GEMS & MINERALS OF PAKISTAN. December 11, 2014 (2014-11)

Pakistan is a country blessed with the gifts of natural resources and the various Gemstones excavated in our country are considered as best all over the world Bearing different shades and properties these revered gems are the precious pride of Pakistan

APATITE

Apatite is named from the Greek word apate, which means "deceit", since Apatite has a similar appearance to so many minerals. The Apatite group is a group of similar isomorphous hexagonal phosphate minerals. Apatite (CaF) is by far the most common form of Apatite

Apatite comes in Colorless, white, yellow, brown, gray, red, pink, purple, blue, green Some specimens are multicolored Strike of Apatite is white. Its hardness is 5 on Moh scale of hardness. Its crystal system is hexagonal. Its transparency is transparent or translucent. Its specific gravity is 3.1-3.2. The luster of apatite is vitreous

The gemmy violet and reddishforms are very much valued by collectors and command high prices

In Pakistan pink and red crystals are found in the Hunza Vallery. Gilgit, and at Skardu at Shengus. Dassu, and the Shigar Valley

AQUAMARINE

Aquamanne is the most greenish-blue to blue variety of Beryl. It forms in beautiful crystals that can be quite large and totally transparent Unlike Emerald which usually is flawed or heavily included, Aquamarine can be found in stunning flawless crystals, creating some of the most beautiful mineral masterpieces

Duller or greenish colored stones can be heated to very high temperatures in which they can attain a beautiful sky-blue color in fact much of the Aquamannes used as gemstones are actually heat treated. The Chemical formula for aquamarine is Beryllium aluminum silicate Be3A12SI06

Aquamanne crystal system is Hexagonal and its Strike is colourless. It has hardness 7.5-8 and its specific gravity 28-29 Aquamarme comes in Greenish-blue, light blue, sky blue, deep sky-blue colour. Its lustors is vitreous.

Aquamarine is the most popular light-blue gemstone, and is extensively used in jewelry, Rings, earings, and bracelets are made from Aquamarine, and it is especially important as a pendant stone, with fairly large pendants being faceted from Aquamane Lama transparent stones may be cut into cabochons. Quality Aquamarine crystals are also highly valued by collectors in their natural form

Pakistan undoubtedly produces the most outstanding crystals of Aquamarine, and some of these crystals can be huge gemmy pas There are several important deposits in the northern mountains, particular noteworthy are the Shigar Valley Skantu Dent, B and Nagar, Hunza Valley, Gilgit District.

TOURMALINE

Tourmaline is not a single minerals, but a group of several closely related minerals. The three most well-known members are Elbaite, Schorl, and Dravite. Other lesser known members include Uvite, Liddicoatite and Buergerite.

Tourmaline is extremely popular among collectors and is a well-known gemstone. It is the most multicolored mineral type known, occurring in virtually every color of the spectrum. Individual stones are often multicolored and are unsurpassed in their beauty.

Tourmaline is extremely varied in colour. Colours include black, brown, green, red pink, blue and grey white, colour less yellow, orange and purple colours are less common, Crystals are frequently multicolored containing two or more distinct colors. Some specimens are pleochroic.

It has hardness of 7-7.5 and its, specific gravity is 2.9-3.3. It has a veterious lustor.

Excellent Tourmaline comes from the mountains of Northern Pakistan at Stak Nala, Skardu, Gilgit District.

EPIDOT

Epidot is one of the most outstanding display mineral. The finest and most desirable form of this mineral is in delicate elongated crystals that are extremely lustrous and often interconnected. This form is highly treasured by collectors and creates one of the finest mineral showpieces. The color of Epidot is almost invariably green, in all different shades and tones, with a pistachio color habit being very typical.

The Colour of Epidot is light to dark-green, olive-green, yellowish-green, brownish-green, brown, black. Transparent forms can be strongly pleochroic with a greenish color on one angle and brownish color on the other angle.

It has a monoclinic crystal system. Its hardness is 6-7 and specific gravity is 3.3-3.6 and strike is white. Its transparency is Transparent to nearly opaque.

