of rain a year. Indus River flows through the Karakoram Highway for over 200 kilometers. Here KKH together with the Indus divides the mountain ranges of Himalayas and Karakoram Range and winds around the foot of Nanga Parbat, (one of the tallest peaks of the world). The Highway then leaves the Indus for Gilgit, Hunza and Khunjerab rivers to take on the Karakoram Range, which has 12 of the 30 highest mountain peaks in the world. By the time the road reaches the Khunjerab Pass (4,733 meter height), it crosses the high Central Asian plateau before winding down through the Pamirs to the fabled Chinese City of Kashgar, at the western edge of the Taklamakan Desert.2. Karakoram Highway follows the eastern direction of many silk routes along the valleys, of the Indus, Gilgit and Hunza Rivers to the China border at the Khunjerab Pass. By this route, Chinese silk, Ceramics, lacquer ware bronze, iron, furs and spices travelled to the West, while the wool, linen, ivory, gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones, asbestos and glass of south Asia and the West travel East. The route was also travelled by medieval sages including Fa Hein and Heung Sang; and the illustrious Al-Beruni who devoted a complete chapter on the geological features of the area in his "Kitab-al-Hind",
3. In March 1963, Pakistan and China signed a historic border agreement. Three years later, the two countries agreed to construct a road that would provide a hitherto non-existent road-link for mutual benefit. The Highway, a symbol of Pakistan-China Cooperation, took ten years to complete. The Highway is an incredible feat of engineering and an enduring monument to the 810 Pakistanis and 82 Chinese who lost their lives during construction work in what is probably the world's most difficult and unstable terrain. In 1986 the border at Khunjerab was opened for travel and business. The road has spurred the commercial activity between the two countries. It has also provided a cheaper and convenient instrument for contact between Pakistani and Chinese people who for centuries were insulated by a hostile geography.
4. Karakoram Highway has a strategic importance that overarches the whole region. It forms the Asian 'high road' loop that binds Pakistan and China and can also serve as a link between China and the Central Asian states.
5. Karakoram Highway is a marvellous symbol of Pakistan-China cooperation and friendship. Date of Issue (October 01, 2003)

Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad. (2003-15)

Pakistan is a multicultural and multi linguistic nation with a rich literary tradition and a vast heritage in both the national and regional languages. The Pakistan Academy of Letters was established in July 1976 as an autonomous organization under the Federal Ministry of Education with a view to promoting and fostering literary activities in the country and systemizing the support mechanism to scholars and writers in the pursuit of their research and creative works.The objectives of the Academy were formulated in this broad framework. A board of governors was appointed to run the affairs of the Academy and a body of Founding Fellows was nominated from prominent literary personalities of the country including luminaries of the period like the late Dr lshtiaq Hussain Qureshi who became the first president of the Founders among whom the names of the late A.K. Brohi, Hafeez Jullundhri, Sardar Khan Gashkori, Dr. Said Abdullah, Ehsan Danish, Mian Syed Rassol Rasa, Prof Ahmad Ali stand out. The Academy is fortunate to have the guidance of eminent Founding Fellows like Ahmad Nadim Qasmi, Mr. Sharif Kunjahi and Dr. N.A. Baloch. The late Dr. Shafiqur Rahman was the Academy's first Chairman. The Academy undertakes research projects, evaluates the performance of learned bodies, translates selected works into the national and regional languages, promotes production of standard works of reference, introduces Pakistani writings to foreign readers through translations, publishes a periodical in Urdu and another in English to present the literary works of Urdu, Punjabi, Seraiki, Sindhi, Pushto, Balochi, Brahvi, Kashmiri, Brushashki, Khowar and Shina writers to readers in the country and abroad. The Academy publishes research work of eminent scholars, awards distinguished creative works, provides financial support to indigent writers and advises government on international literary gatherings.
Among its prominent publications, in addition to over 150 it has already published, are the Annual Selection from Pakistani Literatures (Prose & Poetry), Bibliography of Pakistani Literatures, Quarterly Adabiyat, and the Biannual Pakistani Literature.
The Academy also participates in cultural exchange programmes, arranges inter-provincial tours of writers, provides grants-in-aid to learned bodies and honoraria to writers and incase of death to bereaved families. It has started an insurance scheme for writers, built a Writers House at the Academy for visiting writers beside performing a whole gamut of related literary activities. The Academy published two voluminous works in Urdu and English in celebration of Allama lqbal's centenary. The Academy has four regional offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta. Date of Issue (September 24, 2003)

Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas (Shaheed), Nishan-e-Haider. (2003-14)

The youngest recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas was born on February 17, 1951 in Karachi. While still under training, Minhas was taxiing for take-off on a routine flight on August 20, 1971 when an Instructor Pilot forced his way into the rear cockpit, seized control of the aircraft and took off.As soon as Minhas realised that the intruding pilot was heading towards India, he tried to regain control of the aircraft but could not manage it against the superior skill and experience of the seasoned instructor. With only forty miles to go to cross over into Indian territory, he made yet another effort to steer the aircraft back to the base. Realising the futility of the struggle, Minhas resorted to the only honourable course open to him: he so interfered with the controls as to render the Instructor Pilot helpless and force the aircraft to crash 32 miles short of the border, knowing that it meant certain death.For the supreme sacrifice that he made for the honour of his country, Pilot Officer Minhas was awarded Nishan-e-Haider. Date of Issue (September 07, 2003)

United Nations Literacy Decade: Education For All. (2003-13)

