CHILD ART COMPETITION STAMPS NATIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION 'PAKISTAN 2016' KARACHI. December 30, 2016 (2016-15)

The basic concept behind the 'Child art' is to bring out the creativity in the young and express their ideas to the world. To encourage and promote this art on spot painting/ drawing competition in 2 hours' time during Stamp Exhibition, and to achieve a milestone in the world of Philately, Pakistan Post is issuing a special souvenir sheet of postage stamp depicting "Art Work" by the children, designs of which are taken from the "Stamp Drawing competition" held by Stamp Society of Pakistan Joined by Pakistan Post as a live event during the annual National Stamp Exhibition.

The Stamp Society of Pakistan has organized various National Stamp Exhibition and Stamp Drawing Competition jointly sponsored by Dawn Media Group, Philatelic Federation of Pakistan and Pakistan Post Office based on FIAP rules at Expo Centre, Karachi. During the last nine years, this was held under the banner of "Life Style Exhibition" organized by Dawn Media Group.

The Stamp Society of Pakistan is among the pioneering Stamp Society with over 150 members and has been proactive in disseminating knowledge and awareness through regular exhibitions. In collaboration with the Dawn Lifestyle and the patronage of Philatelic Federation of Pakistan, the exhibitions have been popular. A number of new stamp collector got rejuvenated as collectors and some also participated in the Asian and International exhibitions after due accredition and judging at Expo Centre, Karachi over the last two decades.

The Pakistan Post, Dawn Media Group, Stamp Society of Pakistan and Philatelic Federation of Pakistan made it possible to print the country's first ever stamp design which was selected through the LIVE Stamp Drawing competition in 2010,2011 and 2012 in Sheet of Eight. These stamps depict drawings of previous year young winners and issued on the First Day of the Exhibition.

This Youth Painting Competition is divided in two age groups. Group "A" for children from 4 to 10 years old and group "B" from 11 to 17 years. The competition is announced in the news papers, and large number of children from all major schools of Karachi / Sindh participate in the competition along their teachers and parents. Participation and intrest of children has increased each year and we have now seen entries from all over Pakistan. The children have portrayed the given topics on their paintings in a very creative manner which are judged by Mr. Adil Salahuddin, (Sitara-e-Imtiaz), Senior Officials of Pakistan Post, every year and four awards are give in each age group

Children not only draw from life, but also portray what is happening arround them. They also become more aware of the current situations of the country, which they try to depict in their paintings. It's a real treat to see the excitement and intrest of the children and a strong desire to draw better than other participants in just two hours.

A set of eight stamps with two labels in the center are being issued from the selected paintings by the following young artists. These drawings have been taken from the past competitions (years).

This is the fourth time that the paintings selected from Live Stamp Drawing Competitions are depicted on stamps and fifth time for the Child Art. This effort by the organizers and Pakistan Post has encouraged the youth and opened the doorway to young artists in the country. One day they will also become serious Philatelists.

Please find below the names of the Winners of Child Art Competition

1.       Maryam Abdul Raheem                                Age: 8 Years       School: Bright Future School

2.       Aqsa Qadoos     Age: 7 years      Beacon House DHA Campus, Karachi

3.       Marius Bano      Age: 13 years     Mama Parsi Girls Secondary School Karachi.

4.       Mr. Anique Azam            Age: 13 Years     Institute for learning & Development

5.       Ali Muhammad Nizar Premji      Age: 9 Years       School: Foundation Public School

6.       Hajira Azim Age: 9 Years

This is a combined team work of Pakistan Post, Mr. Adil Salahuddin, the Organizers Mr. Iqbal Nanjee (Chairman of Organizing Committee & President), Engr. Afzal Nanjee, Mr. Usman Tahir of Stamp Society of Pakistan, and the Officials of Philatelic Federation who took keen interest in organizing the events for the Philatelic World.

On Child Art Competition, a Special Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- (Set of 8) denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 30, 2016.

DINSHAW BYRAMJI AVARI PHILANTHROPIST (1902-1988) December 18, 2016 (2016-14)

Born on 22nd August 1902, in a humble family, Mr. Dinshaw Byramji Avari studied in an orphanage as his mother had passed away and his father had to work during the day. He passed his Matriculation exam studing on the light of a candle and passed his B.Com studing on the light of a hurricane lantern and became the first person of his village to have become a B.com graduate. He paid for his college education by giving tutions. He then joined the Sunlife Insurance Company of Canada working as a clerk while at the same time working as an Insurance Agent.

His determination to succeed was exemplified by becoming the highest selling insurance agent of his territory, while simultaneously holding a day job with the same company. This showed his perseverance which resulted in his being appointed as Manager of Sunlife for Karachi and with record business having been achieved, he became General Manager for Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP Punjab and Afghanistan.

An additional accomplishment was his becoming the first Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) in Asia.

When he could no longer progress, being Asian, he switched careers to become a hotelier, investing his savings and borrowing the rest to purchase Bristol Hotel Karachi, on the condition that he and his wife Khorshed be trained in the business. This remarkable ability of changing course at age 42 to learn a new trade is a lesson in adapting to changing times and multifarious circumstances. Proving there is no substitute for hard work, he was at the Empress market in Karachi daily at 4:00am, virtually forcing the hotel venture successfull through sheer force of will, sweat and industry.

