Eid-ul-Fitr. (1999-23)

 

Eid-ul-Fitr is the most important festival in the Islamic calendar. This festival is the culminating point of the Holy month of Ramazan, during which Quran-ul-Hakeem and Laila-tul-Qadr (Night of Grandeur) were gifted to the Muslim Ummah.

While fasting teaches us self-discipline and provides us moral and spiritual blessings, Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting and brings the message of collective merry-making as well as sharing our good fortune with, the less fortunate in our fraternity.

The entire Muslim Ummah celebrates this most auspicious festival in every nook and corner of the world with great spiritual devotion, offering Eid prayers in Eidgahs, mosques or open spaces in towns and cities. The Eid-prayer is the china of this grand festival.

One can see during this special congregation endless sight of row upon row of the faithfuls spread across the open air Eidgahs, a supreme manifestation of the Muslim fraternity and equality of mankind.

After Eid prayers, the Muslims embrace and greet other fellow Muslims and pay visits to graveyards to pray for the departed souls. This sufficiently indicates that Islam is the religion of peace, friendship and aspires to promote universal brotherhood.

Special sweet dishes are prepared and served to friends, relatives and other visitors to ones house.

The young folk wear bright costumes and enjoy themselves with various types of entertainment on Eid day including a visit to special Eid Fairs and participating in different cultural activities. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to wear a new dress on this occasion. But it was always very simple which every member of the brother could afford.

No doubt, there were people who could not even afford such simple dresses. To make it possible for them to join the rejoicings of Eid, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) ordered the rich to pay them a prescribed amount (known as Fitrana) in advance, so that they may be able to get their new dresses prepared for the occasion. The institution of Fitrana re-inforces Islam’s emphasis on one’s obligations towards society.

Some of the prescribed practices or special spiritual etiquettes of “Eid-ul-Fitr” are given below.

1. It is compulsory for all the faithfuls to take a bath and wear new dress.

2. It is Sunnah to eat dates or some sweet dish before leaving for Eid prayers. The Holy Prophet always used to go for Eid congregation after eating some dates. (Reported by Anas bin Maalik and collected in Saheeh al-Bukhari (Eng. Trans. Vol 2 P-40 No 73) and Ahmad.

3. It is Sunnah to recite “Takbiraat” loudly while going to Eidgah for offering Eid prayers or coming back from there. It is reported that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself used to recite these “Takbiraat” with a loud voice on this day.

4. Pay Fitrana before Eid prayers to ensure that the less fortunate among us are also enabled to share the festivities. Fitrana is to be paid for every young or old. Its rates are fixed according to the prevailing rates of wheat and dates in various Muslim countries by Ulema.

5. It is preferable to offer the “Eid Prayer” in an open ground or Eidgah and not in the Masjid, if possible. (Bukhari and Muslim).

6. It is Sunnah to adopt different routes to and from the Eidgah, preferably going on foot. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself used to go the Eidgah on foot and declared that it was more rewarding to seek the Divine blessings. Jabir reported that the Prophet (PBUH) used to come back from the Eid prayer on a path other than the one used in going to it. (Bukhari).

Sending Eid-greetings to friends and relatives are customary on this occasion throughout the Muslim world.

Exchange of special Eid cards is to show affection for the near and dear ones. Pakistan post Office has been issuing beautiful designed Eid cards at different times. A special Eid Greeting envelope was also issued by Pakistan Post Office in the past.

Contributed by: A. I. Siddiqi (Philatelist) Faisalabad.

To celebrate the “Eid Day” following on 1st of Shawwal 1420 A.H, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a set of two special postage stamps of Rs 2 and Rs 15 denomination on December 24, 1999.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF PAKISTAN SPOGEL SEEDS/PLANTAIN (PLANTAGO ISPAGULA/P.) December 20, 1999. (1999-22)

 

Pakistan is endowed with the wealth of medicinal plants. These are the natural botanical source of medicines being manufactured by indigenous pharmaceutical houses in Pakistan. These are also the basic source of modern pharmaceutical market, although today it has become an entire medical world of synthetics, with elevated prices a common man cannot afford. It is therefore the most appropriate time to consider development and organization of our medicinal plants industry to become independent in the provision of common indigenous natural drugs that are being used to treat diseases in most of our rural areas. In our country there are grown wild or cultivated medicinal plants species which possess Great potentialities not in the light of their use from centuries in the Sub-continent in Greco-Arab (Unani or Eastern) system of medicine but also in the light of active principles or biodynamic compounds being isolated from them using ultra modern screening techniques available in our country.

SPANISH PLANT/P. OVATA FOR SK ISPAGHO/SPAGAL SEEDS

A nominee of family plantaginaceae, this famous herb of Persion locality is found in Hazara, Punjab and Sindh, also cultivated for its valuable seeds husk mainly used for its mucilegenous property as antidysenteric, cooling, demculcent, mild *astringent, emolient, laxative and diuretic actions. The husk is used as a common remedy for G.I tract complaints in the sub continent.

(Contributed by Director Research & Bait-al-Himat, Hamdard, Karachi)

To focus the attention of public on natural botanical source of medicines Pakistan Post Office is issuing a special postage stamp of Rs. 5/- denomination on December 20, 1999.

Men Of Letters Series Ghulam Bari Aleeg (1907-1949) (1999-21)

Ghulam Ban who won fame as Ban Aleeg was born at Klannore, District Gurdaspur in undivided India in 1907. Soon after his birth his parents, alongwith other family members, left Klannore and settled in Faisalabad (former Lyallpur).