Introduction:- 1. The General Assembly at its fifty-sixth session adopted its resolution 56-116 entitled "United Nations Literacy Decade: education for all", in which it proclaimed the United Nations Literacy Decade for period 2003-2012 towards the goal of Education for All. The proposal for a United nations literacy decade was brought forward at the fifty fourth session of the assembly (see resolution 54/122), endorsed at the roundtable convened at the World Education Forum, held in Dakar in 2000, and reiterated by the Assembly at its special session, held in Geneva in 2000. The proclamation of the United Nations Literacy Decade by the Assembly at its fifty sixth session was welcomed by the commission on Human Rights in its resolution 2002/23 of 22 April 2002 on the right to education.2. In the preamble to its resolution 56/116 the General Assembiy states it is convinced that literacy is crucial to the acquisition, by every child, youth and adult, of essential life skills that enable them to address the challenges they can face in life and represents an essential step in basic education, which is an indispensable means for effective participation in the societies and economies of the twenty-first century. The resolution also supports the concept of literacy for all in its reaffirmation that literacy for all is at the heart of basic education for all the end that creating literate environments and societies is essential for achieving the goals of eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy.3. The United Nations Literacy Decade, as an integral component of Education for All, will provide both a platform and an impetus for achieving all six goals of the Dakar Framework for Action.
The six goals of the Dakar Framework for Action(1) Expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children;
(2) Ensuring that by 2015 all children, particularly girls, children in difficult circumstances and those belonging to ethnic minorities, have access to and complete, free and compulsory primary education of good quality;
(3) Ensuring that the learning needs of all young people and adults are met through equitable access to appropriate learning and life skills programmers;
(4) Achieving a 50 per cent improvement in levels of adult literacy by 2015, especially for women, and equitable access to basic and continuing education for all adults;
(5) Eliminating gender disparities in primary and secondary education by 2005 and achieving gender equality in education by 2015, with a focus on ensuring girls' full and equal access to and achievement in basic education of good quality.,
(6) Improving all aspects of the quality of education and ensuring excellence of all so that recognized and measurable learning outcomes are achieved by all, especially in literacy, in-numeracy and essential life skills.
Literacy is the common thread that runs through the six goals. Indeed, the acquisition of stable and sustainable literacy skills by all will ensure that people can actively participate in a range of learning opportunities throughout life. Literacy for all is the foundation for lifelong learning for all and a tool for empowering individuals and their communities.
The plan of action builds on the draft proposal and plan for a United Nations literacy decade (A/56/114 and Add. 1-E/2001/93 and Add. 1) and articulates essential requirements and the focus of actions for the successful implementation of the Literacy Decade as a thrust of Education for all efforts. It aims to stimulate action taken by national Government, local communities, individuals, non-governrnent organizations (NG0s), universities, public and private organizations and civil society in their broad coalition. It also aims to mobilize international agencies and national Governments or forging global commitments.
Implementation at National Level
1 . Policy and Planning: Plan for the Literacy Decade through incorporating a Literacy for All component in Education for All plans, with a realistic time frame for the entire 10 years period of the Literacy Decade.
2. Advocacy: Draw up plans for advocacy actions at all levels in cooperation with all stakeholders, such as government functionaries, NG0s, civil society, institutions funding agencies, local communities, local governments and potential learners.3. Capacity-building: Develop training programmers for all categories of stakeholders in the areas of planning, research, training curriculum development, material developments, monitoring and evaluation.4. Partnership: Build effective partnerships with other ministries, NG0s, civil society, institutions, universities, the private sector, funding agencies, international agencies, United Nations agencies and the media.5. Research. Carry out baseline study for priority identification; support action research for developing alternative models and process research to review programmer implementation.
The Director General, UNESCO officially visited Pakistan on May 21-22, 2003 to launch the international Literacy Decade in Pakistan. Ministry of Education in collaboration with UNESCO is organizing various programmes with a view to mobilize all possible support through national institutions, multi-lateral and bilateral partners, civil society and the private sector for the noble cause of promotion of Literacy Besides other programmes being implemented. Date of Issue (September 06, 2003)

Moulana Muhammad Ismail Zabeeh. (2003-12)

