75 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE OF PAKISTAN STOCK EXCHANGE. AUGUST 30, 2024 (2024-9)

 

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is the national stock exchange of Pakistan. It was established with the name of Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) on September 18, 1947. It was incorporated on March 10, 1949, under the name of Karachi Stock Exchange. (Guarantee) Limited as a company limited by Guarantee. In October 1970, a second stock exchange was established in Lahore by the name of Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE) to meet the stock trading or investment and listing needs of the provincial metropolis of Lahore and its surrounding region. In October 1989, a third stock exchange was established in Islamabad by the name of Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) to cater to the investors and companies of the northern parts of the country.

Originally, KSE was a small bourse having only five listed companies with a total paid- up capital of Rs 37 Million. As the years passed and more companies got listed, the first index constituting the companies on the bourse was formed. It was called the KSE 50 Index. Gradually, as the number of listed companies and trading activity increased, the need for a truly representative index was felt and the KSE 100 Index was formed on November 1, 1991. Other indices such as the KSE 30 Index and KMI 30 Index along with the recently added sectoral & ETF indices were also added, thus bringing a total of 16 indices on the Stock Exchange at present.

In the earlier days, trading of shares used to take place through open outery on the trading floor. This was a traditional way of communication between stockbrokers where verbal communication and hand signals were used for conducting transactions. One stockbroker would communicate that he was interested to buy a stock while another stockbroker would communicate that he was interested in selling a stock. Hence a buy sell deal was made across the trading pit. The open outcry method was eventually replaced in 2002 by the electronic trading system. The Karachi Automated Trading System (KATS) became operational at the Stock Exchange which was a robust, high performance and high-capacity trading system. This was later replaced by the New Trading & Surveillance System (NTS), a cutting edge, future-ready, and robust trading system, which was successfully implemented, installed and adopted in 2023.

The three stock exchanges, Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad stock exchanges had separate management, trading interfaces, indices and no mutualized structure. In March 2012, the Stock Exchanges (Corporatization, Demutualization, and Integration) Act 2012 was passed by the Parliament of Pakistan and in the month of May of the same year, it was signed by the President of Pakistan. By virtue of the said Act, all three stock exchanges were converted into companies limited by shares and it resulted into separation of ownership rights with the trading rights. The brokers were termed as initial shareholders who were issued shares of respective stock exchanges together with Trading Right Entitlement Certificates (TRECs). The said Act also required all the stock exchanges to divest 40% of their equity to strategic anchor investors and 20% to general public.

In order to implement the condition of divestment of shares laid down in theabove-referred Act in letter and spirit, it was essential to have only one stock exchange available for this purpose to the potential investors. As such, the operations of all three stock exchanges were ultimately integrated and a single entity with the name of Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited (PSX) emerged on January 11, 2016. It was followed by sale of 40% equity stake of PSX to Chinese consortium in the end of 2016 and offer of 20% equity stake to general public and self-listing of PSX in June, 2017. As such, PSX is now a commercial entity as well as an active frontline regulator of the capital market.

Many developments have taken place at PSX over the last few years. These include upgradation of PSX technology platform wherein a new Trading & Surveillance System has been implemented at the Exchange as mentioned earlier. Furthermore, the Exchange has brought forth new technological innovations and conventional developments such as the Online Account which allows investors to open an account digitally, the Sahulat Account which requires a simplified and convenient account opening process, the PSX WhatsApp Service to make available a host of information to users on their finger-tips, the My Portfolio virtual trading platform to enable users to learn the ropes of investing through real time trading but with virtual cash, the PSX Knowledge Center which is a repository of articles, blogs and financial calculators related to the capital markets, and the PSX Glossary which consists of a list of 500 terms and definitions to enhance and increase knowledge on the financial markets. Over the past few years, nine Exchange Traded Funds have also been launched at the Exchange. These ETFs belong to different categories such as those of equity, debt and Islamic. Moreover, PSX caters to those investors as well who are inclined towards Shariah compliant investments. In this context, PSX lists 258 Shariah-compliant companies amongst its listings.

The ecosystem of the Capital Market of Pakistan comprises of different parts which together enable the working of the Market as a whole. The companies at the forefront with PSX in the ecosystem of the Capital Market of Pakistan are Central Depository Company of Pakistan (CDC) and National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL). CDC handles the transfer of shares traded and keeps the custody of shares held by investors electronically while NCCPL provides clearing and settlement services of shares and funds against the transactions conducted at the Exchange. The apex regulator is the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under whose regulations, PSX operates. The securities brokers, capital market intermediaries, and the Asset Management Companies (AMCs) are an essential part of the capital market ecosystem as well.

Pakistan Stock Exchange lists 523 companies on the Main Board and 3 companies on the GEM Board, representing 36 industrial sectors having total market cap of over Rs9,947 trillion. In recent past, PSX outperformed the stock markets of the world and was called the world's second-best stock market by Bloomberg in October 2023. PSX was also the proud winner of Best Islamic Stock Exchange Award for three consecutive years, 2021, 2022, 2023, presented by Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA).

Pakistan Stock Exchange plays a crucial role in the country's economy as it channels domestic savings and foreign capital to the financial coffers of the country. By attracting interest from local and foreign investors, much needed capital inflows are channeled in the country through PSX. There are more than 318,000 investors investing on the Exchange. Pakistan Stock Exchange provides for an attractive avenue of investments with Price to Earning Ratio of 3.80 which is the lowest in the region. This is a clear reflection of the attractive valuation of stock prices prevalent at PSX. Not only that, Pakistan Stock Exchange has provided the highest Dividend Yield of 9.38%as compared to other markets of the region.

Not only for investors, but also for companies, PSX is an attractive capital market. By listing on the Stock Exchange, companies can obtain much needed financing to fund their growth, invest in new projects, and increase the country's exports. Companies listed on the Exchange provide employment and benefits to thousands of Pakistanis and their families and generate significant tax income for the Government of Pakistan.

