150th Anniversary of St. Patrick’s High School, Karachi Pakistan.

150^th Anniversary of St. Patrick’s High School, Karachi. Commemorative Postage Stamp December 31, 2011:- St. Patrick’s High School began a hundred and fifty years ago with only three students on the rolls. The old school building shifted its site three times and at one time stood where the St. Joseph’s Convent play hall now stands. In 1948 it moved into the Primary building which already existed since 1937, and two years later it expanded to the main building which was completed in 1950. The middle building better known as the “E” Building was constructed in 1954.

Now, a hundred and fifty years and twenty three principals later, we have over five thousand students and three hundred and fifty staff. Admission to the school was much sought after and in a city with a growing population and few academic institutions of quality, there was great pressure for admission. To cater for its students educational and trade needs over those years the school, added a few more branches: The O’Levels in the early fifties, the Teachers Training College in 1951, the Technical Section in 1964, the Afternoon Shift in 1973 and the A’Levels in 1979.

The Technical Section, which prepares its students for the Technical Board examinations in the four Technologies: Metal Work, Electricity, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, Auto-Diesel Mechanics and Electronics. Very lately the section has agreed to a joint venture with Toyota Company called T-TEP. Toyota instructors come to the school to train the students in updated methods of assembly and repair in latest car engines. Only recently, the Technical section has started a Body and Paints Department, which is being ably managed by the Crises Management team in collaboration with ICI Paints.

The Afternoon Section, which was initially started as the brainchild of Bishop Lobo in 1973, helped to alleviate the pressure of the Morning Section with regard to the excessive admissions that were pouring in. It was clear that the masses held the institution in high regard and were not willing to wait to get admission in the morning shift; hence the introduction of the afternoon shift solved that problem for all. With quality education still being imparted, there’s no wonder why the afternoon shift still has a handsome enrollment of students till now.

The St. Patrick’s College of Education, which was founded in 1951, has catered to the needs of CBE schools by providing the training teachers with great help and also to overcome the obstacles that they face in joining professional institutions. The training teachers do the B.Ed course over a period of two years, during which time they are given practical exposure through teaching schools as well as being sent up north for training there too.

The O’ and A’ Levels, which prepares students for the General Certificate of Education Examination of the Cambridge University has been outstanding over the past few decades and has brought great recognition for St. Patrick’s High School. The O’Levels was started in the early 1950’s and since then there has been no looking back. With impressive showings from the students right from its inception the O’Level section of St. Patrick’s set a benchmark for the other schools that were also functional during the same time. In 1979, Bishop Lobo decided to take the Cambridge University educational system a step ahead and thus, he started the A’Level’s section. Both these additions to the school have taken the educational standard to a new level and this has been proven from the results that have been earned.

To commemorate 150^th Anniversary of St. Patrick’s High School, Karachi, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination on 31^st December 2011.

On The Eeve of Tthe 100th Meeting of The Federal Cabinet of Pakistan. Issue Date:- 18-01-2012.

On The Eve Of The 100^Th Meeting Of The Federal Cabinet Commemorative Postage Stamp January 18, 2012:- Article 90 of the Constitution of Pakistan, envisages that the Executive Authority of the Federation shall be exercised in the name of President by the Federal Ministers, which shall act through the Prime Minister, who shall be the Chief Executive of the Federation. Article 91 of the Constitution, envisions a Cabinet of Ministers, with the Prime Minister at its head, to aid and advise the President in the exercise of its functions.

2.                  The present Government assumed power in March, 2008. The Federal Cabinet held its 100^th meeting in the city of Quaid on his 135^th Anniversary to pay homage to the father of the Nation, it was a unique honour, in the history of Pakistan, for the present Government to hold a meeting on the birth day of the Quaid.

3.                  The present elected Government made all out efforts to translate the vision of the Quaid-i-Azam into reality. The Cabinet held its meetings not only Islamabad but also in Lahore, Quetta, Gwadar, Peshawar and Karachi, which is a symbol of national harmony and integration. The decision making process of the Government remained well structured as it was based on mutual consultation and sense of unanimity. The achievements of the present Government include an independent judiciary whose decisions, orders and judgment are respected by it, the NFC Award, the 18^th Constitutional (Amendment) and above all restoration of the 1973 Constitution. Holding All Parties Conference, indicate the Government’s sincerity for mutual consultation and national reconciliation. Free media and sovereign Parliament are the results of the selfless and dedicated efforts of the Government. The Government has vowed to carry on the mission of the Quaid to make Pakistan a progressive, democratic Islamic State. All the aforementioned decisions were ratified by the Federal Cabinet.