1. Moulana Muhammed lsmail Zabeeh is one of the founding fathers of Pakistan. His whole life is an epitome of total devotion and self less service to the cause of Muslim Ummah and the Pakistan Movement. He was born in 1913 in Gawaliar but was brought up at Kanpur. The Moulana hailed from a well known scholarly family of Hazara. His father Akhundzada Moulana Ghulam Yahya Hazarvi was a great religious scholar who succeeded Moulana Ashraf Thanvi as head of Jamia llahiyat when the latter left Kanpur and settled at Thana Bhawan at the beginning of the 20th century. Moulana Zabeeh studied at Jamia llahiyat Kanpur, Darul-Uloom Deoband and Jamia Milliah Delhi under some of the luminous scholars of that time including Dr. Zakir Hussain.2. He entered political life at the tender age of 14 when in 1927 he took active part in "civil disobedience" and anti British "quit-India" movements. He proved to be an outstanding scholar during his young days and authored a few classic treatises on travelogues and religion. He also rendered some of the classic Persian books into Urdu language which were published by Khawaja Hasan Nizami's monthly magazines, "Paishwa" and "Maulvi" at Delhi. He embarked on his singular journalistic career by bringing out from Bombay a humorous periodical "Bombay Punch" in early 1930's. He then moved to Kanpur and published a literary monthly Urdu magazine, "Arif" which prided in publishing original poetry of Moulana Hasrat Mohani and scholarly writings of Moulana Azad Subhani.3. Moulana Zabeeh rose to political eminence in 1930's when at the young age of 17 he authored a historic report 'Kanpur Riots' covering the tragic Kanpur ethnic riot of 1931. This report became a touching saga and an authentic reference to the atrocities committed by the vast Hindu majority toward the Muslim minority of Kanpur.4. In 1937 he was the youngest delegate to the All India Muslim League Session at Lucknow. He also remained Publicity Secretary of All India Majlis-e-Ahrar in 1938. Upon arrest of its President Moulana Ataullah Shah Bukhari, Moulana Zabeeh acted as President of All India Majlis-e-Ahrar in 1939.5. Moulana Zabeeh was put behind the bars with the top Indian leaders many a time by the British. In 1941, soon after his release from a long spell of jail, he brought out weekly "Quami Akhbar" from Kanpur which was soon to become one of the leading daily newspapers and exerted a formidable influence upon the Muslims of UP in their struggle toward a free homeland. His political sagacity and prodigious journalistic talent was soon to catch the attention of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who appointed him as the Head of the publicity campaign of the All India Muslim league, UP in the crucial 1946 elections. Due to his extremely effective, persuasive and powerful publicity campaign in favour of Muslim League candidates which he partly financed from his own pocket that Muslim League won almost all the 67 Muslim seats in UP. He was also made lncharge of historic election of Quaid-e-Millat Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan from Hapur constituency against formidable Congress candidate Moulana Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi. History has recorded that he conducted Quaid-e-Millat's election campaign in such an outstanding and forceful manner that the victory of Liaquat Ali Khan became one of the most historic fiats of his electioneering prowess. This election victory proved to be a turning point in Pakistan Movement - a detailed account of this historic campaign is vividly portrayed by (Late) Musarrat Hussain Zubairi [Former Federal Secretary Communications, undivided India and subsequently Pakistan] in his autobiography "A Voyage Through History".6. Moulana Zabeeh became a close associate of Quaid-e-Azam whose adoration and association he was to honour all his life through his prolific writings.7. After migration in 1947 he, in association with Raees Ahmad Jaffery, started an Urdu daily "Khursheed" from Karachi. In 1949 he brought out the first English newspaper "Voice of Sindh" from Hyderabad. The present Sindh Text Book Board Press at Hyderabad, Sindh was gifted to the Sindh Government by him in 1952 on the explicit request of the then Chief Commissioner, Karachi Mr. Hashirn Raza.8. On the insistence of his great friend Major General Jahanzeb (Late) the then Ruler of Swat he moved from Hyderabad and settled in Swat in 1953 and authored the first authentic book on "Swat Titled".9. He finally settled in 1954 at Peshawar where on the request of his journalist friend Usman Azad (Late) he launched daily "Anjam" of Karachi from his residence at Peshawar. On conversion of Anjam to daily 'Mashriq' he acted as its Chief Editor for some time in 1960's.10. One of the most outstanding contributions of Moulana lsmail Zabeeh was 'that, together with editors Altaf Hussain of 'Dawn' and Hameed Nizami of 'Nawa-i-Waqt', he convened the first All India Muslim Newspaper Editors Convention at the Arabic College, Delhi which was inaugurated by Quaid-e-Azam and presided by Quaid-e-Millat. In May, 1947. When the Editors Conference shifted to Lahore from Delhi after partition, Hameed Nizami became its first Secretary General. The professional newspaper editors body in Pakistan today thus owes its existence largely to the imaginative initiative of Moulana lsmail Zabeeh.11. Moulana Zabeeh had spent many years in jail in UP. A huge record of his writings, copies of old newspapers and the publicity material of the Muslim league was all burnt by the UP state government and he was virtually exiled from India by the Congress Government. When he wanted to visit India for offering Fateha at the graves of his parents, he was told that he could never enter India.12. His name is abidingly associated with lslamabad. He was among the first Pakistanis to propose the setting up of the nation's capital in this region and name it as lslamabad. Capital Park F-9 Sector was named after Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah in December, 1995 by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan on the behest and insistence of Moulana lsmail Zabeeh. Due to the untiring, efforts of Moulana Zabeeh to keep the memories of the freedom fighters alive in the minds of the present and future generations numerous roads have been dedicated after the Pioneers of Pakistan movement.13. Moulana lsmail Zabeeh never yearned for any worldly reward. He never asked for any personal favour from any government. He found it unbearable to live under the obligation of others.
14. Whenever the dignitaries including heads of the State and the Government called on him at his residence they would always be carried by the depth of his intellect, unflinching loyalty to Pakistan ideology and the Quaid and his abiding concern for the common man.15. Moulana lsmail Zabeeh authored several books, including a travelogue on Afghanistan and remained an important figure in Pakistan's intellectual circles. His voluminous books are considered rare and authentic pieces of research on a city (i.e. lslamabad) he helped select as the capital of Pakistan. He wrote many books of literary and historic significance such as:
16. Moulana Zabeeh died on 27 September 2001 at lslamabad where he had settled for the last 10 years, after a protracted illness spanning over a decade, and was laid to rest at lslamabad main graveyard. Pakistan Television, leading social and literary associations held country wide references in the memory of this great freedom fighter. Almost all the leading newspapers published editorials on the life and achievements of Moulana. According to the editorial carried by daily "The Nation" of September 29, 2001:"Moulana Ismail Zabeeh's death will be widely mourned, for in him we have not only lost an important writer and researcher, but also one who worked in close proximity with the Quaid-e-Azam, and who was a witness to the thoughts, principles and political practices that we greatly miss in the present socio-political milieu. His life, on the other hand, needs to be honoured and emulated because at the end of the day, he left this world much richer by his valuable research and intellectual legacy, than when he entered in nearly nine decades earlier". Date of Issue (August 14, 2003)

Mohammad Yousaf Khan Khattak. (2003-11)

Mr. Mohammad Yousaf Khan Khattak was born in 1917 in a renowned Khattak family of Karak. He graduated from Government College, Lahore. Received B.A. (Hons) and M.A. degrees from Oxford University where he studied Modern History. He also studied law and was called to Bar from Lincoln's Inn. Mr. Mohammad Yousaf Khan Khattak was deeply interested in poetry, literature and history.
Mr. Mohammad Yousaf Khan Khattak had a distinguished political career. On his return from Oxford he joined All India Muslim League and played a prominent role in Freedom Movement. In November, 1946 he led a group of 100 volunteers of Frontier Muslim League to Bihar for relief work after the massacre of Muslims there. During the Civil Disobedience Movement, Mr. Khattak was arrested and sent to jail alongwith other leaders of the Muslim League. lnspite of his release orders he refused to come out of the jail and persistently defied the orders by remaining behind the bars till Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah gave clarion call to the Muslim League leaders to fight the battle for referendum in North West Frontier Province.
Mr. Yousaf Khattak was immediately made lncharge of organizing referendum campaign in the then Kohat District. After the creation of Pakistan on 14 August, 1947, he was entrusted with the task of organizing the Muslim League in NWFP by Ch. Khaliq-uz-Zaman, who was appointed Chief Organizer Pakistan Muslim League by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his assumption of the office of the Governor General of Pakistan.
Mr. Yousaf Khattak was then elected Secretary General of the Provincial Muslim League, NWFP in 1949. He was soon elevated to the prominent position of Secretary General of All Pakistan Muslim League the same year thereby succeeding Liaquat Ali Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan as Secretary General of the League.
Mr. Yousaf Khattak was a part of a number of delegations which represented Pakistan abroad such as Member of Delegation to UN in 1951-52, Iraq in 1962, Commonwealth Conference in 1963, Simia in 1971-72, Iran and China in 1974.During General Muhammad Ayub Khan's regime in 1962 Mr. Yousaf Khattak was elected as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly of Pakistan. He played a prominent role alongwith other opposition leaders in the election campaign of Madar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah in 1964.
Mr. Yousaf Khattak was elected as a member of National Assembly of Pakistan in 1971 and was inducted in the Federal Cabinet as Federal Minister for Fuel, Power and National Resources in 1974. He resigned from this position in 1977. He was re-elected as member of National Assembly in 1977 general elections.He breathed his last on July 29, 1991 after a protracted illness. Date of Issue (August 14, 2003)