Some of the most outstanding Epidot crystals come from Pakistan, in the Tormiq valley, Skardu District, and in Alchuria and Hachupa in the Shigar Valley. Lustrous crystals from a limited find in Kuh-e Khorram Mountain.

VESVAUNITE

Vesvaunite is named after Mt. Vesuvius in Italy, the famous volcano where it was originally described. The term Idocrase is an older synonym not commonly used anymore; it is more readily seen in old collection labels and classical reference guides.

The colour of vesvaunite is Brown, green, yellow. Less commonly pink, purple, orange, maroon, red, and blue. Multicolored shades of pink/purple and green are rare.

The crystal system of vesvaunite is tetragonal. Its hardness on Moh scale is 6.5 and specific gravity is 3.3-3.5 while its strike is white

Vesvaunite is an important collectors mineral and fine crystals can be very valuable. The massive, compact variety Clifornite is occasionally used as an ornamental stone similar to Jade.

Lustrous dark crystals come from Alchuri and Hachupa, in the Shigar Valley, Skardu, Pakistan.

TOPAZ

Topaz is a well-known minerals, occurring in large and beautifully shaped and colored crystals. It naturally occurs in many colors. but rarely in pink, purple and deep blue. Those colors are formed from lighter-colored stones that undergo irradiation and heat treatment.

Topaz crystals in a matrix are rare and very much desired, since the perfect basal cleavage of Topaz causes it to separate from its base and form loose crystals. Precautions must be taken not to damage specimens, for pressure or improper faceting can cause a crystal to cleave and break.

Topaz are found in different colours which are colourless, white, yellow, orange, brown, pink, light purple, gray, light blue, greenish blue, green and occasionally multicolored.

Its crystal system is orthorhombic. The hardness of Topaz is 8 and specific gravity is 3.4-3.6 while its strike is colourless. Topaz can be found in transparent to opaque and its luster is vitreous. Topaz is often preceded by its color, for example Blue Topaz, Pink Topaz. Yellow Topaz, White Topaz, and Sherry Topaz

Topaz is a very popular gemstone. All colors are fashioned into gemstones, and the yellow-brown Imperial is especially valuable. Crystals, especially those still in a matrix, are greatly sought by mineral collectors

Large and outstanding thick crystals come from Pakistan in the Gilgit and Skardu District, in Baltistan, (especially the Shigar Valley. Shengus, and Dassu). Pink and purple Topaz with exceptionally deep color comes from Katlung. Khyber, Pakistan.

GARNET

Garnet is not a single mineral, but a group that contains closely related, isomorphous minerals that form a series with each other. The Garnet members form intermediary minerals between each member, and may even intergrow within a single crystal

The colour of garnets are Red, brown, black, green, yellow, orange, pink, white, and colorless. (Garnets come in all colors with the exception of bluish shades). Massive specimens from certain localities can be multicolored white, pink, and/or light green.

The crystal structure of garnet is isometric. Its hardness is 6.5-8 and specific gravity is 3.5-4.3 while its strike is colorless. Its luster is Vitreous, adamantine, dull.

The Garnets are important minerals, and are primarily known for their gemstone uses. The transparent varieties are used in all forms of jewelry, with the most extensively used color being dark red. Other Garnet forms such as the reddish-orange Spessartine, yellow Grossular, and the green Tsavorite and Demantoid also make fine gemstones.

The finest dark red Spessartine, usually associated with contrasting white Albite, comes from Pakistan at Shengus and the Shigar Valley, Skardu District; and in the Gilgit District.

SPHEN

The name "Sphene" comes from the word Sphene meaning wedge shaped, as it normally occurs in wedge shaped crystals. Several gemological characteristics make it beautiful and desirable as a collector's stone or, with care, for jewelry use. Its dispersion (fire) is one of the highest of all gem materials and is higher than diamond. The body color, degree of inclusions, cutting orientation and cutting style may enhance or obscure this feature. If well polished, the luster can approach or equal that of diamond, but the gem is difficult to polish well. The high birefringence usually makes some doubling of facet images visible within the stone giving it a degree of internal fuzziness similar to that often seen in zircon or peridot. A rare variety termed chrome sphene is colored by chromium and is an intense green.

