"KASHMIR SOLIDARITY DAY" February 05, 2024 (2024-3)

On 5th of February, Government and People of Pakistan observe Kashmir Solidarity Day every year to express their unwitvering political moral and diplomatic support to the struggle of people of Jammu and Kashmir for their legitimate right of self-determination, as enshrined in UN resolutions. It exhibits Pakistar's support and unity with the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and their freedom struggle

On this day, the Nation reaffirms its resolve to standby our brothers and sisters in their valiant struggle for their just cause and exhibits its solidarity with people of Indian occupied Kashmir, their brave and rightful stance against atrocities of Indian forces. The atrocities and human rights violations by the Indian occupying forces have not deterred them from the cause based upon their legitimate right of self-determination as acknowledged in UN resolutions

The people of Pakistan and Kashmiris around the world reiterate their persistent support and send a loud and clear message to the world that people of Jammu and Kashmir are not alone in their struggle against the Indian occupying forces and call for peaceful settlement of Kashmir Issue in accordance with aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir is sine qua non for the lasting peace in South Asia

Pakistan calls upon the international community to play its role to check the egregious human rights violations in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and to ensure just and peaceful settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people.

The day is also observed as a national holiday To commemorate this day Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 30 on February 5, 2024,

 

30th ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND BELARUS (1994-2024) February 03, 2024 (2024-2)

This Commemorative Stamp marks 30 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Belarus, spanning from 1994 to 2024. It prominently features two iconic landmarks that represent the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Pakistan and Belarus. Dominating the foreground is the majestic Miner-e-Pakistan, a symbol of Pakistani nation's struggle for independence and sovereignty. In harmony with this, the Victory Monument of Belarus stands tall, signifying the resilience and triumph of the Belarusian spirit.

The Miner-e-Pakistan and Victory Monument serve as powerful symbols of national pride, history, and cultural identity. By featuring these landmarks the stamp pays homage to the shared values and aspirations that have forged a lasting bond between Pakistan and Belarus.

Interwoven into the stamp's intricate design are the state emblems of both nations: The National Coat of Arms of the Republic of Belarus serves as a symbol of the country's sovereignty, reflecting various facets of its identity, history, and aspirations Meanwhile, the coat of arms, or state emblem of Pakistan, adopted in 1954, embodies the nation's ideological underpinnings, economic foundation, cultural heritage, and guiding principles.

The 30th anniversary logo, with its meticulously chosen colours, reflects the harmony and respect that characterize the diplomatic relationship between the two nationa The number '3' is adorned with the vibrant colours of the Pakistani flag in a harmonious juxtaposition, the number '0' is elegantly shaded in the colours of the Belarusian flag. The logo also incorporates the state emblems of both countries and their respective flags, encapsulating the essence of this significant milestone in diplomatic history

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Belarus Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 30/- on 3rd of February, 2024

SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF PUNJAB MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY (1998-2023) (2024-1)

The Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC), a pivotal technical entity under Punjab's Local Government & Community Development Department, marks a significant milestone in its history the celebration of its 25th Anniversary the Silver Jubilee This commemoration stands as a testament to PMDFC's remarkable joumey. its manifold accomplishments, and its indispensable role in bolstering municipal services infrastructure and local government capacity across Punjab.

Established in 1998 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 and registered with SECP on 08/10/1998, PMDFC was conceived to aid Punjab's local governments in surmounting capacity constraints across financial, administrative, technical, and organizational domains. The company's overarching goal was to elevate the coverage and quality of municipal services throughout Punjab. Over the past 25 years. PMDFC has exhibited a sustained commitment to urban development, municipal services enhancement, and fortifying economic and institutional capacities within local governments.

Operating with the vision of "Help Build Healthy Cities," PMDFC has emerged as a multidisciplinary institution proficient in surveying, feasibility studies, planning, design, and the operation and maintenance of diverse municipal services. Its skilled workforce has significantly enhanced the institutional capacity of staff overseeing service delivery across all levels, thereby augmenting the quality of life in Punjab.