Moulana Muhammad Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi. (2003-10)

1. The late Moulana Muhammad Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi (1915-2001) a preeminent leader of the Muslim Students Federation, a valiant freedom-fighter of the Pakistan Movement, and a sincere and truthful politician of Pakistan, was born in Village Attak Paniala in Tehsil lsa Khail, District Mianwali on the Ist of October, 1915, in a prominent Niazi family. His father's name was Zulfiqar Khan.
2. After passing his Matriculation Examination (P.U.) from lsa Khail, in 1933, he joined the lsha'at-e-islam College, Lahore founded by Allama lqbal, to acquire religious (Dini) education, and obtained the two-year course Diploma of Mahir-e-Tabligh (Preaching Specialist) with first position, and passed the Punjab University's Honours in Persian (Munshi Fazil) Exam. From the same institution. Subsequently he passed his Intermediate, B.A. and M.A. (Arabic) Exams from the same university in 1936, 1938 and 1940 respectively, the last from the lslamia College Lahore, where he joined as Professor of lslamiyat in 1942, after having obtained another Master's degree in Persian in 1941. He was later promoted as the Head of the Department of lslamiyat in 1945.
3. He joined active politics in 1936 when he founded the Punjab Muslim Students Federation, along with Mian Muhammad Shafi (Meem Sheen), Dr. Abdul Salam Khurshid, Moulana Muhammad lbrahim Ali Chishti, Hamid Nizarni and Justice Anwar-ul-Haq, on the behest of Allama lqbal, and became its third President in 1939. He had been elected President of District Muslim League, Mianwali in 1938 and presented his "Khilafat-e- Pakistan Scheme" to the Quaid-e-Azarn in Delhi in 1939. He played a preeminent role in the March 1940 Session of the All India Muslim League held at Lahore and organized Khilafat-e-Pakistan Conference on this occasion under the auspices of the Punjab Muslim Students Federation which was addressed by such luminaries as the Raja of Mahmood Abad (Amir Muhammad Khan), Ch. Khaliq-uz-Zaman and Sardar Aurang Zeb Khan.
Having been re-elected as the President of District Muslim League Mianwali in 1942, he organized the first annual session of the Punjab Muslim League at Lyallpur, where the Quaid was given a resounding reception.
4. Eldeted as a Councillor of the Punjab Muslim League and the All India Muslim League 1943, he became Acting Secretary-General of the former in 1944.
5. He resigned his position at the lslamia College under the direction of the Quaid to devote his energies to political work and was elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly in 1946. During this election he played a remarkable active role, as he did in the subsequently held historical convention of the All India Muslim League held in Imperial Hotel, Delhi in April 1946. As usual his undaunted and courageous leadership during the Muslim League's anti-Khizar Hayat agitation was recognized by all.6. After the emergence of Pakistan he pursued an upright and independent course within and outside the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Re-elected to the Assembly in 1951, he convened an All Pakistan Islamic Teachings Convention in March 1952. His valiant stance in the Khatm-e- Nabuwwat Movement of 1953 almost took him to the gallows, his death sentence having been commuted to life imprisonment and later honourable acquittal in 1955.
7. He opposed the Tashqand declaration staunchly and joined the Jamiat Ulama-e-Pakistan in 1970. In 1975 he became the Secretary General of the party and played a very effective and important role in cobbling the Pakistan national Alliance together. He undertook long tours to Islamic and Western countries in connection with Tabligh activities Tehrik-e-Pakistan Gold Medal was conferred on him in August 1987. He was elected to the National Assembly in 1988 and 1990, joining the Federal Cabinet as the Minister for Local government and later Religious Affairs, He played a crucial role in the passage of Shariat Bill (1991). In 1994 he was elected a member of the Senate. In 1995 a hip fracture severely handicapped him but he continued his national activities in pursuit of his Islamic commitment, despite this physical set back. He died in Mianwali District Hospital is a result of heart failure on the 2nd of May 2001 and was buried in accordance with his will in the Complex founded by him near Rokhri Morr, Mianwali. Keeping the vow of his youth, he remained a bachelor all his life devoting his entire energies to the cause of Islam and Pakistan. Date of Issue (August 14, 2003)

The Silent Server Pakistan Post Remembers Abdul Rehman (Shaheed) "Sacrificing Life for the Cause of the Post" (Late) M.A. Rahim "C. L. W. (2003-9)