The rare collector's stone Sphene is a brilliant transparent yellowish-green or green with a high luster and pronounced fire. Sphene's magnificent fire, unique color shades, strong pleochroism, adamantine (diamond-like) luster and double refraction make it ideal for earrings and pendants that catch the light and show its sparkling qualities. Occasionally pink, black or brown, most Sphene is predominantly green or yellowish-green, with colorful flashes of a rainbow of hues.

Its crystal structure is Monoclinic. Its hardness on moh scale is 5-5.5.

Its refractive index is 1.880-2.054. Sphene colours are Greenish yellow, yellow and brown. Sphene is also found in Northern areas of Pakistan.

On Gems & Minerals of Pakistan, Pakistan Post is issuing a Special Postage Stamp of Rs. 10/- denomination of each design on December 11, 2014

"SAY NO TO CORRUPTION" INTERNATIONAL ANTI CORRUPTION DAY. DECEMBER 09, 2014 (2014-10)

1. National Accountability Bureau is Pakistan's apex anti-corruption organization. It is charged with the responsibility of elimination of corruption through a holistic approach of awareness, prevention and enforcement. It operates under the National Accountability Ordinance 1999. It takes cognizance of all offences falling within the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO). For the initial three years, the focus of its functions was directed only at detection, investigation and prosecution of white-collar crim. In February 2002. NAB launched the National Anticorruption Strategy (NACS) project. The NACS team conducted broad based surveys, studied external models of international anti-corruption agencies and involved local stakeholder. All pillars of National Integrity System were studied in detail. After identifying the causes of corruption in each pillar, a comprehensive strategy and a detail action plan was recommended. Breaking away from traditional enforcement based routines NACS has recommended a comprehensive process. Relevant amendments have been made in NAO and now NAB is empowered to undertake prevention and awareness in addition to its enforcement functions.

2. NAB derives its legal mandate from NAO-1999 which is extended to whole of Pakistan including FATA and is also applicable to all persons in Pakistan and its citizens wherever they may be It was promulgated with the objective to establish an efficient and all encompassing anti corruption regime in the country. To build society edifice against corruption needs long and short term measures with consistency in application. NAB has been entrusted a state function under the NAO to develop, arrange, supervise. participate in or conduct educational programmes, media campaigns and related activities to create will in the society for fight against corrupt practices. Society at large needs to steered back to norms and character values presently being followed by cultured and developed societies of the World. NAB pins hope on future leadership specially students. Parents today lay more emphasis on 'grades and positions of their siblings but outrightly have forgotten to give due emphasis to the Character Building (Kirdar Saazi) NAB took initiative in 2012 and started forming Character Building Societies with support of Provincial Govts. These are being formed at School, College and University levels and once a year NAB plans to conduct workshop at Provincial level involving all appointment holders of these societies. On similar lines NAB has started forming Coalition Groups' (Character Building Societies) to fight against corruption and act as whistle blower at UC, Tehsil and Distt level. Notables of reasonable reputes on non partisan basis form the hard core and periphery will have members from all walks of life. Awareness activities also include media campaigns, walks, seminars, essay writing, declamation and poster competition on anti corruption themes by students

3 NAB under section 33C (a) of NAO 1999 is mandated to educate and advise public authorities, holders of public office and the community at large on measures to combat corruption and corrupt practices, Awareness is aimed at correcting ill habits of Society through Education and Character Building so as to build public opinion for Will to eradicate Corruption and Corrupt Practices. The major object of awareness is to transform the social attitude from indifference to abhorrence against corruption, building anti corruption coalition, and putting to lime light various aspects and dimensions of the menace of corruption by raising awareness and building requisite character traits. International anti-corruption day is observed on 9th December all over the world. It signifies the day when United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) was first opened for signing at Merida, Mexico in 2003. The day is observed to highlight the adverse impact of corruption on humanity. NAB alongwith UNODC have planned to observe this day in a befitting manner and will organize a siminar on the topic "Say No to Corruption on 9th December 2014 at Aiwan-i-Sadar, Islamabad. President of Pakistan has graciously agreed to be the Chief Guest on the occasion.