PMDFC's achievements are extensive, notably reflected in completed projects totalling Rs. 7855 million. These encompass diverse endeavours such as Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project (PMSIP). asset management, procurement, IT-based systems, capacity building and several other initiatives aimed at enhancing municipal infrastructure and services across various districts and cities in Punjab.

Notably, the Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project (PMSIP) garnered acclaim, earning recognition from the World Bank Regional Vice President Award for its exceptional contribution among South Asian Region World Bank projects. The project encompassed 41 sub- projects across 104 Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMA) in Punjab amounting to Rs. 4010 million.

The significance of PMDFC's journey lies not only in the tangible infrastructural enhancements but also in the profound impact on the lives of Punjab's residents. These range from the elimination of ponds for improved sanitation, development of sanitary landfill sites, pilot projects for rural solid waste management, clean drinking water initiatives, to the design and supervision of road and park construction each contributing significantly to amplify the quality of life for communities across the province.

In addition to infrastructural strides, PMDFC has emphasized capacity building, fostering collaborations with local governments, and empowering them to autonomously and responsibly enhance service delivery. These efforts have been underpinned by a meticulous situation analysis of municipal services, addressing gaps and deficiencies comprehensively.

Presently, the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) is actively engaged in the design and implementation phase of the World Bank-funded 'Punjab Cities Program' (PCP) across 16 selected cities in Punjab. This initiative aims to bolster the operational capacity of urban local governments in managing urban areas effectively. The primary objective is to introduce a model for Performance-Based Grants (PBGs) to Municipal Committees, focusing on parameters like Own source revenue and infrastructural development initiatives. These sub- projects have been rolled out in 16 chosen cities, including Daska. Hafizabad, Jhelum, Kamoke, Muridke, Wazirabad, Gojra, Jaranwala, Jhang, Kamalia, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Burewala, Khanewal, Kot Addu, and Vehari PMDFC has successfully completed 50 subprojects amounting to Rs. 2083 million as part of the Punjab Cities Program.

In parallel, PMDFC is overseeing a project titled "Support to Strengthen the Local Services by Local Governments. Funded by The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), this project focuses on enhancing local government services in selected districts of Punjab: Sheikhupura, Toba Tek Singh, Jhelum, and Lahore. Its core objectives encompass developing a regulatory framework, emphasizing capacity building among local government officials, officers, elected representatives, and support to the Punjab Local Government Academy (PLGA) in Lalamusa. The project places a strong emphasis on delivering municipal services while catering to the specific needs of vulnerable groups. Specific output indicators are set to measure success, including showcasing expertise in implementing standard operating procedures and bylaws. The project prioritizes gender inclusivity, promoting diversity, and empowering individuals within local government structures.

Furthermore, PMDFC is overseeing the implementation of the project "Revitalization of Sewage Pond." funded by UNICEF and valued at Rs. 10 million. This project targets the transformation of the wastewater pond at Mughal Pura (Laittan), Sheikhupura, with the aim of treating wastewater effectively minimizing its adverse impact on the environment and ground water and also to improve its quality for agricultural purposes without further treatment.

On the occasion of the silver Jubilee celebrations of Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (1998-2023). Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 25/- on 11th of January 2024.

50th Anniversary of UNHCR. (2000-16)

 

In the year 2000, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees observes its 50th Anniversary. In 2001, the UN Convention on the Status of Refugees will be 50 year old. The longevity of the UN\'s efforts on behalf of refugees is not in itself a cause for celebration. What we could be proud of, is our ability to offer refugees educational and other opportunities, and the means to achieve these opportunities. This will help them not to be a burden, and not be seen as one. It will also help them make positive contributions to the communities giving them asylum or - upon return to their countries of origin. Their courage, determination and the contribution they have made to society throughout the world deserves respect and should be celebrated.

Over the years, Pakistan has been an exemplary asylum country, which in the true spirit of Islamic generosity has hosted one of the world\'s largest and oldest refugee groups. The government and the people of Pakistan have made enormous sacrifices to accommodate the massive influx of refuges from war-torn Afghanistan.

The commitment and co-operation of the government of Pakistan has made it possible to avert a tragedy by providing protection, and together with others, delivering urgent humanitarian assistance to the Afghani refugees. Although many Afghans have been able to return home, more than 1.2 million Afghan refugees remain in Pakistan.

