100 Years of Urdu in Turkey. October 12, 2015 (2015-06)

The year 2015 is of special importance as it marks the centenary of Urdu in Turkey. It was exactly 100 years ago that the instruction of Urdu language and literature formally commenced in Turkey. Having passed through many phases over the past century, this process has contributed immensely to the advancement of Urdu in Turkey on the one hand, and enriched the relationship between the Turkish and Pakistani nations on the other hand.

Urdu language is indeed a strong reflection of the eternal bonds between the two nations. The word 'Urdu' itself is derived from the Turkish language. Experts estimate that there are about 6,000 words common to Urdu and Turkish languages.

According to scholars of Urdu language and literature, it was in 1915 that the instruction of Urdu first started at the Darul Funoon (the Faculty of Edebiyat) at the Istanbul University, and Abdul Jabbar Khairi was appointed as professor of Urdu language.

Subsequently, especially following the independence of Pakistan in 1947, a number of initiatives were taken to promote Urdu studies in Turkey. These efforts picked up further momentum in the 1960s and 1970s with the establishment of Urdu/Pakistan Studies chairs at the Ankara University and Istanbul University. Currently, three Turkish Universities - Ankara University, Istanbul University, and Selcuk University (Konya) - have functioning Urdu Departments.

Over the years, extensive and invaluable research has been conducted on the works of luminaries of Urdu poetry and prose - including Amir Khusro, Mir, Ghalib, Hali, Azad, Sir Syed, Iqbal, Hashar, Yildirim, and Manto. Of special importance is the wide-ranging research done on the literary and philosophical works of the national poet of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal including through translations, commentaries and scholarly monographs. Seminal works by scholars in Turkey have, among others, focused on Iqbal's spiritual connection with Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi as well as on the similarities of thought between Iqbal and Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the eminent Turkish poet who also composed Turkey's national anthem. Currently, Turkish scholars are focusing on contemporary Urdu poets and prose-writers and gradually introducing their works in Turkey as well.

A large number of Turkish academics and scholars have contributed to the promotion of Urdu language and literature in Turkey. While it is not possible to name all of them, no account of Urdu in Turkey would be complete without mentioning the services of stalwarts like Prof. Zafar Hasan Aibak, Prof. Ali Nihat Tarian, Dr. Abdul Kadir Kara Han, Dr. Mehmet Onder, Dr. Shaukat Bolu, Dr. Erkan Turkmen, Dr. Selma Beneli, Dr. Gulserin Halici, Dr. Halil Toker, Dr. Asuman Belen, and Dr. Celal Soydan.

Similarly, those who have played a key role in introducing and promoting Urdu in Turkey, besides the Khairi brothers in the second decade of the previous century, include Ambassador of Pakistan Mian Bashir Ahmad, Tariq Farooqui, Dr. Hanif Fauq. Dr. A.S. Ibadat Barelvi, Dr. Ghulam Hussain Zulfiqar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Asrar, Dr. Ahmad Bakhtiar Ashraf, Dr. Dr. Anwar Ahmad, and Dr. Furqan Hameed.

Over the past several decades, the Government of Pakistan has made its own contributory efforts for the promotion of Urdu in Turkey. These includes establishment of Urdu and Pakistan Studies Chairs, posting of scholars, provision of books and teaching materials, and support for mutual collaboration between relevant Universities. Specific measures are underway to upgrade these efforts and further advance this important work in the coming years.

The credit for celebrating 100 years of Urdu studies in Turkey in a befitting manner goes to the Istanbul University, acknowledged internationally as a premier institution of higher learning. Among other things, the University has organized an international symposium from 12-14 October 2015, with participation of a large number of Urdu scholars from Pakistan as well as from several other countries. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has lent valuable support to this initiative. Prof. Dr. Halil Toker, the Head of Urdu Department, Edebiyat Faculty, at the Istanbul University, has played an instrumental role in organizing these celebrations and in overall endeavours to promote the cause of Urdu.

It is equally fitting that the Government of Pakistan is commemorating the centenary of Urdu language in Turkey with the issuance of a special postage stamp. This would not only serve to increase greater awareness of Urdu and Pakistan Studies in Turkey but would also help further accentuate the cultural dimension of the special relationship existing between Pakistan and Turkey.

Indeed, the Pakistan-Turkey relationship remains unique in inter-state relations marked as it is by deep mutual trust and understanding and ever-growing cooperation. Successive generations have worked assiduously to nurture these historic ties embedded in indissoluble bonds of common faith, shared history, and cultural and civilizational links. No wonder that Pakistan and Turkey are often described as being, 'Two States, One Nation. This new milestone in the shared history of the two countries, and its special commemoration during 2015, brings the two peoples ever closer.