Within a few years, realizing the scope for first class hotels he built Beach Luxury Hotel Karachi, in barren, marshy grounds. The first Governor of Sindh Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah, told Khorshed that Dinshawji needed his head examined for building a hotel in such a locality. However the move was a huge success and from 35 rooms the hotel grew to 150 rooms, with banquet halls, swimming pool and other luxuries unknown in Pakistan. He proved wrong his friend the Governor and all who laughed at him for investing in this venture, while being responsible to turn around this marshy land into an elite locality known as New Queens Road (now M.T. Khan Road), which is today the prime area of Karachi.

The highly dynamic Dinshawji, brought many firsts to Pakistan. He introduced buffets which we take for granted today, but at the time was criticized for treating guest like dogs, making them stand and eat. He introduced Chinese food, Lebanese Shawarma, the subcontinent's first Japanese restaurant, and hotel swimming pools. This innovativeness manifested itself many times in business, social community work.

While still building a business Dinshawji was deeply involved with social causes, like the war effort, he was decorated by the British Government, a founding member of Rotary and trustee of many Parsi trusts including Karachi Parsi Anjuman. Apart from numerous other social activities, he was also:-

1. Trustee BVS Boys & Mama Parsi Girls schools, and BMH Parsi Hospital

2. Deaf & Dumb Center - founder and president

3. Pakistan Sea Scouts founder member

4. Member Society for prevantion of Cruetly to Animals

5. Hotels Association of Pakistan - founder president

6. Member Sind Red Cross / Red Crescent Society

Having gained experience of hotels, and even operated Pines Hotel Nathiagali for a few years, he purchased Nedous Hotel Lahore, renaming it Park Luxury. Subsequently, he built the 5 Star international standard hotel on this site and opened the Lahore Hilton in January 1978, dedicated to his late wife Khorshed, who passed away the previous year. It was renamed Avari Lahore in 1988.

Anecdotally, the president of Hilton reffered to Dinshawji as "not a very young man who is most dynamic and young in spirit, thoughts and ideas". This attribute to his dynamic, young thinking spirit spoke volumes for his attitude to life, ability to clinch new ideas, and openness to listen to all as he believed everyone has something to contribute.

Believing in the Zoroastrian motto "content with what I have but discontented with what I am", he planned the tallest, grandest Karachi hotel. During construction, problems of Rupee devaluation, cement & steel shortages contractual problems and floods were overcome with his determination and wisdom and Avari Towers opened in April 1985. As hotel accommodation was declining at this time, he wisely developed plazas at the hotels to provide quality office space, providing steady income.

Being a self made man he never forgot the down-trodden and poor. His doors were open to all 24 hours a day. His motto was to trust everyone at face value unless they proved him otherwise. With these principles his strength gave strength to others and his love and kindness have been felt by all and sundry.

He passed away on December 18, 1988. However his legacy continues to this day his principles and philosphy institutionalized forming the foundations of the Avari family and Group.

On Death Anniversary Dinshaw Byramji Avari (Philanthropist), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 18, 2016.

CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL VOTERS DAY ELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN. DECEMBER 07, 2016 (2016-13)

The ECP is constitutionally mandated to organize elections in Pakistan, hence its core focus is to serve the people by ensuring they are able to freely exercise this fundamental democratic right. We do this by engaging in on-going efforts to improve the effectiveness, transparency and integrity of the electoral process.

Elections, whether for the national and provincial assemblies, or for local government bodies, are an important tool for enhancing democracy.

Through Civic and Voter Education Plan, ECP aim to provide information and contribute towards educating citizens about their rights and obligations in regard to elections and democracy with the aim to make the electoral processes more credible and accountable through their participation. It is a way forward to achieve the major objectives of maximizing the voters turnout in elections, minimizing the male and female gap in voting process and encouraging women and other under privileged classes where they are prohibited to use their right of vote in a free, fair and fear free environment and to motivate urban well educated segment of population living in posh areas of large cities to actively participate in electoral process.

Various activities related to voter education program are identified to carry on under various major heads including celebrations of National Voters Day on 7th December.

National Voter's Day Programs

The 7th of December is approved as National Voters Day by the Election Commission. It's the date when voting took place in 300 constituencies of National Assembly on general enfranchisement basis which came up with the first Chamber of a Unicameral Parliament of Pakistan (7th December 1970).

Special programs will be organized on National Voters Day including a national seminar at Convention Center Islamabad, debates, social activities media programs and supplements and other conferences and seminars at regional level.

The year 2016 mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Election Commission of Pakistan. (23rd March, 1956).

On National Voters Day, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 07, 2016.

SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS LAHORE HIGH COURT. November 26, 2016 (2016-12)

The Lahore High Court is one of the oldest courts of judicature in South Asia with its principal seat at Lahore and jurisdiction extending all over the Punjab. The court is situated on The Mall with the State Bank of Pakistan on its eastern side, and the General Post Office on the western flank.

The Lahore High Court has been built in the Indo-Saracenic style harmonising the various historic monuments and landscape of Lahore. The architect of the building was Mr Brossington, while the work was executed under the direction of the Executive Engineer, Mr. J.E. Hilton. The building was completed at a total cost of Rs 3,21,837, and was operational from August, 1887.

The building of the High Court is in the form of a quadrangle and is built of bricks in lime mortar, with all projections and cornices made of specially designed bricks and arch fillings of terra cotta trellis work. The front arches of the judges' verandah, porch, and parts of the main towers are built of Nowshera marble with trellis work. The original roof of the Chief Justice's courtroom was built of double Allahabad tiling, while the roof timbers were made of fine deodar wood, and the doors of fine teak wood with cravings on the frame.