On the occasion of completion of 75 Years of operations of Pakistan Stock Exchange, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 30/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on 30th August 2024.

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND EGYPT. AUGUST 21, 2024 (2024-8)

 

Pakistan and Egypt have close fraternal relations, which are characterized by common bonds of faith, cultural affinities, and values between the people of two countries. Egypt was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan and the two countries exchanged resident Ambassadors in 1948. The relations between the two countries have strengthened more and more. Pakistan and Egypt have bilateral relations in the political, economic, trade, investment, education, cultural and defence fields. The two brotherly countries are celebrating 75th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations.

2. Pakistan and Egypt are the promising developing economies with thriving young population. Both countries have economic and infrastructure development as the central agenda moving forward. They continue to highlight Islamic traditions and crafts in their modern infrastructure.

3. Islamabad is the new national capital of Pakistan, that was built in 1960s to replace Karachi as a capital. It is located on Pothohar Plateau of the northern Punjab region. As per the latest census in 2023, Islamabad Capital Territory has a population of 2.36 million. Islamabad is a lush green city with healthy climate. It is a modern and carefully planned city with wide roads and avenues, elegant public buildings and well-organized markets, and shopping centres. The metropolitan area of the city is divided into eight basic zones: Administrative, diplomatic enclave, residential areas, educational sectors, industrial sectors, commercial areas, and rural and green areas. Islamabad is a symbol of modern state representing vibrant and progressing nation of Pakistan.

4. Located on the foothills of Margalla hills, Islamabad has a scenic mosque in its centre with the name of Faisal Mosque. The mosque was built in the name of Saudi King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz. Sprawling on 33 acres, it is now the sixth largest mosque in the world. The construction started in 1976 and the mosque was completed in 1986. Faisal Mosque was designed by Turkish Architect, Mr. Vedat Dalokay. It has unique and unconventional architecture. The main 8-sided hall of the mosque was designed in a way that it looks like a Bedouin desert tent. It has four minarets. It has the capacity to host 300,000 people for prayers.

5. To fulfil the increasing administrative needs and to accommodate the rising population of Cairo city, the Egyptian government has undertaken massive infrastructure project of building a new area, currently named as The New Administrative Capital (NAC). It is planned to be Egypt's new capital and has been under construction since 2015. NAC is a part of Egypt's agenda for economic development and larger initiative called 'Egypt Vision 2030'. The new city is located 45 kilometres (28 miles) east of Cairo and just outside the Second Greater Cairo Ring Road. Sprawling over 700 km², the city is expected to house a population of 7 million people. The city is planned to consist of a government administrative district, a diplomatic area, a cultural district (opera and theatres), a central business district (CBD), parks (the 'green river'), and 21 residential districts. The NAC would be completed in phases. Egyptian government has already started shifting government ministries to the New Administrative Capital in 2023.

6. To symbolize the modern architecture and Islam as basic essence, Egypt built a spectacular mosque in its New Administrative Capital, named Al-Fattah Al-Aleem Mosque. The mosque is located on the New Middle Ring Road in the New Capital. Al-Fattah Al- Aleem Mosque has been built on the allocated area of 110 acres and is considered one of the mega mosques in the world. Like Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Al-Aleem Mosque is the hallmark of the development of New Administrative Capital in Egypt. It was inaugurated by Egyptian President Mr. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in January 2019. The mosque has 21 domes and four minarets each of nearly 95 m in height. and is considered the 2nd biggest mosque in the world in terms of total area. Currently, the mosque has a capacity to house 17,000 people for prayers. The mosque also includes two Quran memorization houses one each for boys and girls.

On the 75th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Egypt, the commemorative postage stamp is being issued by Pakistan Post of the value of Rs. 75/- each denomination on 21st August, 2024.

Second Death Anniversary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (1948-1997) (1999-8)

 

Nusrat Fateh All Khan can truly be described as one of the greatest musical prodigies of our times.

Although he was an exponent of the Qawali (mystic) singing but he used his musical skills of the classical art form of music to blend it with contemporary music to an extent that he can be called the pioneer of this individualistic style by harnessing the vocal of his high pitched voice that depicted the cry and pathos of the common man.

Born to a distinguished family from Jalandher with a 600 year-long tradition of performing Qawali, his deceased father and uncles are still remembered as great masters of Qawali.

Mr Nusrat began to seriously pursue Qawali career only after the death of his father. However, since his debut in 1965 as the lead singer of the group, he had distinguished himself as a qawal - a singer of Qawali music. He was known as the “Shahenshah-e-Qawall” - the king of Qawali.

Nusrat Khan continued to perform Qawali in religious rites - the original form in which Qawali is sung-at mausoleums of revered saints in Pakistan, while at the same time giving concerts at more convenient venues.

The superb singing talent and musical skill of this great master of Qawali, alongwith his strong command of Urdu, Farsi (Persian) and his native language, Punjabi, had enabled him to sing the mystic poetry 4 written in these languages with fluency and expressiveness.

He was also famous for his unparalleled repertoire, which extended to several thousands of songs. In appreciation of his excellence, the Government of Pakistan award him the President’s Pride of Performance in 1987.

In the summer of 1985, Mr Nusrat Fateh All Khan performed at the World Music arts and Dance festival (WOMAD) in London, where he stood out as the most promising singer. After the success of that summer, he began to perform music more freely.

His various experimentation, such as the use of seat-like singing improvisation, brought a fresh breeze into the traditional world of Qawali. His concerts in Paris in 1985 and 1988 were received with great enthusiasm as his amazing vocal performances produced a craze for his music throughout Europe. His first visit to Japan took place in 1987, at the invitation of the Japan Foundation.

His participation in seminars and his performance atthe 5th Asian Traditional Performing Art Festival and subsequent concerts in Japan had earned him a steadily increasing number of fans in this country.