Ghulam Ban received his school education at Faisalabad and then spent some years in Muslim University Aligarh, a great seat of learning of the Muslim nation of India, and came to be known as Ban Aleeg. He was a talented young man.

His stay at Muslim University Al igarh gave him the passion to do some thing for his country. He was a thinker and possessed originality and creativity. He was deeply disturbed by the plight of masses by the colonial masters and their stooges, the feudal lords of India.

Oppression, tyranny, poverty and exploitation were rampant in India. But the history books portrayed the colonial masters as liberators, harbingers of light and the benefactors of the people.

Ban Aleeg was a poor man. He had no means for realising his dreams. He could think and write but it was not easy to publish what he wrote. No body, dared to displease the rulers and their agents.

The parents urged Ban Aleeg to find a job but he revolted against the restrictions and conditions of service. For some time he taught in a school at Faisalabad but one day he slipped to Lahore and it was after a few months that his parents came to know that Ghulam Ban was working in a newspaper as “Ban Aleeg”.

According to the eastern tradition bondage of marriage was used to make Ban Aleeg stay at home and stick to a job. But this, too, did not work. He traveled from place to place to find a newspaper which could publish what the wrote. He worked in Lahore, Amritsar and Rangoon at different times and for different newspapers.

He was attracted towards communism because it opposed imperialism and stood for the soviets (the masses). He yearned for presenting the Indian history in its true perspective and he was greatly influenced by the Seerat of the holy prophet of Islam. The history, Islam and Communism were the main subjects on which he wrote and talked.

He was a versatile genius ie a veteran journalist, a prominent researcher and a man of letters. He wrote 13 books mainly on history, communism and Islam. Taarikh Kia Hai (What is history) Taarikh Ka Mutaalia (The study of history) Inqilaab-i-France (The French revolution) and company ki Hakoomat (Company’s rule) are his distinguished works on history. Company Ki Hakoomat (Company’s rule) came to be recognised as a book of extra-ordinary merit and it played the main role in bringing fame and troubles to him.

He became famous for presenting the history of the sub-continent in the true perspective. All the history books written during the rule of East India Company and afterwards presented the colonial masters as torch-bearer of civilization, peace and prosperity.

Ban Aleeg presented the facts, that contradicted many things in other history books. He highlighted the plight of the people, injustice done to many nobles in the sub-continent. Obviously this work displeased the colonial rulers. Ban Aleeg had to travel from place to place and to work in different newspapers for living.

As ardent enemy of imperialism and colonialism, Ban Aleeg became famous as a progressive writer. He wrote books on Karl Marx, Lenin and the philosophy of Communism. He remained associated as editor, editorial writer and columnist with some newspapers Musawant, Ihsan, Shahbaz, Milap, Partap, Sheri Rangoon & Adb-i-Lateef, were the main papers for which he worked.

His writings inspired the readers to struggle against imperialism, oppression and tyranny. His vision was the end of all types of exploitation and improvement in the life standards of the poor masses. Because of his thoughts and works Ban Aleeg led a life of extreme hardship. He lived from hand to mouth.

The persons of much less calibre were offered attractive positions by the Government or were facilitated by the pro-government rich people.

Bari Aleeg had a galaxy of writers around him, most prominent among them was Sa’adat Hasan Manto. In his words “Bari Aleeg was his guide, his teacher”. He exercised a great impact on his contemporaries. He introduced a new trend of analyzing the events in a rational and argumentative way.

His writings paved the way for “progressive Movement” in literature and journalism. He motivated so many writers, journalists and poets to crusade against oppression, tyranny social and economic injustices.

Ban Aleeg was fortunate to witness the emergence of Pakistan. He hoped that his vision would be realized and he would also witness a change in the life standards of poor masses. But on December 10,1949 he had a heart attack and he passed away.

He was buried at Faisalabad where all his relatives were dwelling. His life was short but it was like the life of a meteor.

To commemorate the 50th Death Anniversary of the great writer late Ghulam Ban Aleeg Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 5 denomination on December 10,1999.

Scientists Of Pakistan Series Professor Dr Muhammed Afzal Hussain Qadri 1912-1974. (1999-20)

Professor Dr Muhammad Afzal Hussain Qadri, a Founder Fellow of the Zoological Society of Pakistan, became its President in 1970 and held this position for two years.

Born on 7th February 1912 at Badayun (India), died after a brief illness in Karachi on December 6, 1974 at the age of 63 years, thereby bringing an end to a productive era as a professor, Researcher, Philosopher and Academician of 40 years standing.

Starting his brilliant academic career at the Aligarh Muslim University, Professor Qadri joined the Department of Zoology as a Lecturer in 1933, after passing his M.Sc., with First Class First.

He started research under the guidance of Professor M. Babar Mirza and took his Ph.D. in Entomology in 1936 which was the first doctorate in science awarded by the Aligarh Muslim University. Soon after Dr Qadri went to Cambridge University, from where he obtained his second Ph.D. in a record time of 18 months in the year 1938 under the guidance of Professor A.D. Imms.

He returned to his alma mater and immediately set up a School of Entomology. He was given a number of research projects by the Imperial Council of Agriculture Research and as a result of commendable work done by him, the School of Entomology was listed by the Government of India as the pioneer of its kind among the Indian universities.