The twin towers which adorn the building are carried up square for half the height, above which they are fluted and have bold cones thrown out. This model follows the pattern the Qutab Minar in Delhi. The total height of the central towers is 95 feet, with a circular staircase leading towards them. Between the two tower is the emblem of the Lahore High Court which contains two sheaf's of wheat facing each other in a circular shape encompassing a crescent and a star resting on a scale, graced with a Quranic verse: 'To do Justice which is closer to Piety, giving a central focus to the work of the court. The front is adorned with the official flag of the High Court and the flag of Pakistan.

The whole High Court is linked with spacious verandah's which are covered with terra cotta, trellis or tracery. The verandah of the principal front is surrounded by an old style Arabic honey-comb pattern comice. A marble fountain ornaments the middle of the courtyard, and with its surroundings trees provides a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere for the adjudication of justice.

The Lahore High Court traces its origins to the establishment of the Saddar Adalat Court in the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh [1799-1839]. However, it was in the aftermath of the annexation of the Punjab in 1849 by the East India Company that a formal structure was established with the Board of Administration being established in 1849, which exercised the powers of the Saddar Adalat. The Cheif Commissioner replaced the Board in 1853, and Sir Robert Montgomery was appointed as the first Judicial Commissioner of the Punjab. The Judicial Commissioner was the Cheif Judge and his court was the final Court of Appeal. By the 1860's the work of the Judicial Commissioner had increased manifold and it was felt that a separate court was needed in the province. Hence, by the Cheif Court Act IV of 1866, the Chief Court of the Punjab was established with two judges, which was later expanded to include more judges in later years. The first Muslim judge of the Chief Court was Mr Justice Shah Din who was appointed to the bench in October 1908.

The Chief Court of the Punjab was elevated as the High Court of Judicature at Lahore on March 21, 1919 under Letters Patent of His Majesty the King-Emperor George V. Under the same Letters Patent the strength of the High Court was fixed at six judges with Sir Henry A. Rattigan, Kt., appointed as the first Chief Justice. In 1920, Sir Henry Rattigan was succeeded by The Rt. Hon. Sir Shadi Lal, Kt, PC, who became the first Indian to rise to the honour of a Chief Justice in India. The Lahore High Court had jurisdiction over the all of the Punjab and Delhi, and from 1920 to 1943 had extra-territorial jurisdiction over British Subjects in the Chinese province of Kashgar.

In August 1947, the jurisdiction of the Lahore High Court was curtailed by the High Court (Panjab) Order 1947, which created a separate court for East Punjab, Sir Abdul Rashid, Kt, the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court had the singular privilege and honour of administering the Oath of Office to His Excellency the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Governor General of Pakistan on August 15, 1947. In 1950, the same Sir Abdul Rashid became the first Chief Justice of Pakistan after the establishment of the Federal Court.

The Lahore High Court was merged with the Sind Chief Court and the Judicial Commissioner's Court in Peshawar under the High Court of West Pakistan (Establishment) Order XIX of 1955. The jurisdiction of the new West Pakistan High Court extended throughout West Pakistan with the principal seat remaining at Lahore. Both the 1956 and 1962 Constitutions of Pakistan reaffirmed the status of the High Court. The Lahore High Court regained its separate status again under the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan and its jurisdiction was restricted to the province of the Punjab. On January 1, 1981, three benches of the High Court were established at Multan, Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur, and now High Court judges could hold circuit courts throughout the province.

Since 1866 forty-four judges have graced the office of the Chief Justice with current incumbent, the forty-fifth, being the Honourable Mr Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, M.A. (Cantab.). The sanctioned strength of the High Court is sixty and it enjoys original and appellate jurisdiction under Article 175 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

At present the Lahore High Court is undergoing radical change to bring it up to date with current trends in jurisprudence and service. A modren system of case management has revolutionised the court and under the able guidance of the Honourable Chief Justice Mr Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah the Lahore High Court is ready to step into another era of ensuring justice for all.

On Celebration of 150 years of Lahore High Court, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/-denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 26, 2016.

100 YEARS CELEBRATION OF THE ROTARY FOUNDATION. November 20, 2016 (2016-11)

On the auspicious occasion of the Centennial Celebration of the Rotary Foundation, Rotary District Governor 2016-17 Mir Arif Ali called for a extra special recognition commemorating the occasion. The idea of a Postage stamp that would go down in history and remain one of the high points of The Rotary Foundation Centennial Celebration Year.

THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL AND THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

Rotary International is an international service organization whose stated human rights purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. It is a secular organization open to all people regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, or political preference. There are over 35,000 member clubs worldwide. 1.2 million individuals called Rotarians have joined these clubs in over 200 Countries and geographical regions.

OUR ONGOING COMMITMENT

Rotarians have not only been present for major events in history - we've been a part of them. From the beginning, three key traits have remained strong throughout Rotary:

We're truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today we're working together from around the globe both digitally and in-person to solve some of our world's most challenging problems.

What is ROTARACT ?

Rotaract is a club for adults ages 18-30 that meets twice a month to exchange ideas, plan activities and projects, and socialize. While Rotary clubs serve as sponsors, Rotaract clubs decide how to organize and run their club and what projects and activities to carry out.

What is INTERACT?