These achievements, taken together had an immeasurable impact on cultural exchange between the East and the West, led to the enhancement of both cultures, and thus made Ustad Nusrat Fateh All Khan particularly worthy of receiving the Arts and Culture Prizes of various countries and made his name synonymous with International Music.

Khan Sahib was a regular performer of Pakistan Television ever since its inception, in Qawali programmes but with his amalgamation of modern music in traditional music, the demand of his songs, as a soloist became more in the enthusiastic young crowed.

To cater to this demand PTV also launched a series of musical programmes entitled “Nusrat Fateh All Khan Show” which was aired for three months on weekly basis.

His international tours with regards to his musical performances to experiment and inter-act with the diversified musical skills of musicians of international repute earned him unparalleled place.

He could undoubtedly be acclaimed as the cultural ambassador of Pakistan He died on 16th August, 1997.

Courtesy: Pakistan Television Corporation.

To commemorate the 2nd Death Anniversary of Music Maestro Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 2 denomination on August 16,1999.

Pioneers Of Freedom Series (1999-7)

 

Mr CHAUDHRY MUHAMMAD ALI (1905-1980)

The late Chaudhry Muhammad All, former Prime Minister of Pakistan was born in 1905 in Nagal Ambia, a village near Jullandar, Punjab into a family of agriculturists.

After completing his education Chaudhry Sahib appeared in the civil services examinations and was inducted into the service in Audit and Accounts Group. He rose rapidly through the ranks of the services.

He served for a time as the Accountant-General to the Nawab of Bahawalpur and thereafter was transferred and posted at Delhi. The eve of Second World War found him as one of the very few Muslims who had secured a high position in the Government of India. By 1945 he was appointed Financial Advisor, War & Supply and was the first Indian to hold this key position.

By the early 40’s the struggle for independence had entered into a critical phase, Chaudhry Sahib became a close aide to the Quaid-e-Azam.

The complete trust that the Quaid-e-Azam had in Chaudhry Sahib is demonstrated by the fact that he was the person chosen by the Quaid to represent Pakistan as one of the two members of the Steering Committee through which the Partition Council acted, dealing with all those vital issues which had to be decided before partition.

Pakistan was represented on the Partition Council by the Quaid-e-Azam and Liaquat Ali Khan. At that time Chaudhry Sahib was but barely in his early 40s and it speaks volumes for his ability, integrity and complete dedication to the Muslims’ cause that he was chosen by the Quaid himself to act in such a sensitive and key position.

In 1946 the Interim Government in India composed of members of Congress on the one hand and the Muslim League on the other. The Muslims were, because of heir lack of education and experience in commercial and financial matters, typically regarded by the Hindus as incapable of having, and indeed lacking in any financial sense at all.

At the urging of Chaudhry Sahib himself, the Muslim league accepted the Finance portfolio and on February 28, 1947 Liaquat All Khan, who held the portfolio of Finance Minister, presented his budget.

This was the first budget made by a non-British Finance Minister in undivided India; it was also the last and most controversial. The entire work for the preparation of this budget was done by Chaudhry Sahib himself.

The budget is known to history as the Poor Man’s Budget and it produced consequences of fundamental importance at that key stage of the struggle of independence. The budget directly hit the Hindu Mahasaba, ie the leading Hindu capitalists and businessmen, where it hurt them the most, namely, in the their pockets.

The budget brought home to the Hindus like nothing else before it, the fact that in a united India, the relatively poorer Muslims would constantly demand in the name of social justice, a share in the wealth of Hindus.

The Budget proved to be and served as, the final proverbial straw that broke the back of the camel and led to the acceptance by the Congress leadership of the fact that the sooner the Muslims were got rid of by partition, the better.

Thus, at the most critical juncture and on the eve of the most crucial period in the emergence of Pakistan, Chaudhry Sahib’s efforts led directly to the final step that ended in the creation of Pakistan.

After partition Chaudhry Sahib was appointed, again on the direct instructions of Quaid-e-Azam and Liaquat All Khan, as the very first Secretary General of Pakistan, a post that was specifically created to deal with the problems of setting up a newly state virtually from scratch. He also held the post of Cabinet Secretary.

A few years later at the request of Liaquat All Khan and Khawaja” Nazimuddin, Chaudhry Sahib reluctantly left the security of Government service, and entered politics. He held the post of Finance Minister and subsequently became Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1955.

It is a historical fact that he is the only Prime Minister of Pakistan to have resigned his post although enjoying the confidence of the majority of the Central Assembly, as the legislative house was known at that time.

He also had the honour of steering through the Central Assembly the very first constitution of Pakistan in 1956 which served as the model for all subsequent such endeavours in this country. After leaving office in 1956, Chaudhry Sahib remained actively involved in politics for a number of years till about 1970.

His struggles during the ‘60s, when he was the head of the Nizam-e-Islam Party, to oppose and dislodge the regime of Ayub Khan are too well documented and known to require any detailed examination. The important part that he played in the presidential campaign of Mader-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah at that time was only one chapter in the long struggle.

Although Chaudhry Sahib had suffered a major heart attack in 1953, that never Deterred Or stopped him in his ceaseless efforts to serve the nation. However, in 1970 he suffered another heart attack and this time the doctors told him that his health could not take such strains any longer and that he would have to necessarily retire from active politics.

He did so only with the greatest reluctance. Thereafter he assumed the role of a senior statesman in the country.

His doors always remained opened to all who sought his advice on matters large or small and he was unofficially consulted several times by various dignitaries and other important personalities.

The selfless devotion with which he had ceaselessly toiled throughout his life for the service of the nation had however, taken its toll in his health. He suffered a series of heart attacks throughout this period and finally left this earth for his heavenly abode in December, 1980.

Quite apart from his public service and career, Chaudhry Muhammad Ali did one more outstanding service for Pakistan.