Abdul Rehman (Shaheed)"Sacrificing Life for the Cause of the Post"
Mr. Abdul Rehman S/o Abdul Zarin Khan was a brave person and a committed Government Servant. The family, a sign of nobility and honesty, had settled in the great cultural city of Lahore in the Punjab Province after the establishment of Pakistan in 1947. His father had been retired from Pakistan Railway Department. Born in Lahore on 10-10-1959, Abdui Rehman got his early education at Chief High School, Sultanpura Lahore with high spirit and zeal but failed to enrol for higher education due to unavoidable and unfavourable socioeconomic circumstances of his family. Abdul Rehman with built in character of bravery and honesty was fond of studying the stories of brave heroes of Islam as well as Pakistan Army.
Imbued with deep sense of service before self and sacrifice, Abdul Rehman joined Pakistan Post Office on 30-10-1977 as Packer. Due to his commitment to job he was promoted as Stamp Vendor, thereafter Postman and further elevated as Cash Overseer. He was assigned the duty to collect daily cash from Main Post Office functioning under North Unit Lahore and to take the cash to Lahore GPO for deposit.
On 13-06-2002, Mr. Abdul Rehman, Cash Overseer was performing his usual duty of cash collection but when he reached at Baghbanpura Post Office, Lahore at about 1. 15 p.m. after collecting the cash from the sub offices, two dacoits entered Baghbanpura Post Office and tried to snatch the government cash bag worth more than eight hundred thousand rupees from Mr. Rehman. Mr. Abdul Rehman - an honest, God fearing and courageous man that he was - put up a brave fight to protect the government cash. Although there were moments when he could have saved his life by abandoning the cash that he held as a trust, yet, he upheld his commitment to duty and during the scuffle was critically wounded.
All along his heroic fight against the worst and constantly weeping wounds and the trauma of multiple operations the he underwent during fifty days of hospitalization at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, he was proud of his commitment to duty thereby becoming a great "messenger' of the Post for all Pakistanis to serve their Country above self. In so doing he also achieved the coveted honor of "SHAHEED". Pakistan Post is indebted to him and to all such selfless workers whom he embodies eternally.
(Late) M.A. Rahim"Committed to Labour Welfare"
Allama Abdul Karim, a nobleman and a devout Muslim scholar, was blessed with a son on the 21st June 1919, in UP, India, whom he named M.A. Rahim. Allama Karim groomed Rehim with the vision of making him serve Islam, both in letter and in spirit. He taught him five languages, helped him develop insight into religion with a modern perspective, trained him the skills of horse-riding, swimming, shooting and combat fighting. Above all he taught him to learn, to apply his mind and to tread the path of Allah.
It was only natural that a person like M.A. Rahim was deeply effected by the extent of human suffering and massacre he witnessed at the time of partition. Also, having to have left behind his beloved sister, property that he never claimed in Pakistan, and his father's grand library with thousands of books and manuscripts that were later nationalised by the government of India. He vowed never to forget the price the people had paid for their motherland, Pakistan, he made up his mind to serve the nation, a vow that he lived upto for the rest of his life.
Intelligent as he was, Mr. Rahim first set himself to become strong economically, so that he could serve the people both financially and practically. He took it upon himself to revive the printing industry of Pakistan, since after partition most Presses in Pakistan, had to be shut down due to lack of know-how.
Over the years, he experimented relentlessly, working day and night to master the art of Block Printing, Letter Press Printing, Colour Separation, and Offset Printing. His presses, The Pioneer Block Company and The Focus Limited, became centres of excellence, where he produced hundreds of technicians and printers who now form the back-bone of the printing industry of Pakistan. Thus, not only did he become a successful businessman he became the founding father of the printing industry of Pakistan.
Parallel to this is his unparallel contribution in the field of Public Service. Attracted by his powerful and kind personality, hordes of under-privileged people sought for his help. His reputation travelled and in 1960's to 1980's millions came under his umbrella for guidance and chose him their leader. He was elected the head of many Unions and Federations. Some of the offices he held were:
- Editor Mazdoor Weekly.- President All Pakistan Federation of labour.- President All Pakistan Trade Unions (East & West).- President All Pakistan Postman and Lower Grade Staff Union.- President Railway Mazdoor Union.- Chairman Labour Welfare and Education Council of Pakistan.- President Pakistan Government Employees Federation.- Working President for Pakistan Asia Committee for Peace, Solidarity and Human Rights.- Visiting Professor Civil Service Academy.- Judge Minimum Wages Board.- Member Censor Board.- President Muslim Students Federation.- Most Unions of Industries & Transport including PIA were under his leadership.- Member Council for the Rehabilitation of disabled persons.- Member Heart Association.
In 1966 the UNO chose him to study Labour Law from McGill University, Canada, where he was absolutely outstanding. His clarity of thought, honesty of purpose and power of speech won him many friends internationally. His diplomatic services were sought by the government of Pakistan to head innumerable delegations at the UNO, ILO, Muslim Countries, Europe and Asia. His services in the field of Labour were recognized by many countries, including Russia where he was awarded a Gold Medal. He was sent to USSR seven times to open the channel for negotiation for the top leadership of Pakistan. He became the ambassador of peace for the Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and was a great advocate of Muslim Unity.
Mr. Rahim preformed advisory services for successive governments of Pakistan, to bring about Labour reforms. His philosophy was based upon the Tripartite Labour Policy, that ensures the benefit of the government, the industry and the labour, for the mutual interest of all. Since his primary interest was the solidarity and prosperity of Pakistan and the welfare of its people.He launched the weekly newspaper "Mazdoor" of which he was the Editor. He voiced his ideology through this paper for 47 years, without fear or favour. A mission he clung on to even in times of desperation, having to face financial and health hazards. His articles are a unique treasure of the chronological advents of the history of Labour in Pakistan, with its pit falls and ideas for reforms.
He worked extensively at the grass-root level, guiding, speaking, funding, representing and helping all those to whom he could reach out in the remotest corners of the country. He pursued his mission stoically, never accepting bribe or compromising on principles, Endlessly advocated the cases of the labourers for free, to the extent that he bore all expenses incurred on travel and court. In the process the exhausted his, wealth, business, property and health. He suffered successive heart attacks, but kept on serving the nation. His unflinching faith in Allah prevented him from accepting help from anyone. He kept struggling on a long and tiresome journey but sustained for twenty more years, until he was able to establish his children to take his place and carry on his mission. All along he worshipped Allah ardently, specially in the wee hours of the morning.
At the age of 83, at the time of his death, on 8th Jan. 2003 he was writing for the "Mazdoor" when his soul left his body. He was only too willing to embrace death for he was not afraid of dying, since he had served Allah and the people of Pakistan, with every ounce of energy, every moment of his life, to the best of his ability, "Leaving behind footprints on the sand of time". Date of Issue (August 03, 2003)