4. National Accountability Bureau in collaboration with Pakistan Post intends to introduce a Commemorative Stamp on December 09, 2014 carrying message "SAY NO TO CORRUPTION". This will help in the awareness of general public about the ill affects of corruption and will help in prevention of corruption.

On International Anti Corruption Day, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 9, 2014.

On the 100th Birthday Anniversary of Norman E. Borlaug Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. December 04, 2014 (2014-09)

Norman Borlaug's approach to increasing global food production resulted in the saving of as many as one billion people worldwide from famine, starvation and death and earned him the title "Father of the Green Revolution."

Born of Norwegian descent on March 25, 1914, Dr. Borlaug was raised in Cresco lowa USA. He obtained his initial education in a one-room rural school house. After graduating in 1937 with a BS in Forestry, he went to work for the United States Forest Service, initially in Idaho and later in Massachusetts and Connecticut. He returned to graduate school at the University of Minnesota, and took up the study of plant pathology. receiving his Ph.D in 1942.

In 1944, Dr. Borlaug participated in the Rockefeller Foundation's pioneering technical assistance program in Mexico, where he was a research scientist in charge of wheat improvement. For the next sixteen years, he worked to solve a series of wheat production problems that were limiting wheat cultivation in Mexico and to help train a whole generation of young Mexican scientists.

The work in Mexico not only had a profound impact on Dr. Borlaug's life and philosophy of agriculture research and development, but also on agricultural production, first in Mexico and later in many parts of the world. It was on the research stations and farmers' fields of Mexico that Dr. Borlaug developed successive generations of wheat varieties with broad and stable disease resistance, broad adaptation to growing conditions across many degrees of latitude, and with exceedingly high yield potential. These new wheat varieties and improved crop management practices transformed agricultural production in Mexico during the 1940's and 1950's and later in Asia and Latin America, sparking what today is known as the "Green Revolution."

He also served as Consultant for Food and Agriculture Organization of UN (FAO) in North Africa and Asia during 1960. It was that time when Norman E. Borlaug visited Pakistan for the first time as a member of a FAO-Rockefeller Foundation team studying wheat production problems. As a result of recommendation of this expert team, a group of promising young researchers visited Mexico during 1961-63 where they were exposed to new and practical methods for improving wheat production. This paved the paths for introducing seeds of high yielding varieties in Pakistan and brought the "Green Revolution" in Pakistan. Based on his contributions the Government of Pakistan awarded him with Sitara-I-Imtiaz in 1968 and The Hilal-I-Imtiaz Award in 1978. His contributions were also recognized by the civilizations around the globe and were honored by many prestigious awards by the governments of various countries like the Presidential Medal of Freedom (USA), the Congressional Gold Medal (USA), the Padma Vibhushan (India).

He was awarded honorary degrees of doctorates in the field of science, agriculture & agricultural sciences, humane letters and law from more than fifty world renowned institutions including honorary degree of Doctor of Science in 1978 by Punjab Agricultural University (Pakistan). He was also designated as Honorary Consultant to Punjab Agricultural University of Lyallpur (Pakistan) and awarded a Recognition Award by Punjab Agricultural Research Institute (Pakistan) in 1971. In 1984, Pakistan Academy of Sciences opt him as Foreign Honorary Member.

In 1970 Norman E. Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for a lifetime of work to feed a hungry world. One of Dr. Borlaug's most lasting contributions was the creation ofWorld Food Prize in 1986 to recognize exceptional achievements in the field of agriculture or efforts to counter poverty and hunger.

He died at the age of 95, on September 12, 2009, in his Dallas home. United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) described Borlaug as "... a towering scientist whose work rivals that of the 20th century's other great scientific benefactors of humankind".