Interact is a club for young people ages 12-18 who want to join together to tackle the issues in their community that they care most about. Through Interact, you can:

Ø  Carry out hands-on service projects

Ø  Make international connections

Ø  Develop leadership skills

Ø  Have fun!

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION 100 YEARS OF DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD

At the 8th annual convention of the Rotary International held at Atlanta Georgia in June 1917, then President Arch C. Klumph proposed a Rotary endowment fund "for the purpose of doing good in the It is the Foundation that, in the words of Rotary International President John Germ. "turned Rotary from an organization of local clubs into an international force for good with the power to change the world". Thanks to Klumph's vision and staunch advocacy and the extraordinary generosity of Rotary members worldwide, the fund has become one of the world's leading humanitarian foundations, supportings the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding through international humanitarian and cultural exchange programs.

Programs:

Polio Eradication

The role that the Rotary Foundation has played in the eradication of Polio worldwide cannot be overstated. It is the leading success story in humanity's battle against a crippling and fatal disease. Since the Polio Plus program's inception in 1985, over 2 billion children received oral Polio vaccine and today only Pakistan and Afghanistan are to attain Polio-free status. Beside its mega success against the Polio menace, the foundation supports disaster recovery program, program to improve health, alleviate hunger, and promote human development.

The Rotary foundation runs the world's largest non-governmental international scholarships program, now funded by district and global grants offered directly through Rotary clubs. Through the Rotary Peace fellowships program, up to 100 fellows are selected annually in a globally competitive process to earn a master's level degree or a professional level certificate in peace and conflict studies at one of six Rotary Peace Centre at leading universities in Australia, Britain, Sweden, Japan, the U.S and Thailand.

AREAS OF FOCUS

We have identified specific causes to target to maximize our local and global impact. At the same time, we understand that each community has its own unique needs and concerns.

Through global grants and other resources, we help clubs focus their service efforts in the following areas.

PROMOTING PEACE

Today, 65 million people are displaced by armed conflict or persecution. Through our partnerships with several leading universities, Rotary Peace Fellows develop the skills to strengthen peace efforts, train local leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and support long-term peace building in areas affected by conflict. We provide up to 100 peace fellowships per year at Rotary Peace Centres.

FIGHTING DISEASE

More than 100 million people are pushed into poverty each year because of medical costs. We aim to improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in underdeveloped areas. Our members educate and mobilize communities to help prevent the spread of major diseases such as polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. Many of our projects ensure that medical training facilities are located where the workforce lives. world". This was the acorn from which grew the great oak of the Rotary Foundation whose century a grateful world celebrates in 2017.

PROVIDING CLEAN WATER

More than 2.5 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation facilities. At least 3,000 children die each day from diarrheal diseases caused by unsafe water. Our projects give communities the ability to develop and maintain sustainable water and sanitation systems and support studies related to water and sanitation.

SAVING MOTHERS AND CHILDREN

At least 7 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. To help reduce this rate, we provide immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improve access to essential medical services, and support trained health care providers for mothers and their children. Our projects ensure sustainability by empowering the local community to take ownership of health care training programs.

SUPPORTING EDUCATION

Sixty-seven million children worldwide have no access to education and more than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.

GROWING LOCAL ECONOMIES

Nearly. 1.4 billion employed people live on less than $1.25 a day. We carry out service project that enhance economic and community development and develop opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We also help strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.

The Rotary Foundation is grateful to the Prime Minister and the Pakistan Post, Government of Pakistan who in recognition of the good work Rotary has done in Pakistan and the World approved the idea of Publishing a commemorative stamp on the occasion of the completion of 100 Years of the Rotary Foundation.

On Celebration of 100 years of the Rotary Foundation, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 20, 2016.

50 YEARS OF ESTABLISHMENT DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS PAKISTAN & SINGAPORE JOINT ISSUE. October 18, 2016 (2016-10)

Pakistan and Singapore share a longstanding history of friendly and cordial relations. Bilaterial ties between the two countries have grown from strength to strength since the establishment of diplomatic relations in August, 1966. Both countries cooperate and work closely at the bilateral and multilateral levels in regional and international fora and understand the interests of each other. They share similar perceptions on most international and regional issues and also support each others' candidatures in international fora. Leaders and officials from both sides interact regularly to exchange views on issues of mutual interest. A number of high level visits from both sides have also been exchanged. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore, undertook memorable visits to Pakistan in 1988 and 1992. Former Singaporean Prime Minister Mr. Goh Chok Tong visited Pakistan in 2004. Leadership from Pakistan, including former President General Zia ul Haq, former Prime Ministers Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Mr. Shaukat Aziz also undertook visits to Singapore during their respective tenures. The prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Singapore during his earlier tenures in 1991, 1992, and 1999. All these visits have served to further strengthen the bilateral relations between two countries. On the economic front, a number of agreements, including Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, Investment Guarantee Agreement and Air Services Agreement have. been concluded for facilitation of trade and investment. Besides, a number of other Agreements/Memorandums of Understanding are also in place.

2. The flourishing commercial relations between Pakistan and Singapore are also manifested by growing bilateral trade and investment. During the past Singapore invested in a number of projects in Pakistan. Business from both sides continue to identify opportunities for mutual collaboration. People to people contacts are also growing. The Pakistani community living in Singapore has contributed significantly to the social and economic progress of the country. Singapore provides training to Pakistani public servants under Singapore Cooperation Programme. The visits by Pakistani officials to Singapore constitute valuable pillar of people to people interactions and promote better understanding of each other.