This was his monumental work, The Emergence of Pakistan, which describes in detail the events that led to the creation of Pakistan. According to one reviewer of the work, “Chaudhry Muhammad Ali has given his readers just the kind of inside view that Liaquat All Khan and Quaid-e-Azam himself would have written, had the opportunity been given to them.

Much has been written about the period involved by British and Hindu writers; it took a man of Chaudhri Sahib’s calibre to present, definitively and elegantly, the Muslim perspective to the world.

The book reviews and presents a critical stage in the history of our nation with clarity, depth and vision.

Contributed by the Chaudhry Muhammad All Charitable Trust.

SIR ADAMJEE HAJI DAWOOD (1880-1948)

Late Sir Adamjee Haji Dawood was born in Jetpur, a small town in the present Gujrat state of India in 1880. His education was though limited, he had an immense potential in trade and commerce which led to his early business career at the age of 15 in Rangoon, Burma.

In a short period of time, Adamjee made phenomenal progress in business and was probably the first Muslim to enter into the field of Industry. In 1923 he established his first industrial venture by setting up a match factory in Rangoon.

In 1927 he further expanded his business by setting up a Jute Mill in Calcutta, which became the first Muslim owned public limited company in India. Adamjees outstanding performance earned him recognition in various business and political circles and he was elected the first President of All India Muslim Chamber of Commerce.

Sir Adamjee took keen interest in philanthropic activities, as welfare of the Muslims was a subject close to his heart. During his life Adamjee established many welfare institutions such as Adamjee Hospital in Jetpur and several student hostels all over Muslim India.

Apart from this be founded the Memon Educational and Welfare Society in 1933 and collected funds to mitigate the sufferings of the people of Bengal, Bihar and Quetta on account of natural calamities in 1933-35.

Adamjees work was recognized and appreciated by Mr Muhammad All Jinnah, Mr Gandhi, Nizam of Hyderabad Deccan Sir Mir Usman Ali Khan and several British Generals. Mr Jinnah and Adamjee became close friends and Adamjee was appointed Treasurer and Financial Advisor of the Muslim League and All India Press Fund.

At the request of Mr Jinnah, Adamjee was put incharge to oversee the problems faced by Muslims businessmen due to Hindu domination. Adamjee identified two major areas that needed attention, and alongwith the support of Mr M.A.H. Ispahani established the Muslim Commercial Bank and Orient Airways in 1946. After partition the Orient Airways was transformed into Pakistan International Airlines.

In 1938, King George VI awarded Knighthood (The title of Sir) to Adamjee in appreciation of his social activities.

Sir Adamjee’s greatest contribution was at the time of partition when the Government of Pakistan fell in financial emergency and was in urgent need of funds. Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah called upon Sir Adamjee to contribute in this cause and Sir Adamjee said whatever I possess belongs to Pakistan’ and handed over a signed blank cheque to Mr Jinnah. Sir Adamjee was then again called by Quaid-e-Azam for discussion for the establishment of State Bank of Pakistan where he suffered a Heart Attack and collapsed after that meeting on 26th January 1948. Quaid-e-Azam made a public announcement on the death of Adamjee.

“I am deeply grieved on the sad demise of Adamjee Haji Dawood. He was a True Muslim. He gave full support in the struggle of freedom. We have lost him when we needed him the most. It is very difficult to fill his gap in the business community of Muslims. His death is a big blow for Pakistan.

MAULANA ABDUL HAMID BADAYUNI (1898-1970)

Maulana Abdul Hamid Badayuni was a religious scholar and renowned leader of Pakistan Movement. Educated at Badayun he started teaching at Madrassa-i-Shamsul Uloom, Badayun. In due course he became a Mufti.

Participated in National Movements, specially in Khilafat Movement and Anjuman-i-Khuddam-i-Kaba. Associated with All India Muslim League since 1918, but after the reorganization of All India Muslim League. Spoke at Minto Part in support of Lahore Resolution in March 1940.

Popularised the demand for Pakistan throughout India by delivering speeches. Member, All India Council of All India Muslim League.

Called All India Sunni Conference at Banaras in 1946 to support Pakistan on religious basis, worked for the organization of jamiat-i-Ulama-i-Pakistan and became its president. Founded Jamia Taleemat-i-Islamia at Karachi. Died in 1970 and buried at Karachi.

Courtesy: Quaid-e-Azam Academy, Karachi.

To commemorate the Pioneers of Freedom Pakistan Post Office is issuing a set of 3 commemorate postage stamps of Rs 2 (each) denomination on August 14, 1999.

50th Anniversary Of The Geneva Conventions. (1999-6)

 

International humanitarian law has a long history. The modern form of this law goes back to the Baffle of Solferino and the work of Henry Dunant. As a result of his endeavours, the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies of the Field, the very first “Geneva Convention”, was adopted in 1864.

This pioneering convention was followed by several key developments in what has come to be known as “Geneva law”. The most important dates are 1907 (protection of combatants wounded at sea), 1929 (Protection of prisoners of war).

Finally, on August 12, 1949, the four Geneva Conventions were adopted for the protection of the wounded, sick and ship wrecked in armed forces in the field and at sea, of prisoners of war and of civilians.

Lastly, in 1977, two Protocols were added to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. The 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols today form the core of international humanitarian law.

The fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions is of special importance, since these treaties are a great step forward for humanity. Nonetheless, it should not be forgotten that it is far more important to review and determine what still merits improvement than to celebrate a body of law regulating the least human activity of all: war.

To this end, the ICRC has launched a major consultation-campaign entitled “People on War”: its aim is to allow the victims of armed conflict to speak for themselves.

Fifty years after the signing of the Geneva Conventions, the first observation in any preliminary review is that these norms are universally accepted.

To date they have been ratified by 188 States Parties, in other words almost the entire planet. As for the Additional Protocols, they are well on the way towards universal acceptance; respectively 153 and 145 States are now bound by them.

