PAKISTAN & AZERBAIJAN JOINT ISSUE (2018-3)

 

Since the independence of Azerbaijan in 1991, Pakistan and Azerbaijan have enjoyed close and cooperative relations. Pakistan was among the first country to recognize Azerbaijan's independence from the former Soviet Union in October 1991. Diplomatic relations were established in June 1992 and Embassy of Pakistan was opened in Baku in March 1993. The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Islamabad was opened in 1997.

Pakistan greatly values its friendly and cooperative ties with Azerbaijan, which have deep roots in common faith, cultural affinities, and shared traditions. We are committed to comprehensively upgrading bilateral cooperation across all areas of common interest. The frequent high-level exchanges between our two countries are a reflection of special brotherly ties between the two countries and the mutual respect we have for each other. We are confident that through our joint efforts our fraternal ties and cooperative relations will continue to grow further in the years to come.

Pakistan greatly appreciates the unequivocal support extended by Azerbaijan to Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute both at bilateral as well as multilateral fora. Pakistan has been extending unqualified support to Azerbaijan in its dispute with Armenia over Nagorno Karabakh.

Pakistan also value the support provided by Azerbaijan to Pakistan at times. of natural disasters. The Heydear Aliyev Foundation, under the patronage of First Lady of Azerbaijan Madam Mahriban Aliyeva, has undertaken humanitarian work in Pakistan, especially during the 2005 earthquake, and 2010 floods, which is highly appreciated by the government and people of Pakistan.

We look forward to strengthening our brotherly relations with Azerbaijan the further in all areas of mutual interest for the progress and prosperity of the people of both countries.

During the 6th session of Pakistan Azerbaijan Joint Commission (JC) eld on 25-27 April, 2016 at Islamabad, the following decision for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the postal sector was taken,

"For promotion of Philately both sides agreed for issuance of joint- Commemorative Postage Stamps".

Subsequently it was mutually decided to dedicate the Stamps to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It was mutually agreed to show the Architectural monuments and hence to depict Mosques of both the countries on the Joint Stamps, Heydar Mosque of Azerbaijan and Wazir Khan Mosque of Pakistan.

Heydar Mosque

The opening of the Heydar Mosque took place on December 26, 2014. The building, which covers a total area of 12,000 square meters was constructed under the instructions of the head of state, Mister llham Aliyev. The fa9ade of the Mosque was covered with special stones architectural style of Shirvan-Absheron. It has four 95m- height minarets.

President llham Aliyev showed great interest in construction and was tightly following the whole process. Having total area of 4200 square meters, special decoration elements were used inside the mosque. The Koranic verses are written on the edges of the dome. 55m- height main and 35m- height second domes give special beauty to the inside of the mosque.

Wazir Khan Mosque

Lahore has been a hub of art and culture since centuries and we find innumerable art pieces scattered all around the city in the form of sculptures, paintings, monuments etc. One specimen of art is Wazir Khan Mosque. Built in 1634-35 A.O. during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the mosque is named after its builder, Nawab Wazir Khan, a native of Chiniot whose family migrated to Lahore and rose to be one of the court physicians to the Mughal Emperor. His real name was Hakim Shaikh llam-ud-din Ansari. In due course, over a long lifetime of service, llam-ud-din Ansari, was made a Mughal noble, and was given the title of Wazir Khan. Later he became the Governor of Lahore. He was also Chief Qazi of Lahore for some time. As a great philanthropist, he contributed a lot to the city. Mosque Wazir Khan is perhaps the most precious addition to Lahore by him.

It took seven years to construct Wazir Khan Mosque. Mainly it was built from brick and tile because these were the popular constructional materials in those days. The mosque has five compartments and each of them is crowned with a dome. In the centre is the main prayer hall that has a dome larger than the rest that features a high framed portal protruding from the faade, with walls covered by intricate frescos that portray flowers, plants, fruits and trees. The display of so many kinds of fruits on silver platters, pitchers of wines and trees of different styles are a strong reference of gifts mentioned in Quran that will be postulated to the righteous believers when they will reach heaven.

The Wazir Khan Mosque contains some of the finest examples of mosaic tile work from the Mughal period. Masterful calligraphy verses from the Holy Quran adorn the walls alongside Persian poetry in its elegant forms. Floral designs and patterns emerge in symmetrical, harmonious waves, bringing a sense of tranquility to the mosque's echoing halls. Its impressive blend of calligraphy, geometrical forms and floral decoration lends a unique dimension to the building's structure that makes the Wazir Khan Mosque stand out as a paragon of beauty, balance and grandiosity.

The Commemorative Postage Stamps and Souvenir Sheet on Pakistan & Azerbaijan Joint Issue, Pakistan Post are issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs.8/- denomination (Set of 2) and Souvenir Sheet of Rs. 50/- denomination on June 9, 2018.