On Restoration of Murree G.P.O. November 04, 2015 (2015-07)

Murree General Post Office (GPO) is one of the most prominent historical landmarks of Pakistan's popular hilly summer town. It is deeply woven into the sociocultural milieu of the town and is considered to be the most frequented spot for tourists and visitors of all ages. Sitting majestically at a vantage point, it overlooks the famed bustling mall road of Murree.

The Murree Post Office was established in 1867. However the Post Office was built at the current location in 1904 on the land measuring 0.55 acres that was purchased from the Rajah of Kashmir state. In the British Raj the Post Office was the pivot of communications between the Murree and the garrison town of Rawalpindi, as a horse coach would exchange the mail on daily basis well into the twentieth century. The horse coach drivers were a class of men apart, who through storm & rain, torrents & hill slides, hail & snow fearlessly carried His Majisty's mails often at the risk of their lives. The Gazetter of District Rawalpindi (1893-94) noted that the Murree Post Office was a combined Post and Telegraph Office and offered telegraphic, money order and savings bank services. It was later upgraded to Head Post Office, which expanded its accounting jurisdiction to Abbottabad and Muzaffarabad. It also served as mail transit office for sub Post Offices of Hazara & Azad Kashmir. Murree Post Office also established the first ever Philatelic and tourist information in 1975. In 1983 it was upgraded to class one General Post Office under the charge of a Gazetted Postmaster.

The iconic historic GPO building has undergone numerous structural changes since the British originally built it. In 1970 the facade of the GPO was drastically altered while undergoing reconstruction and renovation. The construction of high-rise buildings in its vicinity further deteriorated the environment due to the thoughtless visual intrusions.

Restoration of Murree GPO is the part of an initiative of Government of Pakistan to preserve Murree as an heritage hill station. Under this initiative, the Prime Minister of Pakistan approved a special grant for the reconstruction of Murree GPO to its original form. Urban management unit, planning and development department, Government of punjab provided the technical assistance for the project. The restored GPO will house a national Postal museum, a cafe shop and the Post Office.

On Restoration of Murree GPO, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 4, 2015.

Pakistan Academy of Letters Golden Jubilee. April 15th, 2026 (2026-04)

Established in 1976 as an autonomous organization under the National Heritage and Culture Division, Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) is a national institution dedicated to the promotion and publication of literature in Pakistani languages, as well as to the intellectual and financial support of writers. The Academy functions under a Board of Govermors comprising representative writers from across the country and various Pakistani languages. In addition to its headquarters in islamabad, the Academy operates five regional offices in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, and Multan, which play an active role in organizing literary activities and maintaining liaison with writers nationwide.

This year, Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Over the past five decades, it has established itself as a dynamic and multifaceted national mattution contributing significantly to the promotion of Pakistani iterature and languages. During this period, PAL has published more than 600 books, including creative, research-based, and translated works. It has also actively promoted translations of international literature into Urdu and other Pakistani languages, as wel as translations of Pakistani literature into world languages. For the promotion of literature, PAL, regularly publishes its quarterly joumal Adabiyat, along with journals in Pakistani languages. To promote literature produced in English in Pakistan, as well as English translations of Pakistani literature, a high-quality illary yournal titled Pakistani Literature is published. Additionally, an online edition titled Adabiyat Intemational is also available.

Through its Translation Bureau (Darul Tarjuma), PAL translates selected works of world Sternsturs inte Untu and other Pakistani languages, and introduces selected works of Pakistani literature in world languages. For this purposes, lateral translation projects are also being carried out under Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with literary and cultural institutions of various countries.

PAL also organizes local national and international literary events on diverse academic and literary themes, including international conferences, seminars, and mushairas For the training and encouragement of emerging writers, PAL, conducts residency programs, literary festivals, exchange programs, creative

workshops, and informal intellectual gatherings such as "Chai, Baatai'n aur Kitabal'n", Under the Academy's Studio interviews with prominent writers, recordings of literary events and audiobooks are produced and disseminated through its digital platforms.

Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) has also made notable contributions to the promotion of children's literature, including special publications, translations, journals such as Adabiyät Atfäl, and conferences

In recogriition of literary excellence, PAL has established a "Hall of Fame" at its head office, Islamabad, where the contributions of prominent Pakistani weillers and poets are preserved. Furthermore, to safeguard literary hentage, PAL, established a Literary Museum of 74 Pakistani Languages in 2025, where information related to Pakistani languages and their literalwe will be preserved in digital, audio, and video formats.

The welfare of writers remains one of PAL's core priorities. For this purpose, financial assistance and monthly stipends are provided to deserving writers, while institutions working for the promotion of literature are also supported, PAL, also advises the government on matters related to national languages and literature, and nominates writers for civil awards

Each year, Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) confers National Literary Awards on 22 outstanding books across ten Pakistani languages. In addition, the prestigious Kamal-i-funn Award is presented to distinguished weilers in recognition of their lifetime achievements.

On the eve of Pakistan Academy of Letters Golden Jubilee Pakistan Post Is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.30/- each denomination on April 18 2026.

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.