Year 2003 as year of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah. (2003-8)

The youngest sister of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Adoringly called by the Nation 'Madar-e-Millat', is said to have been born on July 31, 1893 at Karachi and was educated in a convent school of Bombay. Later she studied dentistry at Calcutta and practiced there for a year.
She earned a place of great eminence as a freedom fighter of tenacious determination when her illustrious brother, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, was in the midst of spearheading the struggle for Pakistan. Throughout those critical years of stresses and strains she looked after her physically ailing brother as a 'great national trust'.
After the death of his great brother in 1948 she devoted the rest of her life to the educational and social uplift of the Muslim women. Her real political worth, sagacity, forthrighteousness and unstinted support for democracy came to the fore when she stood firmly behind the opposition parties in the Country trying to stem the tide of undemocratic practices and dictatorship. She inspired hope and gave new lease of life to the people of Pakistan by contesting the Presidential Election against the then President Ayub Khan in 1964. Although she was declared unsuccessful in the elections but she kindled the torch of democracy in Pakistan.
On July 9, 1967 she died at Karachi and was buried in the courtyard of the Quaid-e-Azam's mausoleum, mourned deeply by the Nation. Date of Issue (July 31, 2003)

Medicinal Plants Of Pakistan (SERIES) ROSA DAMASCENA MILL. (ROSE, GUL-E-SURKH) (2003-7)

Pakistan is rich in medicinal and aromatic plants which are used as natural health care products in Traditional Systems of medicine prevalent in Pakistan. Medicinal Plants are growing bundle in the wild in Hazara, Malakand, Kurrum Agency, Murree Hills, Azad Kashmir, Northern Areas, Sindh and Baluchistan, or are cultivated on farmlands in the Punjab, Sindh, NWFP, Baluchistan and Azad Kashmir. As some words instaneously suggest beauty because they are associated with things that afford pleasure and delight, the word "Rose" is one of them. Medicinal Flowers of Pakistan are among the loveliest creation of the Nature and among them Rose is the Queen. Its botanical name is Rosa damascena Mill, belonging to family Rosaceae. Red Rose is an erect shrub cultivated in gardens as well as in the cities of Pakistan usually raised from cutting. Flowering season is January - July. The flowers appear in clusters of five or ten. The flowers colour is ruby-red due to which it is commonly known as "Gul-e-Surkh"
Muslim scholars conducted research on a large number of flowers and penned down their observations in manuscripts for the rapeutical purposes. Al-Biruni has mentioned a number of rose varieties in his book "Kitab al-Saydana", where Jawri variety is used in perfumes. According to lbn Sina the rose flowers are used as antipyretic, cardio-tonic and good for brain. In modern therapy, the rose water is beneficial for eyes. In Unani medicine, Rose buds are more astringent than the full bloom flowers and considered as cold and dry, cephalic, cardiac tonic, aperient and useful for relieving biliousness. Rose Petals with equal amount of sugar in traditional preparation called "Gulqand" is much used as tonic to increase body weight. A rose water compress can ease sign of stress in the face by relieving headaches, eye strain and inflammation. Date of Issue (July 14, 2003)

Awareness Against Drug Abuse. (2003-6)

The saga of Pakistan's difficult journey through the quagmire of narcotics proliferation began with the emergence of its first heroin addict in 1979. Being a developing country with a small economic base, the gauntlet thrown by the drug problem with international dimensions, stacked all the cards against Pakistan, except one: the will-power and resilience of the people not to roll-over and die. From this point onwards there was no looking back for us in Pakistan.
The production of opium in 1980 had reached its peak of 800 metric tons over an area of 32,200 hectares. The robust counter drug measures taken by the ANF and other law enforcement agencies in Pakistan has successfully eradicated poppy cultivation in Pakistan, which has been declared as Opium Poppy-Free by the UNDCP in 2000-2001. As a Chinese saying goes that Journey of a hundred miles begins with the first step', our journey also began with the first step.
Pakistan's first operational counter-narcotics out-fit, the Pakistan Narcotics Control Board (PNCB) was created in 1973 with a strength of 833 personnel. In 1991, a second agency, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force was created to supplement the PNCB, both of which were later merged in 1995 to form the present day Anti Narcotics Force (ANF).The Anti Narcotics Force being the premier narcotics drug law enforcement agency and plays a crucial role in the interdiction of illegal drugs in addition to educating the common people about the ill effects of narcotics addiction. According to the National Survey on Drug Abuse conducted in 1993, there were 3.01 million drug abusers in Pakistan out of which 1.52 were heroin abusers. Majority of the addicts were in the age bracket of 15-35 years. In order to update the data, a National Assessment Study on Drug Abuse was conducted in year 2000. It revealed that there are 5,00,000 hard core heroin abusers in the country out of which 15% are injecting drug users. Intravenous drug use has opened up the grave risk of triggering the HIVs/AIDs epidemic in the abusing as well as the general population through needle sharing.
Keeping in view the alarming situation the Government of Pakistan has approved a Master Plan at a total cost of Rs. 2.832 billion with objectives to make the country drug free by reducing the demand of illicit drugs, providing treatment and rehabilitation to drug addicts, controlling supply and production of narcotics substances, curbing smuggling and trafficking of narcotics substances. Out of the total outlay of Rs. 2.832 billion, an amount of Rs. 1.072 billion has been allocated for the demand reduction preventive component and treatment and rehabilitation health components.
In order to implement the Master Plan, the Government of Pakistan (ANF) is working on the following projects/schemes which are being implemented with the GOP funds, which are sanctioned under the budgetary head of 'Health'.
S. No.
Name of Project

Total Cost
1.
Community participation in drug demand reduction

Rs. 19.400 Million
2.
Creating Mass Awareness

Rs. 19.700 Million
3.
NG0s Support Programme

Rs. 19.775 Million
4.
Model Addiction T&R Centre, lslamabad

Rs. 17.112 Million
5.
Up-gradation of three T&R Centre for drug dependent population in NWFP