Professor Qadri and his School of Entomology continued its activities at the Aligarh Muslim University with all the zeal till 1950 when he was called to Pakistan to plan and advise on the newly established University at Karachi.

Before leaving for Pakistan Professor Qadri was awarded D.Sc. degree on his published work in Entomology. This begin also the first D.Sc. degree that was awarded by the Aligarh Muslim University.

On his arrival in Pakistan Professor Qadri held the position of Forest Entomologist and then as Quarantine Entomologist before joining as Head, Department of Zoology in the University of Karachi in 1952.

Simultaneously, he was also made the first Dean of the Faculty of Science to which post he continued till 1973, except for a break of three years. He was appointed Professor of Zoology in 1954 and retired from this position in 1973.

After retirement Dr Qadri was made the first Professor Emeritus of the University of Karachi along with which he took over as principal Investigator and Director of a number of research projects in Entomology and Wild Life and this position he held till his death. Professor Qadri’s dedicated service spread well over 40 years.

He produced a large number of research papers and also introduced a number of new concepts in the Field of Insect morphology, particularly on the piercing and sucking mechanism of bugs and lice and the genitalia of Orthoptera.

His works are quoted in several standard textbooks of Entomology, published in UK, France, Germany and USA. His book on the birds of Pakistan is under print and well be the first publication of its kind in the country.

Dr Qadri was elected Fellow of several International and National Academic Bodies, including the Royal Entomological Society, London, Zoological Society, London; National Institute of Science, India; Pakistan Academy of Sciences; Pakistan Association for Advancement of Science; Scientific Society of Pakistan; Pakistan Association of Scientists and Scientific Professions, etc.

He was also associated with several bodies connected with education and research. He was the Secretary of All India Muslim Education Committee appointed by the Quaid-e-Azam in 1945. He was a member of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee, Agriculture Research Council of Pakistan, Wild Life National Committee, Medical Reforms Commission, Syndicate of the University of Karachi, Senat and Academic Council, University of Karachi.

Dr Qadri was also elected General President of Pakistan Association for Advancement of Sciences, Annual Conference, 1960; General President, Scientific Society of Pakistan in 1962 and Chairman, Environmental Council of Pakistan Academy of Sciences. He was awarded Pakistan Academy Science Gold Medal in recognition of his researches in Biological Sciences in 1968 and President’s Gold Medal for outstanding teacher in 1969.

The Entomological Society of Pakistan conferred upon him Honorary Fellowship in 1973. Professor Qadri traveled widely as a visiting Professor and Scientist and delivered lectures, and conducted seminars at the Universities, Research Institutes and museums of Turkey, UK, Germany and USA.

The Karachi University, Faculty of Science, under the dynamic leadership of Professor Qadri, in a short period of 20 years grew into one of the best Faculties in Pakistan, particularly in Biological Sciences, where in addition to Zoology and Botany, Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, Genetics and Institute of Marine Biology were established thereby making the complex a coveted seat of learning and research in the country.

Dr Qadri directed and produced about a dozen Ph.D. and D.Sc. in Entomology/Zoology and his students are holding high positions as Professors and Directors in Biological Sciences throughout the country and in Europe and USA.

With the demise of Professor Qadri a fruitful era of loving teacher and friend, a dedicated research worker and over and above a devout Muslim has come to an end. He leaves behind a widow, 4 daughters and 2 sons. His students, friends and fellow scientists all over will mourn for a long time this irreparable loss. May God bless his soul. Amin.

Courtesy: Department of Zoology, University of Karachi.

To recognise the Services rendered by the eminent Scientist Professor Dr Muhammad Afzal Hussain Qadri, Pakistan Post Office is issuing one commemorative postage stamp of Rs 3 denomination on December 6, 1999.

Poets Of Pakistan Series Birth Centenary Of Shabbir Hassan Khan Josh Malihabadi. (1999-19)

Shabbir Hassan Khan Josh Malihabadi was born on 05th December 1898 in Malihabad (a sub-division of Lucknow about 13 miles from it on the main Lucknow - Sandela Road). His great grand father Nawab Faqir Mohammad Khan Boya was from the Ali Khel sub-branch of Adam Khel clan of Afridi tribe.

On migration to Oudh he was appointed commander-in-chief of its forces and settled in Malihabad. Malihabad is a purely Pathan town about which a British Deputy Commissioner had said that ‘Malihabad is that part of Khyber Pass which has still not been amalgamated with India.’

After preliminary education at home, during which he was tutored in Arabic by Mirza Muhammad Hadi Ruswa, in Urdu and Farsi by Maulana Qudratulla Beg, Moulvi Niaz Ali and Maulana Tahir and English by Master Gommti Parshad, he took further education at Sitapur, then again at Lucknow in 1908.

Here, at the young age about ten years he commenced going to mushairaas. The first mushaira in which he recited his verses was hosted by Maulana Raza Farangi Mahli in 1910 or 1911 in which his following verse was greatly appreciated.

After Hussain abad High School Lucknow, he joined the school section of M.A.O. College Aligarh in 1912 but could not continue there for long. He then came back to Lucknow and joined, in succession, Jubilee Mission School, the Church Mission School and Red Christian Collegiate School.

He then joined St. Peters College at Agra in 1914 from where he passed Senior Cambridge. After that he went to ‘SHANTINUKAITUN’ near Calcutta and spent six months there.