4.                  The performance of the present Government was keenly monitored by the Prime Minister during its 45 months period, who was pleased to order meeting of the Federal Cabinet on fortnightly basis.

5.                  In compliance to above, regular meetings of the Cabinet have been held on alternative Wednesday. One hundred meetings of the present Cabinet is unprecedented in the history of Pakistan. The Cabinet deliberated upon 891 different issues of vital importance and 1101 decisions have been taken and that the rate of implementation of these decisions is 81%.

6.                  The aforementioned facts, reveals that the Cabinet under the Prime Minister is carrying forward the agenda set forth by the Parliament for the democratically elected Government including approval of few structural changes. It has tried to resolve each and every problem being faced by the people of Pakistan. A Task Force was formed to address energy related issues. The year of 2012, has been dedicated to address the rights of the people of Balochistan. The Cabinet dedicated to ensure complete and honest implementation of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package, to provide all fundamental rights to the people of Balochistan, under the Constitution.

On the eve of the 100^th Meeting of the Federal Cabinet, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination on 18^th January 2012.

Iran Pakistan Joint Issue. Milad Tower Tehran & Meenar-e-Pakistan Lahore.

Pakistan Diplomatic Relations With Thailand. Minar-e-Pakistan. Victory Monument Tower. Issue date:- 13-12-2011

60Th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan And Thailand Commemorative Postage Stamp December 13, 2011:- Minar-e-Pakistan:- Minar-e-Pakistan is a tall minaret in Iqbal Park Lahore, built in commemoration of the Pakistan Resolution. The minaret reflects a blend of Mughal and modern architecture and is constructed on the site where on March 23, 1940, seven years before the formation of Pakistan, the Pakistan resolution demanding the creation of Pakistan, was passed. This was the first official declaration to establish a separate homeland for the Muslims living in the South Asia. Pakistan now celebrates this day as a national holiday each year.
The foundation stone was laid on March 23, 1960. The construction took eight years of time, and was completed in 1968. The Minar was completed on 31 October 1968. The base of the minaret is about 8 meters above the ground. The tower rises about 60 meters on the base, thus the total height of minaret is about 72 meters above the ground. The unfolding petals of the flower-like base are 9 meters high. The diameter of the tower is about 97.5 meters (320 feet). The base platform is shaped like a five-pointed stars and encloses two crescent shaped pools. There is a central spiral staircase rising up with 162 steps.
At the base, there are floral inscription on ten converging white marble Commemorative plaques. The inscription include the text of Lahore Resolution in Urdu, Bengali and English, and Delhi Resolution’s text, witch was passed on April 9, 1946. On different plaques, Quranic versis and 99 attributes of God are inscribed in Arabic calligraphy, whereas National Anthem of Pakistan in Urdu and Bengali, the founding father of Pakistan, in Urdu, Bengali and English, as well as few couplets of Allama Iaqbal are inscribed.
The monument attracts visitors from all over Pakistan, as well as the inhabitants of Lahore. The large public space around the monument is commonly used for political and public meetings. Today, the minaret provides a panoramic view to visitors who can climb up the stairs or through an elevator. The Parks around the monument include marble fountains and an artificial lake.
Victory Monument:- The Victory Monument is situated on Phahonyothin road (Kilometer 0.0), Bangkok. Before building the monument, it was called “Intersection Sanam Pao” After being built, the area become the roundabout linking three main roads which are Phahonyothin road, Ratchawithi road and Phayathai road. It was constructed in 1941 in order to praise the heroic actions of soldiers, policemen and civilians who sacrificed their lives in the dispute between Thailand and France on the demarcation between Thailand and other Indochinese nations. The foundation stone laying Pholphayuhasena and it was inaugurated on 24 June 1942 by Field Marshal Pleak Pibulsongkram.
M.L Pum Malakul was the architect of the Victory Monument. He designed this monument pursuing 5 inspiration; as follows:
- joint actions of the 4 armies,
- courage of every personnel soldier, policemen and civilian,
- weapons that the military used to fight,
- Important incidents that caused both parties to open the fight, and
- public attention.
Architecture:- Every soldier is usually armed with bayonet so the architectg uses 5 bayonets to stand together in the pattern of carambola petal, pointing the sword up to the sky and turning the sharp edge outwards. The monument is built of reinforced concrete decorated with marble. The 50-meter-high bayonet above the monument hall’s ceiling was used to be the storage of ashes of persons who died in the dispute between Thailand and France on the demarcation between Thailand and other Indochinese nations.
The exterior at the base of bayonet has the coppered sculptures of the officers from the 5 assemblies- the Army, the Navel, the Air Force, the Police and the Civilians. These sculptures are two times oversized the normal warriors. Prof. Silp Bhirasri commanded the sculptor team which comprised of his students.
Outer wall of the hall is the copper plate inscribed with 801 names of the persons who sacrificed their lives in this dispute, including who died in service of the country from many wars during 1940-1954.
Importance:- Apart from being a very important monument in remembrance of the people who sacrificed lives for the country, the Victory Monument has the importance as the starting point of Phahonyothin road and the center of transportation; namely bus, BTS sky train, van express service that link people to many areas all over Bangkok and upcountry. Therefore, it is currently one of the most important transportation hubs of Bangkok. Moreover, it is an important landmark near public hospitals, shopping mall, and express way.
On the 6th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and Thailand, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination on December 13, 2011.