On 100 Years of Urdu in Turkey, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 10/-denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on October 12, 2015.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Cadet College Kohat, October 10, 2015 (2015-5)

Cadet College Kohat is Public boarding school established in 1965 with an aim an to provide quality education to the students of the erst while West Pakistan. The college is designed for imparting knowledge to students aged between 12-18 for classes 8th to 12th standard. Over the past 50 years, Cadet College Kohat has earned a reputation for being the best educational institute in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for producing well-groomed students who have made their mark in various strata of our society. The College has a long list of distinguished 'Kohatians', as the Alumni of the college are referred to, who have excelled in all walks of life including military and civil bureaucracy, politics, academia, science and technology. The educational governance modal of the College has urged the Government to establish other colleges on similar lines.

College Campus and Facilities:- The institute is spread over an area of 144 acres and houses a beautiful Academic Block, six houses for boarding students, student messes, libraries, sports playgrounds and residential quarters for the faculty. The Academic Block known as Amir Muhammad Khan Block, and the six student houses are named after great personalities of our country; Jinnah, Iqbal, Ayub, Khushal, Rustam and Munawar.

Khursheed Digital Library was established to honor the services of Ex-Principal Mirza Khursheed Anwar Baig in recognition of his services to the college. Ajmal Gymnasium named after Ex-Principal Baig(R) Ajmal Khattak has been established to provide students facilities with indoor activities. The College also has a Riding Club, six basketball courts. football and hockey grounds, squash courts and a cricket stadium.

Academic Excellence:- Since its inception in 1965, Kohatians have established and maintained the tradition of flinching top positions in Board examinations of 10th and 12th grade. They have the unique honor of achieving top scores even when there was a single combined board for the entire province, N.W.F.P (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). Previously, Cadet College Kohat was affiliated with Peshawar Board and its students have been competing against notable sister institutions while grabbing top-most positions in examinations. Currently CCK is affiliated with Kohat Board and remains the foremost institution to achieve excellent grades.

Many Kohatians have been nominated for exchange programs sponsored by United State Education Foundation Pakistan, Aus Awards, Fulbright and Chevening programs for pursuing their higher studies abroad. They have established a reputation for themselves as hardworking, organized and disciplined students during their studies even after leaving Cadet College. Kohatians have also attended notable institutions of the country including Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), National University of Science & Technology (NUST), Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI) and Agha Khan Medical College etc. Many Kohatians have also studies from well-known Universities of the world including Harvard, Duke and LSE etc.

A number of Kohatians have also been recipients of Sword of Honour; President's Medals and achieved various appointments during military académies. All of this truly reflects the hard work and efforts put in by the faculty and the structure of program designed for students during their five year stay at Cadet College Kohat.

Co-Curricular Activities:- Co-Curricular activities have proven to be beneficial in building and strengthening healthy minds and bodies. Such activities help students develop a set of moral and ethical values, develop social competency and contribute to developing good citizens. They enable students to learn useful new skills from their chosen activity, and in integrating these activities into their everyday school lives, they learn how to effectively manage time, think critically, and work together as a team.

The College hosts a plethora of annual competitions including Urdu and English Declamation, Essay writing, Qirat and Naat Khawani, Photography, Science Innovations, Computer Programming and Riding etc. College sports fixtures with other sister institutions like Military College Jhelum, PAF College Sargodha, Abbottabad Public School, PAF College Lower Topa and Army Burn Hall College, Abbottabad have been a regular feature since its inception. Overall, students' participation in co-curricular activities has resulted in improvement in their academics, discipline, goal-setting, teamwork, accountability and responsibility.

Notable Alumni:- Cadet College Kohat's singular focus on building character and devotion to duty shines through in producing success stories in almost every sphere of human activity. Some notables include Ex-Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila, Lt Gen (R) Sabahat Hussain Ex-Corps Commander Multan and Chairman POF, Vice Admiral (R) Tehseen Ullah, Ahmed Rasul Bangash Ex-Additional Auditor General of Pakistan, Faheem Ullah Khattak, Ex-Accountant General, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ihsan Ghani Director General National Police Bureau and Ex-Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ikram Ghani Member Federal Board of Revenue, Inam Ghani Director Federal Investigation Agency, Hamid Ali Khan Ex-Chairman NATCA, Faridullah Khan Federal Secretary/Chairman Pakistan Tobacco Board, Maj. General Salahuddin Commandant C.M.H.

Ex-Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Engr. Shaukatullah, Senator Mohsin Aziz, Senator Shibli Faraz, Ex-Finance Minister (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Humayun Khan are also alumni of the College.