On 100th Birthday Anniversary of Norman E. Borlaug, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 4, 2014

PAKISTAN 2025, ONE NATION-ONE VISION. August 11, 2014 (2014-08)

The Vision 2025 aims to serve four functions. First, it will be a compilation of the consensus views of national and internal stakeholders regarding the future direction of the country. Second, therefore, it will be an inspirational document setting out future goals and expectations, to be translated into a concrete road map and coherent strategy for balanced human, social, and economic development. Third, it will provide a conceptual platform or the revival of sustainable and inclusive growth, benefiting all citizens of Pakistan strengthening of the development foundation and enabling the country to achieve internal development goals within their respective time frames, and achieving the high level of human development and national autonomy associated with a high-income status before the centennial anniversary of the creation of Pakistan. Finally, it will provide the indigenous conception and approach for meeting all globally agreed targets, including the Millennium Development Goals and any new goals to be endorsed by Pakistan in the international arena.

Vision 2025 builds upon the urgent measures already undertaken by the government to address short term challenges. As a result of these measures, inflation has begun to decelerate, the fiscal deficit has shrunk, growing foreign exchange reserves have reassured traders as well as the international markets, the stock market has revived, and international capital markets have expressed their confidence by oversubscription of the Eurobond. In the real sector likewise, the urgent measures have contributed to the resumption of healthy growth in large-scale manufacturing (unprecedented for the last 8 years), and respectable agricultural growth. The vision will also build upon the positive trends in the political domain, including a national consensus on democratic governance, strengthening of the parliament as well as the judiciary, and the emergence of vibrant civil society and print and electronic media.

Vision 2025 divides its challenges and goals into a set of seven pillars identified as the key drivers of growth which will transform Pakistan into a vibrant and prosperous nation by 2025. In addition to these seven pillars, Vision 2025 identifies five key enablers, which are critical for success of the plan, namely

a) Shared vision

b) Political stability

c) Peace and security

d) Rule of law and

e) Social justice

The objective of Pakistan Vision 2025 is to awaken, co-ordinate and direct the people's efforts, minds and our national resources towards seven key pillars that will enable us to attain our development goals and withstand the expected intensive economic competition ahead of us. In the past, growth spurts have been exogenously driven. It is now time for the people of Pakistan to take control of their own destiny. As outlined earlier Pakistan Vision 2025 was developed through a non-partisan process to create a national consensus on our shared destination. At its core the Vision is people-designed and people centered. The Vision is for the people, by the people and of the people; setting and defining the parameters of political, economic and social development for building a prosperous, peaceful and unified nation. A nation envisioned where citizens share a strong sense of nationalism and community, and government partnership in pursuit of national development goals.

Vision 2025 is a shared, inspirational destination that will serve as a guide post for the development of an effective strategy and road map to enable Pakistan to reach its national goals. The Vision will be realized through strategies and programmes defined in associated five-year and annual plans.

Vision 2025 seeks to recreate and build upon the Pakistani Dream, which our founding fathers had so inspirationally constructed at the inception of our nationhood and it aims to engage the people of Pakistan, unite them behind a shared destination, and inspire hope in Pakistan's future.

Pakistan Post is issuing two Postage stamps of Rs. 8/- and Rs. 10/- denominations each, on August 11, 2014 to commemorate the launching of the long-run road map of a progressive Pakistan in the shape of Pakistan Vision 2025.

100 YEARS OF SAHIWAL BREED CONSERVATION (1914-2014) COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP August 05, 2014 (2014-07)

Humped or Zebu cattle (Bosindicus) were domesticated 7000-8000 years ago in Indus valley present day Pakistan. Of the about 450 tropical breeds, the zebu is the main type in the subcontinent and Africa. One of the best known zebu breeds is the Sahiwal in Pakistan which developed on the Indus plain especially in the Ganji bar. The introduction of a canal irrigation system during 1914 changed the ecology and agriculture of the area from pastoral livestock production to intensive crop production. British Government leased out lands to conserve the Sahiwal cattle breed. First Conservation farm of its kind was approved on 30. 6.1914 at Jehangirabad near KachhaKhu Distt. Multan (now Khanewal) by leasing out 4190 acres of land to Sardar Jehangir Khan Wattu. Second farm for similar purpose was approved during 1917 at Allah Dad, Jehanian, Distt. Multan which was closed during 1977. Third farm was established near Montgomery during 1920 by leasing out land to Datar Singh which was closed during 1952. Later two farms contributed towards conservation efforts for the breed but for a shorter duration.