Pakistan is party to the four Geneva Conventions and has signed but not yet ratified the Additional Protocols. ICRC Activities in Pakistan since 1947.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) officially recognized the Pakistan Red Cross Society on the 21st of July 1948. The Geneva based institution could not imagine the course of dramatic events and exceptional situations which would require the efficient involvement of the young Red Cross Society as early as the very first year of its creation.

As we all know, at its very inception Pakistan was faced with the problem of receiving and housing hundreds of thousands of refugees, among them sick and wounded. The Pakistan Red Cross Society (PRCS) rendered all possible help to relieve their distress.

From 1947 until today, 50 years of solidarity between the ICRC and the PROS have passed, years of both happiness and tragedy.

Following is chronology of important events during the 50 years.

1947 An ICRC delegate is sent to Karachi and New Delhi to act as neutral intermediary for facilitating repatriations of civilians and to visit refugee camps in both Pakistan and India.

1948 Recognition of the Pakistan Red Cross Society by the ICRC (21.07). Under the auspices of the ICRC an agreement is reached between Pakistan and India on the tracing and repatriation of civilians lost during the two-way migration.

1949 ICRC supervises a general exchange of prisoners in April. Medical relief is sent to the PRCS to cope with the high number of refugees.

1954 Severe flooding causes extensive damage in the country. The ICRC helps the PROS to initiate emergency assistance.

1965 An ICRC delegate is sent to Rawalpindi. On an urgent request from the PRCS, plasma and transfusion material is provided to military hospitals. The Central Tracing Agency at ICRC headquarters in Geneva receives and transmits lists of prisoners of war (POW.) to both Pakistani and Indian authorities and facilitates the exchange of thousands of messages between POW. and their relatives. In December, the ICRC organizes on the cease-fire line and exchange of family parcels prepared by both national societies for prisoners. Syed Wajid Ali Shah, chairman PRCS, meets his Indian counterpart during this exchange. More than 700 parcels are exchanged that day.

1966 The ICRC launches an emergency appeal to the Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies to help the Pakistan and Indian Red Cross in their relief operation for more than 500,000 refugees on both sides. Two mobile medical unit vehicles are sent by the ICRC to the PROS, thanks to a grant from the British Red Cross.

1973 More than 10 million family messages are exchanged between POW. and their families. The ICRC transmits them to the PROS for distribution to the addresses in Pakistan. 180,000 family parcels prepared by the PRCS are transmitted by the ICRC to Pakistani P.O.W. detained in India.

1974 The ICRC helps the PRCS to settle problems related to the repatriation of ten of thousands of stranded persons to Pakistan Among them 90,000 Pakistani POW. who are repatriated to Pakistan by ICRC.

1979 The PROS NWFP branch assists Afghan refugees located close to the border with ICRC’s help.

1980 Two first aid posts managed by the PROS and financed by the ICRC are opened on the Pakistan-Afghan border. Five other posts are opened during the year.

1984 A paraplegic rehabilitation center is inaugurated by the ICRC in Peshawar and its management handed over to the PRCS in 1986.

1996 The Sindh branch of the PROS receives two ambulances from the ICRC especially for the areas of Karachi struck by violence. PROS mobile eye clinics in Northern Areas and parts of Kashmir are being supported by IORO.

1998 Launch by ICRC of an extensive training programme on the Law of Armed Conflicts with Staff Colleges and Combat Schools of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force.

1998 Launch by ICRC of a relief programme to assist thousands of displaced Persons In Azad Kashmir (districts of Muzaffarabad and Bagh).

1999 PROS starts providing first aid training to Police officers in the Punjab. Two fully equipped ambulances are offered by IORO of PROS Punjab branch for a medical evacuation project in Lahore.

1999 IORC starts an instruction programme on Human Rights and Law Enforcement matters with the two Police Training Centres in the Punjab.

Courtesy: International Committee of the Red Cross-Delegation in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Officer is issuing a stamp of Rs 5 denomination on August 12, 1999.

Archaeological Heritage Of Pakistan Fasting Buddha (Gandhara Civilizations) (1999-5)

 

When the young prince Siddharatha, left his place in search of solution to seek enlightenment for human miseries, he straight went to a jungle and started physical austerities the age-old practice of getting spiritual enlightenment.

He fasted for several weeks, even months to banish all worldly thoughts and tame the body through pure spiritual activities.

Siddharatha thought that a liberal soul, as explained to him by a Brahman, is still a soul, and whatever the condition it attains, must be subject to rebirth and since each successive rebirth is held to be still accompanied by qualities. He maintained that the absolute attainment of our and was only to be found in abandonment of everything.

Seeking, therefore, something beyond, Siddharatha-actually a Bodhisattava, proceeded to Uruvilva near Bodhgaya and practiced for six years such severe austerities and intense mental concentration that his beautiful body withered away to skin and bones. He limited his daily diet to a single sesamun seed or a grain of rice, until one day he was overcome by a severe pain and fainted.

Some of the gods, taking him as dead, informed, queen Maya, the mother of Siddharatha, in Tusita Heaven. Immediately, she came down and seeing that Siddharatha was almost deed, she began to cry.

Then spoke the Siddharatha to his mother, ‘Fear not for love of thy son. I shall fulfill the prophecy of the Saint Asita and make plain the prediction of Dipankara. Though the earth should fall into hundreds of fragments but I, the only human being, should not die.

Therefore, be not sorrowful, for soon will thee behold the wisdom of a Buddha’. After overcoming his weakness, Bodhisattava perceived that self mortification was not the way to enlightenment.

Realising the fact he gave up fasting and accepted food from a maiden name Sujata. Then, after taking a bath in the stream of Naranjana, he again sat under a pipal tree at Bodhgaya to revive his meditation. Here he attained enlightenment at the age of thirty five and become known as the Buddha ‘The Enlightened one’.