Maj. General Javed Sultan Shaheed and Malik Saad Shaheed (CCPO Peshawar) are prominent Kohatians who laid down their lives in safeguarding their homeland. Moreover, Kohatians' contributions in the ongoing war on terror have been widely acknowledge and many of them accepted Shahadat while fighting the insurgents during Operation Rah-e-Rasat and Zarb-e-Azab.

On Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Cadet College Kohat, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on October 10, 2015.

On the Eve of Defence Day Golden Jubilee Celebrations. September 07, 2015. (2015-04)

1. Pakistan Air Force is known for her true professionalism and leadership traits. Over the years, PAF has always shown firm resolve whenever it comes to safeguarding the aerial integrity of Pakistan or in need of the hour. In September, 1965 PAF spared no stone unturned in proving her mettle and prowess to the world by showing their supremacy from the very first day which resulted in an unforgettable saga of chivalry in the eighteen days war.

a. This stamp indicates PAF's cargo aircraft converted into a bomber during 1965 war. The painting in the background shows a Hercules on its bombing run over Indian artillery along BRB canal on the night of 21st September. The stamp also depicts Golden Jubilee logo along with gallantry awards won by our heroes and logo of Pakistan Air Force.

b. This stamp reminisce the historic Kalaikunda strike by PAF on 7th of September 1965. The formation of 5 F-86 aircraft from Dhaka attacked enemy airfield in a pitch dark night and gave enemy a sharp lesson by destroying number of Canberra bombers and Hunter fighters. The stamp also depicts Golden Jubilee logo along with gallantry awards won by our heroes and logo of Pakistan Air Force.

c. This stamp points towards one of the triple attacks on Jamnagar airfield. PAF did ground strikes on 3 enemy airfields and destroyed the enemy aircraft on ground. The Painting in the background depicts the professionalism displayed by PAF pilots in precise bombing over the enemy airfields. The stamp also depicts Golden Jubilee logo along with gallantry awards won by our heroes and logo of Pakistan Air Force.

d. This stamp shows the last moments of a hero, a valiant air warrior, Squadron Leader Sarfraz Rafiqui. Rafiqui along with his three companions led a strike at Halwara airfield where they encountered more than ten Indian aircraft. Rafiqui shot down Indian Hunters and later his guns got jammed. Determined to go on, Rafiqui continued with the mission and embraced Shahadat after declaring the strike successful. The stamp also depicts Golden Jubilee logo along with gallantry awards won by our heroes and logo of Pakistan Air Force.

e This stamp displays portraits of those 7 heroes of PAF who embraced Shahadat in the line of duty. Each one of these gallantry warriors fought to their last breath and got Shahadat after achieving the said objective. The nation salutes these Heroes and they will always remain a pride of the nation in general and of Pakistan Air Force in particular. The stamp also depicts Golden Jubilee logo along with gallantry awards won by our heroes and logo of Pakistan Air Force.

f. This stamp indicates complete fleet of fighter aircraft in Pakistan Air Force through ages. Pakistan Air Force evolved at a very fast pace and never let enemy at peace. From F-86 and F-104s to Mirages, F-16s and JF-17s, Pakistan Air Force always remained a symbol of terror for the enemy and pride for the nation. The stamp also depicts Golden Jubilee logo along with gallantry awards won by our heroes and logo of Pakistan Air Force.

On the Eve Of Defence Day Golden Jubilee Celebrations, a set of six commemorative postage stamps of Rs. 10/-denomination of each is being issued by Pakistan Post on September 7, 2015.

100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE MILITARY COLLEGE JHELUM COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP MARCH 03, 2025 (2025-8)

Military College Jhelum is one of the oldest academic institutions administered under the patronage of the Pakistan Army. Founded on the 3rd of March 1922 by the Prince of Wales and named King George Royal Indian Military School, it started functioning in September 1925. Later in 1943, it was upgraded to the status of college and assigned the onerous mission of training potential officers for the British Indian Army. With the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the college assumed its distinctive role as the only feeder institution for Pakistan Military Academy. To date, the institution continues to successfully discharge its onerous responsibility of preparing youth for subsequently taking up future leadership roles in the Pakistan Army.

MCJ follows a rigorous academic and military training program. The college provides education from 8th to 12th grade, focusing on both academic excellence and character development. The curriculum includes subjects such as mathematics, science, languages, social sciences and physical education. In addition to academics, MCJ places great emphasis on military training and discipline. Cadets undergo various drills, physical fitness activities and leadership training programs. The college campus is equipped with modern facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries and sports grounds. The cadets live in a structured and disciplined environment, fostering camaraderie and sense of responsibility.