He went to Hyderabad in 1924 where he rendered valuable services in ‘DARUL TARJUMA’ until the left Hyderabad in 1934. It was there that the developed friendship, amongst others, with Maulana Abul Ala Maudoodi. Could not stay long in Hyderabad because he wrote a very severally critical poem about the Nizam and did not apologize when suggested to do so by his well-wishers.

From Hyderabad he moved to Delhi and brought out a magazine and named it ‘KALEEM’ at the suggestion of Mr Z.A. Bukhari. This enterprise ended in 1939.

The next year he commenced editing ‘NAYA ABAD’ for about a year and in 1943 he joined the film world at the instance of Mr W.Z. Ahmad, the owner of SHALIMAR PICTURES and moved to Poona and engaged himself in writing songs for the films. Krishan Chandar, Sham Tevari and Bharat Bhoshan were his contemporaries and colleagues at Poona. ‘Mun Ki Jeet’ and ‘Ghulami’ were two of the most outstanding pictures of this era whose songs were written by Josh.

This experiment in life ended in 1948 when Mr Ahmad moved to Pakistan after partition. Josh then moved to Bombay but could not adjust himself there.

In 1948 he commenced editing at Delhi a government publication of the Ministry of Information, titled ‘AAJ KAL’ .He was acknowledged as a great poet quite early in life.

Besides, he was also a versatile prose writer. He was the greatest revolutionary poet of pre-independence period and as early as 1930 he had earned the title of ‘SHA-IR-E-INQIL.AB’, ‘SHAKIST-E-ZANDAAN KA KHAWAB’, ‘EAST INDIA KAI FARZANDON SAl KHITAAB’ and ‘TALAASHI’ were some of his most popular revolutionary poems. Some of these poems were even broadcast from German Radio during Second World War both in original as well as in German translation. He was also known as ‘SHA-IR-E-SHABAAB’ and ‘MUSAWWAR-E-SHABMB’.

He was greatly respected in public, Literary as well as in official circles after independence the Indian government, in recognition of his literary merit and his services towards the freedom struggle, conferred upon him the highly respected literary award of ‘PADMA BHOSHAH’.

Disgusted at the Sanskritisation of the simple language Josh migrated to Pakistan in January 1956 and initially made Karachi his home. He was welcomed by the literary circles and the government circles with open hands. ‘TARAQQIYE URDU BOARD’ had been recently constituted with headquarters at Karachi with the aim of promoting the Urdu language (the Board has since been re-designated as ‘URDU DICTIONARY BOARD’).

The main work of the Board was to compile an Urdu dictionary but it was also publishing a literary monthly magazine ‘URDU NAAMA’, Josh joined the Board as ‘literary adviser’ ‘editor’ of the dictionary and ‘editor-in-chief of the magazine.

His association with the Board continued until 1959. Josh did not associate with the ‘PAKISTAN WRITERS GUILD’ when it was formed in 1959, mainly because it was formed under official patronage and was not an independent body.

He moved to Islamabad in or about 1973 and stayed there until his death on 22nd February 1982. There he was associated with the Ministry of Information which was headed by Maulana Kausar Niazi who was himself a poet of high calibre and an admirer of Josh.

This association continued until the Martial Law of General Ziaul Haq in 1977. Since then he passed a retired, and rather a melancholy life until his death. During his period he often signed his name as ‘JOSH MARHOOM’ . The following is the list of his literary works.

BOOK DATE OF PUBLISHING

1-      Rooh-e-adab 1921

2-      Maqalaat-e-zareen(Prose) 1921

3-      Auraq-e-sahar (Prose) 1921

4-      Shaa-ir-ki-raatain 1933

5-      Naqsh-o-nigar (Prose) 1936

6-      Shola-o-shabnam 1936

7-      Fikr-o-nishaat 1937

8-      Junoon-o-hikmat 1937

9-      Harf-o-hikayat 1938

10-   Aayaat-o-naghmaat 1941

11-   lsharaat (Prose) 1942

12-   Arsh-o-farsh 1944

13-   Raamish-o-rung 1945

14-   Sumbul-o-salasul 1947

15-   Saif-o-suboo 1947

16-   Surood-o-kharosh 1953

17-   Sumoom-o-saba 1953

18-   Moojid-oo-fikr 1953

19-   Tuloo-e-fikr 1957

20-   Sabr kai moti 1965

21-   Illhaam-o-afkaar 1966

22-   Najoom-o-jawahar 1967

23-   Yadon ki baaraat(Prose: Authobiogrpahy) 1972

24-   Joah kaai marsee aei 1980

25-   Mehraab-o-mizraab 1993

NOTE: There is enough un-published material in poetry for yet another voluminous majmooa-e-kalaam and three un-published books in Process.

To commemorate the renowned poet Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 5 on December 5, 1999.

25 Years Of Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad. (1999-18)

ESTABLISHMENT

The University, with the name of Peoples Open University, was established in June 1974 under an Act of the Parliament assented to on 22nd May 1974. It was the first institution of distance education in this region.

The University was renamed as Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in 1977 on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the birth of the great philosopher and national poet Allama Muhammad lqbal. It was after the establishment of the Open University in Pakistan that similar universities were established in the South Asian region.

The University is celebrating its Silver Jubilee to mark a point in its life when it has passed through initial years and has entered its maturity.

It signifies the will and commitment of the nation to the idea of lifelong education and at the same time pay tribute to all those who worked earnestly to make this pioneer institution a success including millions students who were able to educate or train themselves while remaining at their homes or places of work and making it the largest university of the country.