Rs. 10.581 Million

Total:-
Rs. 88.568 Million
In order to create awareness the ANF, utilizes various tools, for instance publicity through electronic as well as press media. Under the developmental schemes the following activities/programmes have been undertaken across the country:-13-Episode Radio Programme Titled as "Roshni Ka Safar", Printing of Anti-Drugs Awareness Poster and Stickers,Production and Airing of TV Video Songs, Spots, Documentary, Family Fun-Fair, Basant, 13-Episode Television Serial "Inkaar', Commemoration of International Days Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 26th Haj Campaign, All Pakistan Essay Competition, Training Workshops, Seminars, Production of Anti Drug Awareness Promotional Items and establishment of a Model Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre for Drug Addicts and Networking of NGOs working in the field of Drug Demand Reduction.
BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF ANF'S DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION STRATEGIESThe drug abuse problem is a pervasive and multifaceted one and affects every aspect of the Pakistani society. Keeping in view the gravity of the situation, the ANF (DAPRC) has developed a comprehensive plan of prevention involving as many significant segments of society as possible. The effort at NAF has been to involve as many systems and strategies possible to disseminate the counter drugs message. It is crucial that these strategies be age/culture-specific, use appropriate language, and address all learning modalities. A comprehensive programme, offering not only information but peer support, healthier alternatives, family communication, seminars and community mobilization relating to drug use issues, can have a profound effect on community attitudes and behaviours towards drug abuse. It is essential that all important links of the society like the Government institutions and community organizations are activated. In order to design a well-balanced prevention programme, the elements of providing information, enhancing social competencies, providing better alternatives, improving policies and skill-development of key impactors have to be incorporated.
As part of a comprehensive prevention programme, information about the physiological, social and legal consequences of drug abuse can provide the basis for sound decisions. In order to be effective, an information programme must be proactive, provide opportunities for discussion and take into account the other sources of information (and misinformation) which are available. These include the media, personal experience and word of mouth. Some examples of providing information about heroin and other drugs which have been designed and implemented by ANF are:-
(a) Printed material like brochures, booklets, leaflets, posters, stickers. (b) Promotional items carrying anti drug slogans/messages like ball points, lead pencils, key chains, caps, t-shirts. (c) Developing of postage stamps, postal envelops for conveying anti drug messagesto the general masses.(d) Development of T.V serials, sports, songs and Radio dramas, to convey the anti drug message to the viewers and listeners, respectively.
In order to develop social competencies which enable an individual to function effectively in society, activities focusing on helping a person to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, interpersonal skills, clear and purposeful goals and values, self-control and the ability to build and maintain healthy peer relationships have been implemented.
Promoting healthier alternatives is based on the premise that people use drugs to meet a variety of social, emotional and physiological needs. Their needs are legitimate and therefore can be met in other ways which will both serve the individual and be acceptable to all concerned. In order to be effective, an alternative must be interesting enough for the target group and should be seen by it as better than drug use and offer the individuals a chance to learn life coping skills. For example, team sports can both fulfill the need for developing a sense of togetherness and personal achievement. Sports serve as the means for learning to deal with failures in a positive manner. A football or hockey tournament can offer opportunities for excitement and self-discovery as well as a practical lesson in cooperation, teamwork and clear communication in a fluid environment. Other alternatives can be any number of indoor and out door sports activities, like organizing tournaments for players as well as the match-viewers, establishing libraries for readers, skill development centres for those who want to use their energies in positive manners, entertainment outlets for those who want to avoid boredom and tiredness.
Public policy, in the form of laws and statutes is equally important in controlling the availability of drugs in a community. While the above two strategies are primarily concerned with the individual, reducing the likelihood of drug abuse problems by enhancing the level of personal functioning, public policy has to address all five elements within its prevention strategy which targets all vulnerable sections of the society. Public policy, in turn is influenced by the society itself through letters and lobbying by stake- holders.
The prevention of drug abuse requires a coordinated, multifaceted approach, one that strengthens families from varying ethnic, and socioeconomic circumstances, and rewards youth of all ages for a drug-free life style. As there is no single strategy or programme which in isolation can consistently and clearly communicate the message against drugs, the ANF has carefully selected the most appropriate mix of medias to reach each of the target groups keeping the demographic and socioeconomic indicators in view. Date of Issue (April 21, 2003)

Men of letters Prof. A.B.A. Haleem Ist. Vice Chancellor of Karachi University. (2003-5)

Prof. A.B. Ahmed Haleem started his career from Muslim University, Aligarh, where he was appointed as a Professor in the Department of History & Political Science in 1923. His devotion to his profession won him the post of the Chairman in the same department. From 1935-1944 he acted as a Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh University. During this period, he presided over the Education Section of the All India Muslim Educational Conference Session held at Poona in 1940. In 1942 he was appointed Chairman of the Inter-University Board of undivided India. He remained in this position for one year, and then from 1944-1945 he held the post of Secretary & Member of All India Muslim League Planning Committee. The year 1944 was important in his career as it marked his entry into politics. It was the same year when he presided over the Islamic History & Culture Section of the All India Muslim Educational Conference Session held at Nagpur. After becoming a member of All India Muslim League Education Committee, he was appointed Chairman of Higher Education Sub-Committee.As he had already entered into politics by joining the All India Muslim League, his political career was further strengthened when he became the member of Central Consumer's Council, set up by the Govt. of undivided India during World War II. He also worked as a corresponding member of the Indian Historical Records Commission for some time.When the World War II came to an end in 1945, he became the President of the U.P. Muslim Students' Federation. He was a member of Different councils at the same time. He was a member of the Council of the U.P. Muslim League from 1944-47, while member of the Council of the All India Muslim League from 1943- 1948. His sincerity and devotion won him respect and he emerged victorious in every field-educational as well as political.After the Independence of Pakistan in 1947, he received the honour of being appointed the First Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sindh. He held this position for four years i.e. from 1947-1951, after which he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Karachi in 1951. He was therefore, not only the First Vice-Chancellor of Sindh University but also the First Vice-Chancellor of the University of Karachi, where he acted as Vice-Chancellor for six years.During his role as Vice-Chancellor, he also acted twice as Chairman of Inter-University Board of Pakistan, first in 1950 and then in 1953. He also had the honour of presiding over the general session of the All Pakistan Educational Conference in 1956.The services rendered by him are almost uncountable. He also worked as the Chairman of World University Service, National Committee for Pakistan from 1948-1957. The Govt. of Pakistan acknowledged his hard work and appointed him Chairman of the Commission for Eradication of Social Evils in 1962. He held this post for one year and in 1965 he became the member of the Advisory Council of Islamic Ideology set up by the Govt. of Pakistan. Although it is not a complete account of the services he rendered, it throws light on the multiple roles, he played in the field of education and politics.Prof. A.B.A. Haleem died on 20th April, 1975. It wouldn't be wrong to say that he was one of those intellectuals the country will always be proud of. He was one of those people who, wherever they go and whatever they do, leave an indelible print on the pages of history. Date of Issue (April 20, 2003)