3. Pakistan and Singapore share a common desire to expand their bilateral cooperation and deepen their ties. The 50th anniversary celebrations are the practical demonstration of the resolve of the two sides to make positive strides in their relations.

To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Singapore, Pakistan High Commision in Singapore suggested that Pakistan Post may issue a commemorative stamp on the occasion.

Singapore Post proposed that theme of the stamp, to be issued on the completion of the 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Singapore, may be National Flowers of both the countries, meaning that Pakistan Post may prepare a stamp design showing Jasmine, the national flower of Pakistan and Singapore Post's stamp show its national flower Vanda Miss Joaquim.

JASMINE:- Jasminum officinale, known as the common jasmine or simply jasmine, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae, The genus name jasmine is derived from the Persian Yasmeen meaning "The Gift from God", also known as Chambelli in local language.

Jasmine symbolizes attachments, represents amiability, modesty and motherhood therefore Jasmine named the National Flower of Pakistan.

Jasmine is a very unique and beautifull flower which demonstrates the uniqueness of the nature. The Jasmine flower has gleaming and shinny leaves and has pleasent and graceful fragnance as well. The flower grows in clusters and shrubs and the most preferred season is in summers, and for growth and grooming the lower it needs plenty of water, fertilizers and bright sunshine.

Vanda Miss Joaquim:- Vanda Miss Joaquim 'Agnes' (The Butterfly Miss Joaquim 'Agnes') (The Butterfly Teres x Papilionanthe Hookeriana)

This hybrid is hardy and free flowering. Described by the first director of the Gardens Mr. HN Ridley in 1893, this was the first orchid hybrid to be described from Singapore. Ridley named the plant after Agnes Joaquim in whose garden the hybrid originated. It was selected to be the National Flower of Singapore in 1981.

It was awarded first class Certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society in London, and was selected as Singapore's National flower for its vibrant colours, hardiness and resilience-qualities that reflect the Singapore spirit. A few varieties of Vanda Miss Joaquim exist and these are the results of the crossing of the different varieties or forms of the species parent. The original one that was described by Ridely was given the varietal name 'Agnes' by Holttum.

On 50 Years of Establishment Diplomatic Relations Pakistan and Singapore Joint Issue, the commemorative postage stamps of Rs.8/- denomination each design (set of 2) is being issued by Pakistan Post on October 18, 2016.

PAKISTAN AND BELARUS JOINT ISSUE. October 5, 2016 (2016-09)

SAIFUL MULUK NATIONAL PARK-PAKISTAN:-

Pakistan is a unique country having wide range of ecosystems, habitat types and biological diversity due to its geographical and climatic conditions. There are snow covered peaks, permanent snowfields, lush green as well as barren mountains, thick forests, vast irrigated plains, sand dunes, deserts and long coastal lines in Pakistan. For the conservation of such natural assets, Government has declared some specific areas as the 'protected areas where the ecosystems, flora and fauna are protected and maintained under the natural conditions. Saiful Muluk National Park is one of the protected areas.

Saiful Muluk National Park is located in Kaghan-Naran Valley in Mansehra District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, in northern Pakistan. Kaghan Valley is nestled in the heart of mountainous Himalayas, of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Here you find unforgettable natural wonders like glaciers, waterfalls, and enchanting lakes including the Saiful Maluk Lake. Naran is a medium sized town in upper Kaghan Valley in Mansehra. District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is located 119 kilometers (74 mi) from Mansehra city at the altitude of 8,202 feet (2,500 m).

The Saiful Muluk National Park was created in 2003 with an area of 880 sq km (340 sq mi). The world wide renowned lake for its scenic beauty Saif ul Muluk Lake is located in the park. The lake Saiful Muluk is one of the highest lakes of Pakistan with an altitude of 3,224 m. or 10,578 ft. above the sea level. The lake is located near the tourist resorts in Naran town. The weather remains pleasant in the summer.

The lake with majestic and mesmerizing natural beauty, pleasant atmosphere and associated tale and history, attracts thousands of tourists each year from all around the country during the summer. The lake is also famous for being habitat of large size Brown Trout fish, which weigh up to 7 kilograms.

Flora and fauna:-

The flora of the Park includes the trees, shrubs, perennials, and herbs of the Himalayan subalpine conifer forests and higher elevation Western Himalayan alpine shrubs, meadows and ecoregions. Some of the Park's fauna includes the snow Leopard, Bear, Marmot, Weasel, Eurasian, Indian Leopard, Himalayan snow cork, and the snow partridge. The Park's lakes and wetland habitats are of significant ecological importance for resident fauna and migratory water fowl. The lake is rich in eco-divesity and holds multiple species of the fish. The famous fish of the lake is trout fish.

Region:-

Adjacent to Saiful Muluk National Park is located the Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park, with Lulusar Lake and Dudipatsar Lake. Together the parks have protected 88,000 hectares (220,000 acres) of the area.

NARACHANSKI NATIONAL PARK - BELARUS:-

An amazing forest and lake region Narachanski is located in the north-western part of the Republic of Belarus, in the territory of Belarusian Lakeland.

The National Park "Narachanski" is one of the five strictly protected natural territories of Belarus. Its area is over 87.000 hectares. It was founded on July 28, 1999 near the lake Narach, mainly in the territory of Myadel district, Minsk region. The National Park is an environmental protection agency, whose task is to take appropriate measures on conservation of landscapes and valuable natural complexes, on maintenance of biological diversity and genetic fund of flora and fauna.