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophical foundation of the Allama Iqbal Open University lies in its ‘OPENNESS’. This University, as a unique institution in the country, reaches the doorsteps of those who wish to broaden their horizons of knowledge or upgrade their occupational skills while in conventional and formal system the students go to the University for studies. Moreover this is the only university whose jurisdiction covers the whole of Pakistan.

The distinction of AIOU also lies in the fact that its course offerings spread from illiterates to the higher levels of academic achievement ie Ph.D.

Another special feature of the AIOU to reach its students in their own homes and places of work through the use of modern technology of communication for reinforcement of the self instructional correspondence materials.

The use of appropriate media mix and latest electronic communication techniques allows an expert to reach student scattered throughout the country and abroad and even allow immediate feedback to students through the interactive facility, where available.

OBJECTIVES

The University was established as a distance education institution with the purpose to:

Provide educational facilities to the people who cannot leave their homes and places of job;

Provide facilities to the masses for their educational uplift;

Provide facilities for the training of teachers; and

Provide education to all without any discrimination

REGIONAL OFFICES

The University has its 32 Regional Campuses and Centres throughout the country.

TEACHING SYSTEM

The AIOU, being an institution of distance education, uses multimedia approach in teaching. The main components of its teaching system are as follows:

1. Printed course-books: The learning package, includes the self-instructional course books;

2. Media programmes: Radio and television programmes specially prepared for various courses are broadcast. In some cases audio-cassettes form a part of the learning package, Non-broadcast materials are also used for certain courses.

3. Tutorials: Face to face tutorials are arranged at study centres and correspondence tuition where students are scattered thinly. Tutorials are compulsory where development of practical skills is involved. Workshops are also arranged, usually at the end of the semester, where necessary.

4. Assignments: Assignments are to be completed by the students for each course. They serve as a tool for teaching and continuous assessment. The assignments are evaluated by the tutor and necessary guidance in learning the relevant units is provided through remarks.

5. Final Examination: Final examination is held at the end of the semester as external examination at examination centres. The final examination usually carries 70 percent weight age.

SYSTEM OUTPUT

The University has produced hundreds of credit and non-credit courses for various levels of learners and are sent to the students. The provision of the specially compiled instructional materials at postgraduate level are recent additions. The learning packages are not only being used by AIOU students but also those of formal system.

The University has till recently, been concentrating on programmes upto degree levels it is now increasing it programmes in the field of science and technology and at postgraduate level. It is collaborating with organisations like PAEC for its programmes in sciences. Student enrolment and the number of courses have been increasing every year at an average rate of ten percent.

The university had course enrolment of 9,07,834 during 1998-99. Hundreds of Thousands students have obtained certificates, diplomas and degrees. The programmes being offered are literacy, SSC, HSSC (Arts, Science, Home Economics, Family and Community Health), B.A., B.Sc. (Primary Eye Care), BBA, BBA (Hon), BLIS, BA Mass Communications, M.A., M.Sc., M. Phil and Ph.D. The system has proved its worth, viability and cost effectiveness.

The University offers at least two scholarships for higher studies abroad in addition to financing higher studies within the country. It is carrying out its development activities (construction, computerisation etc) from its own resources.

To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamps of Rs 5, 3 and 2 denomination on November 20, 1999.

Convention On The Rights Of The Child Decade Celebration. 1999-17)

 

Every society hopes and expects that its children will grow up to be capable and responsible citizens who contribute to the well being of their communities. Yet, around the world children are denied the rights that would enable them to survive, develop fully and participate actively.

Children whose basic needs and fundamental rights are denied can not be expected to mature into caring, productive adults who will respect the rights of others. Violations of rights are not only the cause of personal suffering, they also sow the seeds for political and social unrest, even for violent conflicts.

For the sake of both individual and global development, children around the world need to understand the concept of rights.

WHAT IS THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

The convention on the rights of the child is a United Nations agreement that spells out the range of rights that children everywhere are entitled to. This convention is the first Universal legally binding code of Child Rights in history. It brings together in one treaty all the relevant Child Rights issues, rather than having them scattered in a number of international treaties. Countries that ratify the convention (thereby becoming “State Parties” to it) agree to be legally bound by its provisions.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child contains 54 articles, each of which details a different type of Right.

Four broad categories of the document are as follows.

1. Survival Rights

2. Development Rights

3. Protection Rights

4. Participation Rights

HOW DID THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD COME ABOUT?

In 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document includes Children’s Rights.

In 1959, a declaration of the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations. It consisted of 10 rights, and was not a legal binding on the countries that signed it. In 1978, a draft convention on Children’s Rights was submitted to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights by the Government of Poland.

During the International Year of the Child in1979, the Commission set up a working group to coordinate the range of ideas on the draft convention being submitted by governments around the world.

On 20 November 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child was completed and adopted by the General Assembly. The convention entered into force in 1990, after being ratified by 20 countries.

As of 1 December 1993,153 countries have demonstrated their commitment to the future of their children by ratifying the convention on the Rights of the Child.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND PARENTS

While the Convention on the Rights of the Child upholds a number of basic rights, it dose not in fringe on the rights of parents to decide what is best for their children. Instead it specifically states that government shall make every effort to keep families intact, and shall provide support and assistance to parents in fulfilling their primary responsibilities with regard to the upbringing and development of their children.