This resolve was strikingly illustrated for the first time in Gandhara art and never so sublimely as in the masterpiece from Sikri, District Mardan, now in Lahore Museum.

This so-called statue of Fasting Siddharatha ranks not only as the finest specimen of Gandhara Art, but also as one of the rarest antiquities of the earliest world. Almost wholly undamaged and facing the viewer with a remorseless face it could not have failed to move the faithfuls, as it does fail to move us even today, with an awareness of the heroism which Buddhism saw in Buddsha striving for enlightenment.

In this sculpture the Bodhisattava sits in meditation, right hand over left, arms in the round, his upper garments slipped down to the elbows and spread in a broad semi-circle over the feet and crossed legs.

The head projects dramatically from the large plain halo, its shape and the luxuriant hair almost unaffected by the extreme emaciation of the features. The eyes are in sunken pits of deep shadow, the cheekbones project symmetrically, the nose in thin, the lips narrow and mouth small.

A short curling beard runs along the chin and jaw and even the thin curved, ears seem to convey the tension of the Bodhisattava withdrawn meditations. In low relief on the forehead, veins stand out as they do again in a regular and almost frightening tracery on the undercut arms, across the quaintly projecting shoulder blades and the ribcage.

Below the arch of the ribcage the abdomen is in drawn as if to leave no room for the wasted inner organs. Over the seat is spread the usual grass and on its face worshippers flank a fire-altar.

It is not known who carved this masterpiece of a sculpture and also as to how this image was housed in its shrine. Surviving smaller narrative panels with a central Fasting Bodhisattava can show a variety of flanking figures and if this image was not a wholly independent cult object, it may have been accompanied by odorants, as were Buddha in stucco groups at Taxila, or as in a narrative tableau, by appropriate participants at this stage in the Buddha legends.

Whatever may have been the case, this image show, to an exceptional degree for Gandhara devices more commonly employed in later sculpture the high relief, the under-cutting of the arms and the open spaces so produced under the armpits create a stark play of light and shade that could have enhanced the impact of one of the greatest achievements of any religious art.

Contributed by Lahore Museum, Lahore.

To focus the attention on Archaeological Heritage of Pakistan, Pakistan Post Office is issuing 2 commemorative postage stamps of denomination of Rs 7 each and one Souvenir Sheet of denomination of Rs 25 on July 21,1999.

CELEBRATING 77 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE HONOURING ARSHAD NADEEM'S ACHIEVEMENT. AUGUST 14, 2024 (2024-7)

 

On Pakistan's 78th Independence Day, we proudly introduce a special postal stamp that celebrates the remarkable achievement of Arshad Nadeem. Arshad Nadeem made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by setting a new Olympic record with a phenomenal throw of 92.97 meters in the men's javelin throw final on August 8, 2024. Arshad Nadeem's gold medal stands as a profound symbol of national pride. This remarkable victory is not just a personal success but highlights the exceptional talent and potential of Pakistan's young athletes. His achievement reflects the dedication, skill, and determination needed to excel at the highest levels of international sport.

The new stamp commemorates Arshad Nadeem's outstanding performance and his contribution to bringing recognition to Pakistan on the global stage. His success story is an example of the remarkable achievements. possible through hard work and perseverance, inspiring future generations to pursue their own goals with the same dedication and hard work.

As we celebrate our 77 years of independence, this stamp honours Arshad Nadeem's incredible achievement and the broader promise of Pakistani talent. It's a moment to reflect on the pride we feel for Arshad Nadeem and the potential that continues to grow within our nation.

On the occasion of 78th Independence Day of Pakistan, a Special Postage Stamp of Rs. 100/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on August 14th, 2024,

Completion Of Data Darbar Complex, Lahore. (1999-4)

Hazrat Syed Ali bin Usman al-Hajvery, popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh settled in Lahore during the eleventh century. Accomplished Sufi Master and revered intellectual, he propagated the religious, spiritual, moral and educational dimensions of Islam in South Asia.

The shrine or Darbar where Data Sahib is buried, is visited round-the-clock by the devotees from all over the country.

The Auqaf Department is the custodian of this sacred precinct. It has now completed this project begun in 1978 to provide better amenities to the devotees. During the first phase the large mosque was constructed in 1989 covering an area of 1,60,000 square feet.

Phase-II completes the master-plan of the mosque-shrine complex and further extends the mosque by 2,08,150 sqare feet to accommodate the growing congregation. This phase began in 1997 under the direction of the Prime Minister.

It now consists of three levels. The basement provides parking area for 200 cars. The inter-mezzanine floor consisting of a fully airconditioned sama hall, langar-khana/charity kitchen, separate rest-rooms for men and women, ablution areas, library research centre, facilities for bank, security personnel, administrative offices, conference hail and atrium.

The main, top floor is the extension and completion of Data Sahib Jam Ia Mosque. It comprises of a central green area in the Mughal Chahar Bagh division, which is enhanced with water-bodies such as a central fountain and ripplers running along the length of the arcade.

Spacious verandahs enclose this space emphasizing the traditional concept of inner court-yard in Islamic Architecture. The arches of the first phase were discontinued and replaced by those reflecting the arches of the original mausoleum and circum-ambulatory area around it. Thus a unified architectural statement have been achieved.

The 185 arches in this phase of the mosque, are embellished with pure white marble with the Names of Allah and of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Each has been scripted by calligraphers and calligraphy-artists of Pakistan.

The complex also has verses from the Holy Quran, verses in praise of the Holy Prophet and Data Sahib and name of holy persons in thulth and nastaliq styles. The complete Surah Rahman, on the facade of the mosque facing the Lower Mall, is 308 feet long in nastaliq script.

uch a long nastaliq script on a monument is a world record. Similarly, 108 feet long Durud Taj has been rendered in nastaliq at the entrance to the Sama Hall. Both inscriptions are a major achievement for Pakistan.