Thanks to the variety of landforms, unique and rich botanical complexes appeared in the region. The flora of the region has various kinds of higher plants, mosses, lichens, algae and fungi, numbering more than 2500 species including rare and protected ones.

The fauna of the region is very rich. The network of water bodies in the National Park creates the conditions for the existence of a rich complex of aquatic animals; fish and coastal terrestrial vertebrates. It allows the concentration of a variety of water birds during the seasonal migrations.

The distinctive feature and uniqueness of the National Park is the biggest resort and wellness area in Belarus. It is the main health center of the country; every year more than 100 thousand people relax here, improve their health and get vivid impressions.

The stamp depicts the Blue Lakes a group of lakes in the territory ofMyadel district (Minsk region) and Postavy district (Vitebsk region) of Belarus. They belong to the pool of the river Stracha which is a tributary of the Vilija river.

On Pakistan and Belarus Joint Issue, the commemorative postage stamp of Rs.20/- denomination (each design) is being issued by Pakistan Post on October 5, 2016.

PLATINUM JUBILEE HABIB BANK LIMITED (1941-2016) September 23, 2016 (2016-08)

The history of HBL is tantamount to the history of the banking industry in Pakistan. HBL was the first commercial bank to be established for the Muslims of the Indo-Pak subcontinent in 1941 and today, it is the largest global bank in the country. HBL's inception has been inextricably linked with the story of Pakistan and consequently, it has always been an institution that has played a significant role in the nation's economic progress.

HBL has unceasingly pushed the limit and as a result, played an active role in shaping Pakistan's future. HBL is a part of the nation's fabric and a brief look at its past illustrates the significant contributions made by the Bank to the economy of Pakistan. Over the years, HBL has grown its branch network and become the largest private sector bank with over 1,700 branches and more than 1,900 ATMs while servicing a customer base that exceeds 8.5 million relationships. It currently operates in over 25 countries spanning across four continents.

HBL's key areas of operation encompass product offerings and services in Retail Banking, Investment Banking, Commercial and Corporate Banking; of which HBL has the largest portfolio in Pakistan. SME and Agriculture lending programmes and banking services are also offered across urban and rural centers. The large scale of HBL's operations is a testament to its reach in every part of the country and its aim to serve the nation.

From being a Bank that was instrumental in aiding the nation's independence in 1947 to being Pakistan's largest global bank in 2016, HBL has progressed leaps and bounds from where it started. Today, HBL in the first and the only bank in the country to cross the PKR 100 billion mark in revenues. The market leadership and the success that the Bank enjoys today is a result of the trust placed in HBL by its customers and the support extended by the Government of Pakistan. Needless to say, it is the hard work and perseverance of its employees that has alleviated HBL to this position. With over 15,000 employees, HBL is one of the country's largest institutions and prides itself for being an equal opportunity employer.

In 1947, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaquat Ali Khan expressed the importance of the role HBL would play in the industrial and commercial life of Pakistan. As a Bank that has always played an integral role in the economic advancement of the nation, HBL truly understands the role it can play in financial empowerment of the unbanked segments. With the launch of a women banking platform HBL Nisa in 2016, it has taken one step further in realizing its aim to bring banking to everyone, while staying true to its resolve to pursue financial inclusion with vigour.

HBL'sremarkable growth is reflected in the results it delivers year after year. With a profit before tax of PKR 60.3 billion in 2015, a 25% increase over the last year along with a PKR 2.2 trillion asset base and PKR 1.2 trillion deposit base, HBL is truly a force to be reckoned with. Alongside its phenomenal growth, the Bank continues to gain recognition for its excellence, both locally and internationally. Recently, HBL has been presented the esteemed 'Best Bank Award' by the Asian Banker. It also recevied the 'Best Investment Banking Award' by the Global Finance Awards for its outstanding financial services. The Bank was also declared the "Brand of the Year in Pakistan" in 2015 at the prestigious World Branding Awards upholding HBL's strength as one of the strongest brands in the country. For its achievements in providing technologically advanced financial solutions, HBL was awarded the "Model Bank, Cash Management & Trade Finance" accolade at the Celent Model Bank Awards, 2016.

With a rich legacy over 75years, HBL is now looking towards an even brighter future with boundless opportunities. It aims to continue to serve the nation and all of the markets where it operates with a focus on the needs of its customers and the resolve to inspire them to dream and do more.

This year, in order to celebrate HBL's 75th anniversary, the Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative stamp for this auspicious occasion. With this stamp, we continue the tradition of issuing commemorative stamps for every milestone anniversary for HBL after the Pakistan Post issued stamps for HBL's Silver and Golden Jubilees.

On 75th Anniversary of HBL, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on September 23, 2016.

ON CENTENARY OF THE D.G.T.R. HOUSE (OLD CUSTOM HOUSE) BUILDING KARACHI. September 6, 2016 (2016-07)

The Imperial Custom House building dates back to the British Raj and is a blend of British, Hindu and Gothic architectural style. It was designed by Mr. George Wittet, a Scottish consultant architect working for the Government of Bombay. Mr. Wittet was also the architect of the Prince of Wales Museum and the Gateway of India. On 17th February, 1902, the Bombay Presidency allocated land to the Customs and Port Authority opposite Qamar House, Eduljee Dinshaw Road. The construction work started soon thereafter, and a semi circular Victorian style structure comprising 1400 square meters was completed in 1915 under the supervision of the Engineering Department, KPT, and the cost incurred for its completion was approximately Rs.9,74,990/-.