The issuance of these special stamps to commemorate the 50th anniversary of UNHCR and the UN Convention on the Status of Refugees is yet another sign of Pakistan\'s continued support for the work of UNHCR and commitment to the institution of asylum.

To commemorate the 50the Anniversary of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 2/-denomination on December 14, 2000.

A World Without Polio. (2000-15)

 

Paralytic Polio is caused by a virus which attacks the nerves in the spinal cord, culling off the impulse from the brain to the muscles and causing the affected muscle fibers to shrivel and die. The polio virus has only human beings as host. Inexpensive oral polio vaccine - OPV - can stop the virus and eradicate the dreaded disease of poliomyelitis for ever.

When the polio virus, the world\'s greatest crippler of children, is eradicated, the humanitarian and financial benefits ($ 1.5 billion annually) will be enormous.

Through immunization, great progress has been made in the war on polio. Allied in this cause are National Health Ministries and their workers, Rotary International, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations 3 Children\'s Fund (UNICEF), Donor Governments, Non Governmental Organizations 3 (NGO5), Specialized agencies such as the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and hundreds and thousands of Volunteers.

Extraordinary measures are needed to eradicate the polio virus. High level of routine immunization must be supplemented by (1) National Immunization Days (NIDs) (2) Rigorous Surveillance to determine where the polio virus still circulates(3) Laboratory support and (4) Mop up operations where pockets of disease remain.

Rotary International and PolioPlus.

In 1985, Rotary created PolioPlus - a program to immunize all the world\'s children against polio by 2005 - Rotary\'s centennial PolioPlus is one of the most ambitious humanitarian undertakings made by a private entity ever. It will serve as a paradigm for private/public collaborations in the fight against disease well into the next century.

Rotary\'s PolioPlus program is a shining example of the achievements made by cooperation between the United Nations and non-governmental Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations. Rotary International began in Chicago in 1905. It is the oldest and one of the largest non-profit service organizations in the world. It is comprised of 1.2 million members working in over 29,700 Clubs in 163 countries. Rotary memben initiate community projects that address many of today\'s most critical issue such as violence, AIDS, hunger, the environment and health care.

How is Rotary involved in the global polio eradication effort?

Financially: In 1985, Rotary was recognized by WHO as a non-governmental organization working in the field of international health. In the same year, Rotary set a goal to raise $ 120 million to provide the oral polio vaccine (OPV) to newborns in the developing world. When the campaign ended, Rotary has doubled its goal, collecting more than $ 247 million. Todate, Rotary has contributed US$ 385 million to the protection of nearly two billion children. By 2005, Rotary\'s financial commitment will reach a half billion US dollars.

Pakistan has received US $ 12 million upto now as Rotary\'s contribution to support the Government\'s efforts to eradicate Polio from Pakistan.

On the ground assistance: With its community-based network worldwide, Rotary is the volunteer arm of the global partnership dedicated to eradicating polio. Rotary volunteers assist in vaccine delivery, social mobilization and logistically help in cooperation with the National Health Ministries, WHO, UNICEF and the U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Rotarians\' volunteer efforts were instrumental in the eradication of polio from the Western Hemisphere, certified polio-free in 1994.

Global Advocacy: With the end of polio in sight, the eradication campaign enters the most difficult leg of the journey involving the poorest regions of the world. Rotary\'s Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force successfully reaches out to governments worldwide to obtain vital financial and technical support needed to reach the goal of a polio-free 21st century. And Rotary\'s efforts have paid off. Countries such as Canada, Australia, Denmark, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States are major financial donors to this historic health initiative

The world stands on the threshold of victory. Rotary is making sure that donor nations and other sources must commit - NOW - the financial and technical resources needed to complete the job of eradicating polio. If we seize the opportunity, polio will join small pox as the second major disease to be eliminated from the face of the earth.

What finer gift to the children of the world in the new century than to relegate the ancient scourge of polio to history\'s dustbin.

Courtesy:Ministry of Health Government of Pakistan.

To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative Postage stamp of Rs. 2/- denomination on December 13, 2000.