They have been rendered in nastaliq to make the text more accessible to the public. Beside these, a large calligraphy-art work by Sadquain has been executed in marble. All the calligraphy and calligraphy-art work in the exterior and interior has been scripted voluntarily and free of any charge by the Pakistan Calligraph-artists Guild.

The mosque is now spread over a total of 3,68,150 sqare feet and is the third largest mosque in Pakistan after the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore and the Faisal Mosque Islamabad. The mosque can now accommodate upto 52,600 devotees.

The Data Sahib Mosque Complex is being inaugurated by Mr Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan on 1st June 1999. Thus another great centre of religion and spirituality has been added to the historic city of Lahore.

To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a stamp of Rs. 7/- denomination on May 31,1999.

The stamp has been designed by Mr S. Ayyaz Ali of Auqaf Department. The design incorporates Data Darbar Mosque Shrine Complex in the miniature style in keeping with the centuries old tradition of Islamic painting. This is rendered by Mr Usman Saeed Akhtar.

Yaum-e-Takbeer. (1999-3)

May 28 is a Red Letter Day in the history of Pakistan, echoed in the minds of the people as a day of genuine achievement. It was on this day - May 28, 1998 that Pakistan responded to India’s nuclear test and joined the coveted club of 7 countries who have the nuclear capability.

Our technological achievements of May 28,1998 were the direct result of dynamic political and scientific leadership, goal-oriented cohesive technological enterprise, continuity of the programme with political consensus and the creativity and perseverance of our scientists and engineers.

Pakistani scientists and engineers had to cross yet another barrier-this time of physical and psychological endurance. Once the paraphernalia was transported to the site at Chaghi in Baluchistan, they got hammered by withering summer heat and extremely adverse working conditions.

The tensions kept on mounting further due to the knowledge that their moves were being watched in obsessive detail through a number of satellites. All these factors put them under tremendous pressure. The feat was, nonetheless accomplished exactly at 3:16 pm (Pakistan Standard Time) on May 28, 1998. Seismographs around the world recorded Pakistan’s successful nuclear tests and provided irrefutable confirmation of Pakistan’s status as the seventh nuclear weapon state of the world.

The nuclear tests of Pakistan have helped to invigorate the national physche and promote confidence, self-assurance and faith in the future. On a broader level, one year after the momentous event, the nuclear tests have been extremely beneficial from a number of standpoint.

First, Pakistan has convincingly proven wrong the prophets of doom and gloom who were keenly predicting a doomsday scenario. Pakistan has attained the status of a nuclear power- and yet surmounted the sanctions, even managed to retrieve money held up for a decade on account of payment for the F-i 6 planes.

Second, there is a new role and a new strategic significance for Pakistan’s position in the comity of nations, which has a voice on issues ranging from Kashmir to Kosovo. The hectic diplomacy of Pakistan in the last one-year is testimony to this new found position of respect and importance in the international community.

Third, Pakistan’s nuclear capability is a tribute to the principle of self-reliance, since Pakistan scientists and engineers achieved this indigenously acquired capability through persistence and faith in their capacity to deliver and lived up to the expectations of the people of Pakistan.

May 28, Pakistan’s finest hour, is also a tribute to the excellence attained in the field of since and technology by Pakistan in a short span of time and the country resolutely resisted pressures, threats and coercion from various quarters in the last 25 years to achieve this cherished goal of all Pakistanis.

Fourth, Pakistan has now achieved a position of parity and equality on the military and politically plane vis-a-vis India after the nuclear tests and this is reflected in the new balance that is a plus for peace, stability in South Asia.

Pakistan’s nuclear tests thwarted the threat to regional peace that existed when one neighbour was militarily and politically preponderant and there was an imbalance which could have been exploited by the stronger side to brow-beat and bully the smaller side. Subsequent events in South Asia have confirmed this fundamental reality. And the new balance of power between India and Pakistan is now not only a fact of life in South but also the basis of a new relationship between the two.

Finally, Pakistan’s nuclear tests have helped to internationalize the long standing dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, confirming that Kashmir is a nuclear flash-point and the Issue needs to be resolved peacefully in accordance with the United Nations resolutions seeking self-determination for the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The popular, spontaneous indigenous and widespread uprising of the Kashmir people has received tremendous morale booster from the Pakistani nuclear tests and the Kashmir issue has been provided with center stage status.

Among the most significant results of the nuclear tests by Pakistan, and herein lies the real significance of May 28,is that every Pakistani man, woman and child can now sleep more securely with unflinching conviction that our indigenous deterrence can deter all potential aggressors and the country’s national security, sovereignty and state sovereignty rests on a bed-rock of a strong defence capability.

The Pakistani peoples quest for a better tomorrow can now receive much needed encouragement and support since only through a strong defence and rapid deployment can Pakistan move forward into the comity of nations in the 21st century with dignity and honour.

Pakistan’s successful nuclear programme is a symbol of nation’s unity and strength. May 28 will always be celebrated as a day of national honour, dignity and self reliance.

To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a stamp of Rs 5 denomination on May, 28, 1999.

Scientists Of Pakistan Series Professor Dr Salimuzzaman Siddiqui. (1999-2)

Dr Salimuzzaman Siddiqui was born on October, 19,1897, and passed his B.A. examination from Aligarh MAO College in 1919. Later he obtained his Doctorate (D.ren.nat) degree from Frankfurt/M. University, Germany, in 1927.

On return to the then India he established the Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbi Research Institute at Dehli (1928) and joined it in 1929 and worked there with his usual zeal and commitment. During the troubled period of the 2nd world war, he was appointed in the Indian Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, where early in 1947, he was selected as the Director of the National Chemical Laboratories (of the Indian C.S.I.R.) In addition to other responsibilities and achievements in R&D, he developed the formulation of indelible ink that was used in the 1946 elections. Incidentally the same formulation is still being used in Pakistan.