The main construction material used was stone of sepia color. The other classic features of the building include its arched doors and windows made of teak wood. Exterior and interior of the building are simple with high roofs, giving a majestic look.

Lord Willingdone, the Governor of Bombay, inaugurated this Building on 5th of January, 1916. The first meeting of the Board of Trustees and Customs was held in the premises on 12th January, 1916. During the First World War, this building was converted into a 500 bed military hospital for British soldiers engaged in the First World War, and as a transit camp for three years, from 1916 to 1919. It was named No.1 Indian General Hospital. From architectural viewpoint, it foreshadows the blending of the local and exotic elements embolic with stone-based yellowish color and a central curve encompassing a large dome canvassed beautifully and placed on top of it, reflecting features of Roman Architecture. The other classic features of the building are its arched doors and windows. Rooms are spacious with high ceilings adding a rich value to its adornment.

This building again served as Imperial Custom House and later on as Custom House till Custom House was shifted to the newly constructed building beside it in 1986. Since then, this building has housed the Directorate General of Training and Research (Customs) DGTR, which has been relentlessly supporting FBR in its initiative of capacity building of its employees, working closely with other stakeholders, conducting seminars; workshops and designing training courses etc. The role of DGTR is to support the FBR's Field formations to become more efficient, focused and dynamic through extensive professional training and capacity-building of workforce through human resource development.

Recently, the building has been refurbished, while preserving its originality. Besides this, a new hostel building for the newly inducted probationary officers of Pakistan Customs Service has been built within the premises of this building. This new on- campus residential facility, "La Maison", is a three storey-facility with fifteen double bedrooms along with bathrooms. All rooms have individual PCs, Wi-Fi and other related facilities.

State of the art computer labs, Auditorium and International Seminar Halls have also been built so that this institute can to stay up-to-speed with other modern training institutions of the region. The Kamil Museum of Customs is another new addition to the Imperial Custom House. It is an embodiment of the evolution of Customs in Pakistan, and a testament to its vital role in the national economy. It brings together the history of Customs in the country from 1878 onwards, which witnessed the creation of the Collectorate of Customs at Karachi, down to the modern times. The Museum houses photographs, artifacts, original as well as recreated, to relive the history of Pakistan Customs in its social as well as administrative contexts.

The library in the Directorate General was established since the very beginning and has a substantial number of books encompassing a wide variety of subjects. The main emphasis is on the acquisition of professional books, relevant to Customs practices, international trade, economy and law. IT and internet facilities are also available in the library. The library has been named after Syed Ali Rizvi, who had a life-long association with the Directorate General, and whose passion and commitment were behind its evolution into the present, forward-looking institution.

As the academic activities reach their zenith in the footsteps of the sun, Cafe Douane provides the trainees a pleasant and enjoyable break, with afternoon lunch in its magnanimous airy hall, redesigned in the Victorian style, with its wooden ceiling providing a taste of history. The walls are adorned with posters and photographs, unveiling the history of the World Customs, and its evolutionary significance from antiquity to modern times. It instills a sense of great pride and ownership among the Customs fraternity.

This building was declared as "Protected Heritage" by the Sindh Government under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Prevention) Act, 1994, on September 7, 1995.

On Centenary of D.G.T.R. House (Old Custom House) building, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination each (Set of 03) is being issued by Pakistan Post on September 6, 2016.

ABDUL SATTAR EDHI PHILANTHROPIST (1928-2016) August 14, 2016 (2016-06)

Abdul Sattar Edhi was a prominent Pakistani philanthropist, social activist, ascetic, and humanitarian. He was the founder and head of the Edhi Foundation in Pakistan and ran the organization for the better part of more than six decades. He was known as Angel of Mercy and was considered Pakistan's "most respected" and legendary figure. In 2013, The Huffington Post said that he might be "the world's greatest living humanitarian". Edhi created a charitable empire out of nothing. He masterminded Pakistan's largest welfare organization almost single-handedly, entirely with private company and donations.

Edhi was born in 1928 (according to NIC) in Bantva in the Gujarat, British India after partition, his mother became paralyzed from a stroke and she died 1954. His personal experiences and care for his mother during her illness caused him to develop a system of services for old, mentally ill and challenged people. The partition of India led Edhi and his family to migrate to Pakistan in 1947. He then shifted to Karachi to work in a market at a wholesale shop. (His mother would give him 1 paisa for his meals and another to give to a beggar during Childhood). He initially started as a peddler, and later became a commission agent selling cloth in the wholesale market in Karachi. After a few years in 1951, he established a free dispensary with help from his community.

Edhi resolved to dedicate his life to aiding the poor, and over the next sixty years, he single handedly changed the face of welfare in Pakistan. Edhi founded the Edhi Foundation. Additionally, he established a welfare trust, named the Edhi Trust with an initial sum of five thousand rupees which was later renamed as Bilqis Edhi Trust. Regarded as a guardian for the poor, Edhi began receiving numerous donations, which allowed him to expand his services. Edhi Foundation is currently the largest welfare organization in Pakistan. Since its inception, the Edhi Foundation has rescued over 20,000 (Normal & Abnormal) abandoned infants, rehabilitated over 50,000 orphans and has trained over 1,000 midwives. It also runs more than 330 welfare centres in rural and urban Pakistan which operate as food kitchens, rehabilitation homes, shelters for abandoned women and children and clinics for the mentally handicapped.