The promotion of Children’s Rights is not a matter of placing children in conflict with adult authorities in their lives, but of encouraging all citizens to work together for a safe, healthy and productive future for children.

To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 2 denomination on November 20, 1999.

100 Years Of Shell In Pakistan. 1999-16)

The energy sector is of vital significance to a developing country like Pakistan as both agriculture and industry are highly dependent on energy to fuel growth. Moreover, with a rapidly increasing population, greater urbanization and high rates of economic growth, energy demand seems set to rise by 6-8 percent a year.

As one of the largest investors in the energy sector Shell plays a vital role in the country’s economic uplift by enhancing the quality of products and services as well as improving the distribution infrastructure. Shell also plays a role in the exploration for oil and gas which helps reduce dependence on imports.

Shell has a strong brand name with a 100-year history in this region. In 1899, the Company began by importing kerosene from Azerbaijan probably as a fuel for lamps - in fact the Company is still in possession of a fuel storage tank from that period.

In 1928, from Asiatic Petroleum, the name of the Company changed to the Burmah Shell Oil Storage and Distribution Company of India when the marketing interests of the Royal Dutch Shell Group and the Burmah Oil Company in India merged.

After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the name was changed to the Burmah Shell Oil Distribution Company of Pakistan. In 1970 Burmah Shell divested 51 percent to the public and became a listed company renamed Pakistan Burmah Shell (PBS), with Burmah Oil and Shell retaining 24.5 percent stakes each.

Finally, in early 1993, Shell acquired Burmah Oil’s holdings along with an additional 2 percent purchased in the market to obtain majority share-holding of the company which was renamed Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) a partnership between Pakistani and foreign investors.

But the story does not end here. As an energy company committed to sustainable development, Shell has been active in both upstream (exploration) and downstream projects (refining, blending, distribution and marketing) to contribute to fulfilling Pakistan’s energy requirements.

To this end the Royal Dutch Shell Group has interests in three other companies in Pakistan; 100 percent share-holding of Shell Development and Offshore Pakistan B.V, 67 percent stake in Burshane (Pakistan) Limited and 30 percent stake in Pakistan Refinery Limited.

SHELL IN PAKISTAN TODAY

With annual sales approaching US $ 1 billion, Shell Pakistan is one of the leading private sector companies in Pakistan. The Company has achieved rapid growth in recent years through a vigorous capital investment programme and by ensuring international standards of service and product quality.

However investment is not limited to infrastructure alone - Shell Pakistan prides itself on its investment in people; not merely through job creation but also through training and the build up of experience and skills. This commitment covers the whole spectrum of our people, whether we are developing the business leaders of tomorrow or teaching our pump attendants basic literacy. Shell Pakistan provides employment directly or indirectly to over 12,000 persons in Pakistan.

SPL is one of the highest corporate tax payers having paid Rs. 1.5 billion to the exchequer and collected Rs 87 billion in government duties during 1993-1999 alone. Sales volumes and profitability continue to grow with the Company announcing a record divided of 125 percent for the year 1998/1999.

As a major oil marketer, Shell currently holds about 22 percent share of the hydro-carbon business in Pakistan. In addition to its products, the Company is supplying value added services in long term relationships to industries and businesses including cement, sugar, textiles, airlines, railways, ports, road transport, construction etc.

The retail network of over 1100 petrol pumps is the flag bearer of the business. Shell sells a range of products including Motor Gasoline, High Speed Diesel and lubricants from its Retail Sites built to the highest international standards. Shell has demonstrated market leadership by providing the best to its customers in terms of physical facilities and customer value propositions which others strive to emulate.

Shell takes pride in being a responsible corporate citizen having contributed over Rs. 30 million to the Pakistani community through its social investment programme during the past 6 years.

Through this programme Shelf has had and continues to maintain relationships with a number of non-governmental organisations working in the areas of community welfare, health, education, heritage and the environment.

After all Shelf sees its role as not just that of a commercial operator, but as part of the community and society of which it is an integral part. The aspirations of the people of Pakistan are Shell’s aspirations as well and it will continue helping those people build a better world.

Shell is working hard toward the economic development of the country by participating in and actively advocating Pakistan’s investment possibilities at home and overseas. In this regard it has invested heavily and consistently in the region for over a hundred. Shell has been active at all economic forums including the Overseas Chamber of Commerce and Industry of which it was the Chairman and has worked closely with the government in formulating and advising on policy.

It has received several awards for high performance including the Top Companies Award presented by The Karachi Stock Exchange in 1997, 1994 and 1993. Shell’s commitment to the country’s economic and social development remains unequivocal and it hopes to see a prosperous Pakistan moving ever faster on the road of development.

AFTER ALL ‘YOU CAN BE SURE OF SHELL’

To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 4 denomination on November 15,1999.

The National Bank Of Pakistan Golden Jubilee. (1999-15)

 

The National Bank of Pakistan was established under the National Bank of Pakistan Ordinance XIX of 1949.

Through its sizeable participation in the equity of the Bank, adequate representation on the Board of Directors, and responsibility for the appointment of the chief executive, the Government has always been closely associated with the formulation of policies and the direction of the affairs of the Bank.

Due to this close association, efforts have at all times been directed and resources mobilise to best serve the economic objective and social needs of the country. The Bank has over the years acquired specialised knowledge and experience of the working and financial requirement of both the public and private sectors.