Dr Siddiqui’s coming into Pakistan was agreed between the two Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan in 1948 and here he was appointed as the Director of the newly created Department of Scientific & Industrial Research in 1951. This department was later upgraded to PCSIR in 1953.

Dr Siddiqui had already started the laboratories of this premier national establishment in four barracks in the Naval Hospital Complex, Karachi. Also in 1953 he, alongwith eight others, founded the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and was thus one of the founding fathers of another prestigious S&T Organization in Pakistan.

The Government of Pakistan set up the Pakistan Science Commission and Dr S. Siddiqui, as one of its members, was the Chairman of its drafting committee: later the Government acting on the recommendations of the Commission established six research councils in the country.

In 1963 Dr Siddiqui was also made the Chairman of the Pakistan Council of Science and Technology, another organization created as a result of the Science Commission ‘s recommendations in 1961, and he was also elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of London the same year. He was the second Pakistani to receive this honour and ,till now, the only one while working in Pakistan. It was a rare occasion when the late Dr I. H. Usmani, in one of his addresses in the PCSIR Laboratories, remarked that “with Salim here and Salam there, the health of our science seems good”.

The concern and commitment which Dr Salimuzzaman Siddiqui had for the development of science in Pakistan can be gauged from the fact that he started the PCSIR with only 6 Ph.D.’ s and planned to train people abroad in advanced research Laboratories and thus raised the number to 112 Ph.D.’ s working in the PCSIR in 1966.

This 19 fold or over 8 percent per year increase in 13 years is a figure that the organization has never reached again. Dr Siddiqui retired from PCSIR in 1966 and was appointed as Professor of Chemistry and Director of Post-graduate Institute of Chemistry at the University of Karachi. Here he established in 1975 another prestigious centre of excellence, the Hussain Ebrahim Jamal Institute of Chemistry, for which there is no dearth of praise from Chemists working in the field of plant Products chemistry.

He retired from this Institute at the age of 93 and passed away on April 14th, 1994. Two of his three sons have followed in his footsteps in science & technology, one of the three retiring as Associate Professor in Theoretical Physics from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. This brief narration reveals that Dr Salimuzzaman Siddiqui established a number of R&D as well as S&T institutions and worked with dedication to see the fructification of his efforts.

The span of his research activities is spread over 65 years, during which he published over 400 research papers and developed about 50 formulations of pharmaceutical interest and guided a large number of Ph.D. students.

Before concluding I want to share the feelings of another illustrious Pakistani scientist, the late Chaudhry Mohammad Afzal, which he expressed on the occasion of the 90th birthday of Dr Salimuzzaman Siddiqui in 1987 (Proceedings of Pakistan Academy of Sciences).

“His research output is prodigious. He is known all over the world for his pioneering work on alkaloids of drug plants, for which he has been honoured by the Third World Academy of Science by giving him a special award. He has already been honoured by several Governments and Learned Societies.

He is the second Pakistani Fellow of the Royal Society, London. I am more concerned with a shy, retiring individual his greatest contribution of Pakistan’s Science is his “Do it-yourself” work ethic.

In the HEJ Institute, every member of the staff, including Dr Siddiqui did his or her own work using their own two hands. This work-ethic had its own spin off”.

At his 90th birthday his colleagues conferred on him the honorific title of “Baba-i-Science of Pakistan” a title which he so richly deserved.

Professor Dr Salimuzzaman Siddiqui died on April 14, 1994, May Allah bless his soul.

Contribution: Chairman Pakistan Council of Science and Technology.

To commemorate the 5th Death Anniversary of the eminent Scientist of Pakistan Professor Dr Salimuzzaman Siddiqui, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 5 denomination on April 14,1999.

International Conference On 100 Years Of The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia. (1999-1)

 

Pakistan is hosting a two-day International Conference in Islamabad on January 27-28, 1999, on 100 Years of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a mark of solidarity and goodwill for the brotherly nation. The theme of the Conference is “Saudi Arabia as a source of strength and stability in the Muslim world”.

The kingdom is currently celebrating 100 Years of Its consolidation and reconstruction. The year 1319 of Hijra Calendar marked the beginning of a new era for the Arabian Peninsula when the late Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud unified the different parts to establish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was a great event in contemporary history, as historic as the birth of Pakistan in 1947.

For Pakistan the event of the completion of 100 years of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also of great significance. Both the nations have much in common: their religion; their culture; their history as ideological states; and their quest for a better tomorrow in the 21st century as a modern welfare Islamic state.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained extremely cordial relations and strong ties of mutual trust, cooperation and brotherhood since times immemorial. Even before Pakistan’s independence, close fraternal ties had existed between the Muslim national of the sub-continent led by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Au Jinnah and the great Founder of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

King Abdul Aziz sent a donation of Pounds Sterling 10,000 for the relief of the Muslims of Bengal during the 1943-famine. This donation was sent not to the British Administration but to the Quaid-i-Azam as President of the Muslim League and was a manifestation of the highest regards king Abdul Aziz had not just for the Muslim nation of the sub-continent but also for the leadership of the Quaid-i-Azam.

On the establishment of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was one of those brotherly Muslim countries who accorded immediate recognition to the new Islamic State. Today, the two brotherly nations have come a long way in their close cooperation in different fields of common interest. The relationship between the two countries stands out today as a model of brotherhood, progress and stability in the region.

The two-day International Conference in Islamabad is not just an expression of solidarity with he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but also a tribute to the Saudi nation on their remarkable transformation from a desert nation into a prosperous modern state ready to enter the new millennium holding its head high.

To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a set of 2 commemorative Postage Stamps denomination of Rs 15 and Rs 2 and a Souvenir Sheet of Rs 20 on January 27, 1999. First Day of Issue covers and leaflet priced at Rs 3 and Rs 5 are also brought out.