The Edhi Foundation, founded by Edhi, runs the world's largest ambulance service (operating 1,500 of them) and offers 24-hour emergency services. It also operates free nursing homes, orphanages, clinics, women's shelters, and rehab centre's for drug addicts and mentally ill individuals. It has run relief operations in Africa, Middle East, the Caucasus region, eastern Europe and United States where it provided aid following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. On 1 January 2014, Edhi was voted the 2013 Person of the Year by the readers of The Express Tribune. He was recommended for a Nobel Peace prize by the Prime Minister of Pakistan with more than 30,000 signing a petition by Ziauddin Yousafzai, the father of Malala Yousafzai for his nomination.

Edhi was married in 1965 to Bilquis, a nurse who worked at the Edhi dispensary. Bilquis runs the free maternity home at the headquarters in Karachi and organizes the adoption of unwanted or abandoned babies. Edhi was known for his ascetic lifestyle, owning only two pairs of clothes, never taking a salary from his organisation and living in an Single room next to his organization's office.

On 25 June 2013, Edhi's kidneys failed; it was announced that he would be on dialysis for the rest of his life, kidney could not be replaced due to old age and other illness. Edhi died on 8 July 2016 at the age of 88 due to kidney failure after having been placed on a ventilator. His last wishes included the request that his organs were to be donated but due to his ill health, only his corneas were suitable. Reactions to his death came from several high-ranking Pakistani officials. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said "We have lost a great servant of humanity. He was the real manifestation of love for those who were socially vulnerable, impoverished, helpless and poor. The country's head of the Army, Raheel Sharif, called him a "true humanitarian".

Prime Minister Nawaz declared national mourning on the following day. According to ISPR state honour was given to Edhi by guard of honour and 19-gun-salute. He was only the third Pakistani to receive the historical gun carriage funeral (after Quaid e Azam and Zia ul Haq). President of Pakistan, Chairman Senate, Provincial Gover nors, Chief Ministers, Chief of Army along with Chief of Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force participated in funeral prayers of Edhi at National Stadum, Karachi.

He was laid to rest at the Edhi Village Karachi on 9-7-2016.

International Awards:

1. Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service (1986).

2. Lenin Peace Prize (1988) (For services in Armenian Earthquake).

3. Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International (1993).

4. Hamdan Award for volunteers in Humanitarian Medical Services (2000), UAE.

5. International Balzan Prize (2000) for Humanity, Peace and Brotherhood, Italy.

6. Peace and Harmony Award (2001), Delhi.

7. Peace Award (2004), Mumbai.

8. Peace Award (2005), Hyderabad Deccan.

9. Gandhi Peace Award (2007), Delhi.

10. Peace Award (2008), Seoul.

11. UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize (2009).

12. Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize (2010).

National Awards:

Silver Jubilee Shield by the College of Physicians and Surgeons (1962-1987). In September 2010, Edhi was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the

Ø  University of Bedfordshire. The Social Worker of Sub-Continent by Government of Sindh (1989).

Ø  Nishan-e-Imtiaz, civil decoration from the Government of Pakistan (1989).

Ø  Recognition of meritorious services to oppressed humanity during the 1980's by

Ø  Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Government of Pakistan (1989).

Ø  Shield of Honor by Pakistan Army (E & C).

Ø  Khidmat Award by the Pakistan Academy of Medical Sciences.

Ø  Bacha Khan Aman (Peace) Award in 1991.

Ø  In 2006, Institute of Business Administration Pakistan conferred an honoris causa degree of Doctor of Social Service Management for his services.

Ø  Pakistan Civic Award from the Pakistan Civic Society (1992).

Ø  Moiz ur Rehman Award (2015).

Ø  In 2004 Greenwich University, degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

On Abdul Sattar Edhi, Philanthropist (1928-2016) a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on August 14, 2016.

65th ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND CHINA. May 21, 2016 (2016-05)

Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China were established on May 21, 1951. Pakistan was among the first countries to end diplomatic relations with Taiwan and recognize People's Republic of China. Since then, both countries have placed considerable importance on the maintenance of a close and supportive relationship. The two countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits and entered into various agreements. The PRC has provided economic, military and technical assistance to Pakistan and is a strategic ally.

Bilateral relations which are mooted in the will of the people of both the countries have evolved from an initial Chinese policy of neutrality to a partnership with Pakistan. Pakistan has also served as China's main bridge with Muslim countries. It has also played an important role in bridging the communication gap between China and the West by facilitating the 1972 President Nixon's visit to China. A strategic alliance was established with China in 1972 and economic co-operation began in 1979. China is one of Pakistan's largest supplier of arms and trading partner. Recently, both nations have decided to cooperate in the civil nuclear program

Chinese cooperation with Pakistan is reflected in its commitment through substantial Chinese investment in Pakistan infrastructural expansion, including the Pakistani deep-water port at Gwadar. Both countries have an ongoing free trade agreement.

The relations between Pakistan and China have been described as higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, stronger than steel, dearer than eyesight, sweeter than honey and Iron brothers.

The relations between the two countries reached new heights when President Xi Jinping during his visit to Pakistan in April 2015, signed agreements of over $46 billion which reflects the abiding interest of People's Republic of China in the prosperity and progress of the people of Pakistan.

To Celebrate the Establishment of 65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and China, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on May 21, 2016.