National Bank of Pakistan plays a unique role in the financial sector of Pakistan. In terms of stature and public perception no other institution is comparable to it. This unique role confers on the institution a dual responsibility - to be a commercial bank in its own right; and at the same time, as a trustee of public finances, to act as a custodian of the public interest.

Through the years the Bank has moved forward with great vigour recording unparalleled progress and making an ever-increasing contribution to the economic development of the country.

The bank through a wide network of 1445 domestic and 23 overseas branches has been extending short, medium as well as long term credit facilities to private and public sectors of the economy, covering industrial commercial, agricultural activities besides financing imports and exports, implementing special credit schemes like small finance for agriculture, business, industries, Qarz-e-Hasana to students, housing finance, self employment scheme for unemployed persons, public transport scheme.

By rendering active help, it has assisted the government in its endeavours towards greater investment and flow of funds to priority sectors and provision of services whenever required, like Haj services, collection of utility bills, paying of pension to central and provincial government pensioners, as well as civilian military pensioners and retired army personnel.

The Bank also collects the railway earnings from railway stations and booking agencies all over Pakistan. It is also widely appreciated that National Bank of Pakistan has always tried to serve national aims.

It has made tremendous contribution to the development of small and medium sized entrepreneurs who could not get service from private banking. Many have flourished because NBP patronized them.

In the early 1960s, the Bank introduced Peoples Credit Scheme, under which it encouraged small borrowers to avail loans upto a maximum of 50,000 on easy terms to enable them to set up and operate small industries and commercial establishments.

During this period the Bank was regularly extending School and Factory Banking schemes in the very premises of schools and factories in order to inculcate savings habit among a larger segment. The Bank also had in the 1 960s Rural Mobile Banking Scheme, so that people living in rural areas could open their accounts with these mobile units.

It was in 1972 that National Bank of Pakistan evolved Supervised Agricultural credit Programme, which brought practical and comprehensive banking service to the doorstep of the Pakistani farmer. Later the other Pakistani commercial banks also adopted the scheme. In the late 1970s after the successful implementation of the supervised rural Credit. Programme, the Bank launched a similar scheme to provide assistance. to self-employed engineers, technicians and mistries.

The scheme was called Supervised Credit for Technology. Under this scheme, credit, in the form of medium term development loan as well as a regular revolving overdraft facility was available to individuals/institutions engaged in advancement adoption of technology in various sectors of the country\'s economy.

From 1985, the Bank has been disbursing Qarz-e-Hasana Loans on compassionate grounds, free of interest or service charge, in line with the non-interest modes of financing approved by the State Bank to deserving students who wish to pursue their studies, but lack the resources.

NBP has always in corporate the economic reforms introduced by the Government from time to time . It is playing a major role in the Self Employment Scheme, aimed at providing self employment through income generating business activities. As part of the Computer Literacy Programme, NBP has set up Computer Centers at selected cities, which are catering to the demand for high still education in areas where it is traditionally not available.

It has also contributed large resources to different hospitals, to play its due part in the development of the health sector. In the area of sports also, NBP has over the year sponsored sporting events, will be undertaking construction of a sports complex at Karachi, among its other activities.

In short, National Bank of Pakistan has since its inception played a pronounced role in the socio- economic development of the country.

To commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of National Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Post Office is issuing one commemorative postage stamp of Rs 5 denomination on November 8,1999.

First Anniversary Of Martyrdom Of Hakim Mohammed Said. (1999-14)

 

Hakim Mohammed Said a many faceted personality, Physician, Visionary, author, bibliophile, idealist, innovator, organizer, philanthropist and educationist -- embraced martyrdom on Saturday the 17th October 1998 at 6.02 am as he was about to enter his clinic.

By and large it was through Hakim Mohammed Said’s untiring efforts that the WHO accepted Tibb as an Alternate Medicine. It was his main aim that the Hakim, the Doctor and the Scientist should work jointly as a triumvirate, for “Health for all by the year 2000”. As a physician, he treated 3 million patients.

Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said was held in high esteem by anyone who came in touch with him so long as he lived. His magnanimous qualities of head and heart were so endearing. He was a herbalist, a physician a scholar and researcher, an able administrator, an astute planner, a visionary and an educationist all at once. He loved children and children loved him. Like a statesman, his eyes were fixed on the next generation.

He was sought by the sick and he made himself freely available to them without ever charging a fee. He was a philanthropist and a lover of knowledge. He was a true Muslim and died in a state of fasting which was his wont. He was a pious and abstemious man whose heart bled for humanity.

Each of these peerless qualities in the modern world he demonstrated with deeds which are now a part of history and which exhort us to cherish his memory.

Shaheed Hakim Mohammad Said never shirked humanitarian and national duties whenever he was called upon to play his part-as a Federal Minister of Tibb, as a Governor of the Province of Sindh, as a consultant and as an advisor.

He represented Pakistan ably in more than one hundred fifty national and international conferences and congresses in which he presented scholarly papers. These words are shy of a fuller narrative of his achievements and contributions, but his Madinat al-Hikmah the city of education, science and culture is a living symbol of all he stood for. It is a solid witness to his single-minded determination to usher in, single-handedly, a renaissance of the Glory of Islamic learning.

At Madinat al-Hikmah he now lies in peace which was his dearest dream--the benison of peace through love and dignity of mankind, peace through mutual understanding. May his soul rest in Peace, Amen.