The College has crossed many important landmarks of its history. It celebrated its Silver Jubilee on November 27, 1950; its Golden Jubilee in November 1975; its Diamond Jubilee in November 1986, its Platinum Jubilee on September 15, 1999, and the Centenary of its Foundation Stone Laying on 3 March 2022. The College has served the nation with a spirit of commitment. Its alumni have contributed to the national cause with unwavering devotion. The College Roll of Honour radiates with the names of martyrs, heroes, and senior officers in all echelons of civil and military establishments.

The College has served the nation with a spirit of unwavering commitment, its alumni contributing to the national cause with a steady devotion. Alma mater to many a great soul, the College Roll of Honour is resplendent with the names of myriad martyrs, heroes and leaders of men in all walks of life, particularly the armed forces. Alamgirians have offered their homage to the Nation with 46 lives. Through the college portals have walked 1 Nishan-i-Haider (Maj Muhammad Akram Shaheed, NH), 47 Sitara-i-Jurrat, 3 Tamgha-i-Jurrat, 15 ImtiaziSanad, 4 Victoria Cross and 42 Swords of Honour. The distinguished Alamgirian alumni have made the college proud with more than 100 General Officers including Ex-Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee Gen (R) Muhammad Iqbal Khan (late), Ex-Air Chief Marshal (R) Zulfiqar Ali Khan, Ex-Chief of Naval Staff Admiral (R) Abdul Aziz Mirza, Ex- Chief of Naval Staff Admiral (R) Mehmood Ali Dogar, Ex-Vice Chief of Army Staff Gen (R) Muhammad Yousaf Khan, Ex- Chief of Army Staff, Gen (R) Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani, NI (M) and more than 300 Brigadiers.

Apart from numerous high ranking military officials, alumni of Military College Jhelum are upholding the name of the college in various civil institutions as well. A few civil dignitaries include, Maj (R) Qamar Zaman Choudhary Ex-Chairman NAB, Waheed Ahmad Chief Engineer SNGPL, Dr. Asif Hussain Professor at NUST, Ghulam Mushtaq DG CDA, Khalid Mehmood Choudhary GM PTCL, Muhammad Nisar Hayat Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in Maldives, Omer Riaz Regional Director Benazir Income Support Program, Usman Haider Dogar Vice President UN Mission, Farid Nawaz Ex IG Police, Sultan Hanif DIG Rawalpindi, Fakhar Sultan Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi, Naveed Hassan Director FBR Islamabad and many more.

The faculty of military College Jhelum is highly qualified and eruditely experienced who provide guidance and mentorship to the cadets. The institution maintains a strong commitment to the overall development of its students, preparing them for the challenges of both academic and military life. Moreover, the Military College Jhelum is a renowned military institution that provides a comprehensive education and rigorous military training to young cadets. Through its focus on academic excellence, character development and discipline, it prepares students for leadership roles in the military and instills in them a sense of patriotism and service to the nation.

On the occasion of the completion of 100 Years of operations of Military College Jhelum, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 100/-denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on 03rd March, 2025.

YEAR OF PAKISTAN-CHINA FRIENDLY EXCHANGES. August 14, 2015 (2015-03)

Pakistan and China have an enduring, close and time-tested friendship that is unique and unprecedented in modern interstate relations. The Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership is based on mutual trust and understanding, and bilateral relations have always been high on the foreign policy agenda of both countries.

Pakistan and China have declared 2015 as the "Year of Pakistan-China Friendly Exchanges" which will further expand exchanges between Parliamentarians, think-tanks, media, youth, academics and artists of the two countries to make Pakistan-China friendship even more deeply rooted in the hearts of our peoples.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA:- The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications, construction of which began as early as the 7th century BCE The Great Wall is recognized as one of the modern wonders of the world and attracts visitors from all over the world. Pakistan's contributions toward the Government of China's efforts to renovate one section of the Great Wall were commemorated at a ceremony held in March 1989.

KARAKORUM HIGHWAY:- The Karakorum Highway (KKH) connects Pakistan and China across the Himalayan mountain range at the Khunjerab Pass. Construction of the highway began in 1959 and was completed in 1979. The KKH is the highest paved international road in the world and is also known as the Friendship Highway. The route of the KKH traces the path of the ancient Silk Road, and serves as a potent symbol of the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China.

SHALIMAR GARDENS:- The Shalimar Gardens are a Mughal-era garden complex in the historic city of Lahore, Pakistan. Construction of the Gardens began in 1641 CE and was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. The Shalimar Gardens, a classic example of Mughal aesthetics, were included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

To mark 2015 as the Year of Friendly Exchanges between Pakistan and China, a set of five commemorative postage stamps for the denomination of Rs. 10/- is being issued by Pakistan Post on 14th August 2015,