Join Hands together to Combat Breast Cancer. Health. Issue Date 30-11-2011.

Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign In Pakistan Commemorative Postage Stamp November 30, 2011:- We cannot imagine the suffering and pain of 40,000 women who eventually succumb to breast cancer every year in Pakistan. Their pain ripples across families through generations.
There is one thing though that is even more dangerous than breast cancer – and that is indifference! Lack of awareness and negligence is the crux of the problem. As a result, Pakistan has the highest number of deaths from breast cancer among all countries of the world!
This is despite the glaring fact that with early diagnosis a patient’s chances of survival are more than 90%!
Pink Ribbon – An Emblem of Hope:- Pink Ribbon Pakistan has been addressing breast cancer issues since 2003. With its nation wide breast cancer awareness campaign, its aim is to make this cruel disease a premier health concern. Pink Ribbon Pakistan is dedicated to fight breast cancer at every stage.
Current challenges and how we dare to overcome them:- One of the great challenges Pink Ribbon faces is getting people to talk about the disease and be more open about it. In Pakistan, especially women, avoid discussing about the issue even when they feel they need to. Because of this and when breast cancer if finally detected, it is usually too late. Illiteracy and lack of proper infrastructure is huge hindrance in spreading awareness about breast cancer. The myths and misconceptions prevalent in the society also add to the growing number of breast cancer cases. To counter this problem, Pink Ribbon is running a massive awareness program for women with the aim to spread the word to every nook and corner. Considering the recent trend of breast cancer on a rise amongst young girls, Pink Ribbon has a youth program with colleges and youth volunteers. This way Pink Ribbon hopes to prevent the disease among those at risk.
Prevention is better than cure especially for breast cancer. On 31st March 2009, Pink Ribbon took the initiative of providing free mobile mammography service to women in urban and rural areas of Pakistan. The Mammography Bus was launched in collaboration with PAEC contribution for the women of Pakistan and suburb areas. It is sensitizing them about early detection as well as empowering them to defeat this silent killer before it can endanger their precious lives. Pink Ribbon has extended its outreach in over 52 districts across Pakistan in all 4 provinces and Azad Kashmir.
Pink Ribbon Month:- October is celebrated as the international month of Breast Cancer awareness worldwide. This year too Pakistan’s premium awareness campaign, Pink Ribbon is doing what is needed at various levels, by raising public awareness about the disease, highlighting the role of research into the causes of breast cancer and promoting the significance of early detection of breast cancer in terms of better treatment and survival. Such activities are carried out all year round but the month of October is special.
We need ever more support to extend our message across the nation ensuring that none of us will have to bear the horror of losing a mother, a sister, a wife, or a daughter.
About Breast Cancer:- According to an estimate of the World Health Organization, over 1.2 million people will diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide this year.
Breast cancer is one of the oldest types of cancers and also the most common form among females. Breast cancer’s basic definition is “an uncontrollable growth of breast cells”. When cells divide and multiply rapidly, they form a lump, called tumor. Nearly 80% of findings on mammogram are not cancers. They are usually benign tumors, a cyst, or some other non-cancerous condition. A tumor is defined as cancer only when it can invade nearby tissues and organs and damage them. Then it is called malignant.
Breast cancer is an important health issue, which is of growing concern, for an increasing number of women in Pakistan, though it also affects men albeit in very small numbers.
Raising public awareness about breast cancer is of singular importance as it is the necessary first step that will go a long way towards alleviating the burden of this disease among Pakistani women.
The purpose here is to put some facts to light, removing some misconceptions and suggest some options for the future with reference to breast cancer care in Pakistan.
The burden of new cases of breast cancer from Pakistan has been reported to be the highest amongst all Asian countries with one out of every ninth women in the country at a high risk. As compared Pakistan, neighboring India has a rate of one in twenty two women at a high risk of breast cancer.
The reasons for such a high burden of breast cancer in Pakistan are mainly ignorance, illiteracy, eating habits and a state of obliviousness.
On Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in Pakistan a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 30, 2011.