Born on 9th January, 1920, Hakim Mohammad Said migrated to Pakistan on 9th January, 1948 and founded his Hamdard Dawakhana at Karachi. Sole proprietorship of Hamdard Dawakhana (Waqf) was converted into Islamic Waqf on 1st April 1953. Business activities and welfare activities were. carried out by Hamdard (Waqf) itself.

Later, it was considered appropriate to administer and control the charitable unit separately and independently from the business unit hence HAMDARD FOUNDATION PAKISTAN was established.

Where as HAMDARD EDUCATION SOCIETY of Pakistan was established to perform educational activities of Hamdard (Waqf).

MADINAT AL-HIKMAH Inspired by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Hakim Mohammed Said established Madinat al-Hikmah the City of Education, Science and Culture in the vicinity of Karachi in 1983, where the following educational institutions have since been established and are functioning.

1. HAMDARD PUBLIC SCHOOL

2. HAMDARD COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

3. HAMDARD COLLEGE OF COMMERCE

4. HAMDARD VILLAGE SCHOOL

5. HAMDARD UNIVERSITY: Hamdard College of Medicine and Dentistry

Hamdard College of Eastern Medicine

Hamdard Institute of Management Sciences

Hamdard Institute of Education and Social Sciences

Hamdard Institute of Information Technology

Dr Hafiz Mohammad Ilyas Institute of Pharmacology and Herbal Sciences Centre for Horticulture and Hydrochemistry Lab.

BAIT AL-HIKMAH It is fully equipped with latest facilities and is one of the largest libraries in South Asia.

COMMITMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN

Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said was deeply interested in the development of children of Pakistan. Throughout his life he worked for their health, education and development by establishing the following.

BAZM-E-HAMDARD NAUNEHAL now NAUNEHAL ASSEMBLY

NAUNEHAL SHAHR (CHILDREN’S CITY) where children will receive education through recreation. A full-fledged children’s literature division, NAUNEHAL ADAB was established to produce good quality books.

NAUNEHAL BOOK CLUB which has a membership of over five thousand. The Club has played an important role in promoting book reading among children.

INTELLECTUAL FORUMS

SHAM-I-HAMDARD now MAJLIS-E-SHOORA --- HAMDARD THINKERS FORUM: Dialogue with a galaxy of prominent scientists, historians. culturists, educationists, writers, poets, physicians, intellectuals, scholars, lawyers, economists, jurists, journalists etc.

PUBLICATIONS

Wrote and edited over 200 books both in Urdu and English languages. Published more than 500 articles on Islam, medicine, history and philosophy of science etc. Regular publications included.

1. Monthly Unesco Payami (Urdu version of UNESCO Courier), 1977-90

2. Quarterly Hamdard lslamicus-1978 continued

3. Quarterly Hamdard Medicine-i 957 continued

4. SPEM, Bulletin of the Society for the Promotion of Eastern Medicine-1958-1967

5. Medical Times (Fortnightly) -1963-1987

POSITIONS HELD

Advisor/Federal Minister to the President of Pakistan on Tibb, 1979-82. Governor of Sindh 19th July 1993 to 21st January 1994.

HONOURS PRIZES AND AWARDS

1. D.Sc. “Medicina Alternative” The International Multidisciplinary Scientific Society on Alternative Medicine-i 984.

2. Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan 1966

3. Sadiq Dost Award, from the people of Bahawalpur through Commissioner of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

4. Certificate of merit from the Institute of History of Science and Technology, Istanbul Technical University, Turkey 1981

5. Islamic Medicine Prize, Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, Kuwait 1982

6. Winner of the Novosti Press Agency’s (USSR) Abu Ali lbn Sina (Avecenna) International Prize for 1989

7. World No-Tobacco Day Medal Award-1995 from World Health Organization

8. Award conferred by the Pakistan League of the United States of America, New York, 1996 for services in the field of health, education and social work

9 Outstanding Pakistani Award by the Rotary Club Islamabad Cosmopolitan--i 996

ASSOCIATION WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEARNED SOCIETIES

NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

1. President, Institute of Health and Tibbi (Medical) Research

2. Secretary General, Society for the Promotion of Eastern Medicine (SPEM)

3. Founder, Awaz-e-Akhlaq Movement

4. President, Society for the Promotion and Improvement of Libraries (SPIL) Pakistan

5. President, Pakistan Historical Society

6. President, Ibn-e-Khaldun Education Society

7. President, Institute of Central and West Asian Studies

8. Member, Board of Governors, Sindh Madressah-Tul-Islam

9. President, Cancer Association of Pakistan

10. President, Pakistan Tibbi Association

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

1. Member, Administrative Council of the International Fund for the Promotion of Culture, UNESCO, Paris, France

2. Member, Executive Committee, International Union for Health Promotion and Education, Paris, France

3. Member, New York Academy of Sciences, New York, USA

4. Associate Member, Royal Society of Health, London, England

5. Member, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France

6. Member, International Council for Health, Physical Educational, Recreation, Sport and Dance, USA

7. Member, The Institute for Advanced Research in Asian, Science and Medicine, USA

8. Member, American Institute of the History of Pharmacy, USA

9. British Society for History of Science, England

10. Vice President, Board of Trustees of the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences Kuwait

11. Member, History of Science Society USA

12. Member of the Planetary Society USA

13. Chairman, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Pakistan Chapter

14. International Trustee Duke of Edinburgh’s Award London

Courtesy: HAMDARD FOUNDATION PAKISTAN, KARACHI.

To commemorate the occasion Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 51 denomination on October 17, 1999.