Golden Jubilee Celebration of 50 years of Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Islamabad (P.C.S.I.R.) (2003-4)

Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) was established in 1953 under the Societies Act 1860. The nation's premier Research and Development organization was formally inaugurated on 10th April 1953 by the then Governor General of Pakistan, Ghulam Mohammad. PCSIR was shifted in 1964 from the Ministry of Industries to a full-fledged newly created Science and Technology Research Division. This was in recognition of the urgent and imperative need for the exploitation of the nation's natural resources for the development of industry, and the potential the organization had shown during the short period of its existence. A major policy decision was again taken in 1973, when around PCSIR was created the Ministry of Science & Technology. Present legal framework to the organization is provided by the PCSIR Act of 1973, passed by the National Assembly of Pakistan.Over the years, the primary target of PCSIR scientists has remained the development of low cost technologies attracting the attention of small and medium level entrepreneurs (SMEs), since this class of investors is internationally recognized to be the backbone of economies in developing countries. The number of technical processes developed for such SMEs is well over a thousand. A survey carried out in the 1990s indicated that out of 484 technical processes developed until 1990, the number leased out to SMEs stood at 367. These were estimated to an annual turn over of Rs. 612 million to the national economy, which in terms of foreign exchange savings amounted to Rs. 7 billion. The spinoffs, such as job creation and downstream industries, remain unaccounted for within the scope of this survey. In addition to these technical processes, the organization's scientists have obtained about 300 patents and contributed more than 4500 research publications in national and international journals.
In the domain of human resource development, the number of Ph.D. and M.Sc. research theses supervision is, respectively, well over a hundred and a thousand, PCSIR is also running its own degree awarding Institute of Industrial Electronics Engineering (IIEE) and diploma level Pak Swiss Training Centre (PSTC). The number of graduates and trainees from IIEE is around one thousand. About 2000 students have additionally received diplomas and certificates in different industrial technologies and the same number were awarded short-term certificates.During the last two years, PCSIR has developed 226 processes, obtained 23 technological patents, published 325 Scientific Papers, arranged 20 Training Courses, provide research and supervision facilities to 50 Scientists for M.Phil/Ph.D degrees, served more than 5000 Industries and repaired 2000 equipment worth the replacement cost of Rs. 2.5 billion. 18 Projects of national importance amounting to Rs. 650 million received approval in 2001-2002 from Government of Pakistan, 6 out of which have been already completed, while 4 are expected to be completed during the current financial year. PCSIR has established Analytical Centres in its laboratories at Karachi, Lahore and lslamabad to extend support the local Industries for analysis of their raw materials, finish products and wastes, which is a requirement for ISO certification and WTO obligations. These centres have necessary infrastructure in terms of equipment and manpower for environmental assessment and other monitoring, including analysis of goods for export/import purposes. Among the specific recognition accorded to PCSIR in this domain are by Saudi Arabian Standards Organizations, Japanese Ministry of Health, ISO-9001 and has been recommended for award of ISO-17025. This facility is being used by importers and exporters for the quality certification of products in large numbers, which on a daily basis ranges between 80-100 at each PCSIR laboratory located in different parts of the country.Realizing the wide application of rubber products in the country, a new centre has been established at the Karachi unit of PCSIR for the development and testing of rubber and allied products. For meeting the equipment needs of universities/R&D organizations, PCSIR has embarked upon the production of low cost laboratory equipment, such as pH meter, UV visible spectrophotometer, Incubators, Oven, furnaces, Shakers, etc., at Karachi and Lahore laboratories. In the area of environmental protection, PCSIR has established, in collaboration with a private entrepreneur, facilities for manufacturing of hospital waste incinerator having the capacity of destroying 100-200 kg waste per hour. Under the programme, PCSIR plans to fabricate 56 incinerators during the next 2 years. PCSIR is also helping local industries for designing and setting up to waste water treatment plants.
PCSIR future vision includes the development of technological centres in different disciplines in various parts of the country and creation of effective linkages between industry and PCSIR. The vision is proposed to be achieved through two projects, namely, upgrading of Minerals and Metallurgy Research Centre to the level of Technology Institute of Pakistan on Minerals and Material sand PCSIR-Industrial Linkage Programme recommended by CDWP for ECNEC approval. Completion of these important national projects will meet the needs of the local industry for ISO certification and WTO obligations.Among the most important futuristic initiatives for the commercialization of technologies, PCSIR is planning to take a bold decision of setting up a variant version of Technology Business Incubators (TBIs). Through these TBIs, PCSIR is aiming at popularization of its technologies in an innovative approach. These TBIs will function as pilot plants for the demonstration of technological processes developed by its scientists. These are anticipated to attract venture capital form SMEs in a science and technology cooperative mode. The approach is being designed to attract such SMEs who have either shy of investing in technologies or do not have sufficient venture capital resources of their own. On successful completion of this endeavour, PCSIR hopes to spearhead a new wave of small and cottage scale industrial entrepreneurship in the country. This will create a large volume of job opportunities, generate several spin-off industries, and make a boastful contribution to the growth of national economy. Date of Issue (March 31, 2003)