Efforts towards conservation of the breed continued at Jehangirabad Cattle farm till today being pioneers. This farm really changed the Sahiwal breed history through its contributions in the shape of breed development by issuing pedigreed bulls to the nation and even to the world. Motivation for the Sahiwal Cattle lovers and general public by participating in national Livestock shows in the country and even in Delhi before partition. Milk and beauty competitions inspired the general public for rebreeding the Sahiwal breed. This farm was nationalized during 1977 and its contributions continued in a novel way both at Government farm as well as at private original farm. During the period from 1915 to 1976, 4638 cows and heifers, 1770 bullocks and 8608 breeding bulls were supplied for further breeding and utilization from private farm and 1972 bulls and heifers were issued for further breeding from Government farm, a real contribution towards conservation of the breed. The Sahiwal breed here improved at such a prime level that it was exported to China, Australia, Kenya, Newzealand, Malysia, Bangladesh, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Sri Lanka and Kuwait etc. Animals of this farm won National beauty and dairy championships. Now it is found in more than twenty nine countries of the world. More than eight synthetic breeds have been evolved by utilizing Sahiwal breed in tropical countries. We being Pakistani are proud of our Sahiwal, a free gift of nature. The year 2014 is therefore, a year to celebrate the past and embrace the future.

Being the tick resistant, heat tolerant, high milk producing breed under harsh and low input farming systems, easy calver, reproductively efficient and economically sustainable, it is globally known breed. Sahiwal produce A2 type safe milk whereas Holstein Friesian (Boss taurus) produce A1 type milk which is associated as risk factor for fatal human diseases. Livestock is already playing its role in poverty alleviation in rural masses and its contribution in Agriculture GDP is increasing which is now 55.4%. According to International Farming Comparison Network (IFCN-2012), Pakistan is the 3rd largest milk producer (Energy corrected) in the world after India and USA. Being producer of safe milk, export of value added products can be increased to earn the foreign exchange.

Sahiwals are among the largest zebu cattle, with a mature weight from 500-900 and 360-400 kg in male and female respectively. The coat colour is usually reddish dun or sorrel, but brown is also common. The cows have large, sometimes pendulous udders with big teats. The bulls have a large hump, which often leans to one side, and a pendulous sheath. The dewlap is also large. The horns are small and commonly loose in the female. Male calves are being utilized for routine utilization as beef after fattening and especially for sacrificial purposes.

Historical efforts for its conservation continued at private and government level. A postage stamp was launched during 1949 by the Mamlikat-e-Khuda Dad Bahawalpur on the eve of Silver Jubilee celebration (1924-1949) depicting the Sahiwal bull.

According to Pakistan Livestock Census 2006, 2.75 million heads of Sahiwal cattle are available in the country. Due to its global importance and unique characteristics, efforts for its conservation on scientific lines continued and Government of the Punjab established separate Research centre (RCCSC) for its conservation during 2003-04, Breeding programme of RCCSC has been recognized by FAO. As a first effort, during 1914, inspite of great pressure of crossbreeding since 1970, its conservation continued. For its further promotion at global level, a memorial postage stamp should be issued on completing its 100 years during 2014.

It is proposed that on completing 100 years of Sahiwal dairy cattle improvement, a commemorative postage stamp be issued to mark the centenary of the globally known Sahiwal breed, honouring the Sahiwal cattle breeders and lovers the world over.

On completing 100 Years of Sahiwal Breed Conservation 1914-2014, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/-denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on August 05, 2014.