HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN 1957 DIAMOND JUBILEE.2017. December 08, 2017 (2017-12)

The year-long celebration commencing from 11th July, 2017 to 11 July, 2018, marks the Diamond Jubilee of the imamat of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Muslim Community. The commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee is in keeping with the Community's longstanding tradition of marking historic milestones.

Driven by the ethics of faith and the imam's hereditary responsibility to improve quality of life, His Highness has been at the forefront of innovation and development during the 60 years of his imamat. He is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the most comprehensive development network today, with over 10.000 employees. The AKDN operates in over 30 countries, principally in Central and South Asia, Eastern and Western Africa and the Middle East.

Inspired by the islamic ethic of compassion and responsibility of care for the needy, the AKDN works for the Muslim Ummah and the societies within which they live, addressing key challenges related to human development regardless of gender, origin, or religion. The AKON institutions have mandates ranging from health and educalion to architecture, microfinance, disaster reduction, rural development, promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities all of which are catalysts for socio-economic development. Together, they contribute towards building a vibrant civil society that caters to the needs of vulnerable segments. The AKDN works in close partnership with public and private institutions, including governments, international organisations, NGOs, and universities

The AKON operates more than 200 health care institution, 2 universities and 200 schools in some of the most remote and disadvantaged parts of the developing world. Each year, among numerous interventions, the AKDN provides quality health care to 5,000,000 people, introduces school improvement programmes for 2.000.000 studerits from preschool to university level, generates electricity for 10,000,000 people, and helps 8,000,000 achieve greater food security and raise household incomes

During the 60 years of imamat, the AKDN institutions in Pakistan have made significant contributions in the social, economic and cultural development of the country.

The AKDN provides vital medical and educational facilities to a large segment of the country's vulnerable popolation. The Aga Khan University Hospital and related medical facilities have proven to be a game changer in raising the quality of health care in Pakistan. It continues to be the beacon for medical breakthrough with renowned medical facilities and a highly reputed medical school.

The Aga Khan also established the first Aga Khan School in Gwader in 1905. Since then, education facilities under the AKDN have expanded to more than 160 schools operating in some of the most remote areas of Pakistan, The AKON in Pakistan is artiongat the first to recognise the critical, long term impact of Early Childhood Development, and has thus implemented innovative and interactive programmes in its schools.

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, established in 1982 by the Aga Khan Foundation, has greatly improved the socio-economic conditions in the rural areas of Pakistan, through rural development projects such as training to improve skills and creating access to finance, and the provision of facilities resulting in access to clean water and electricity.

AKDN projects to restore historical forts and monuments such as the Walled City of Lahore have not only helped preserve culture but also encouraged tourism and economic development in rural and urban areas of Pakistan.

In 2006. His Highness and the Canadian govemment established the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa with the goal to advance respect for diversity worldwide, with a belief that openness towards, and understanding of cultures, social structures, values and faiths of other peoples is essential to the survival of an interdependent world. His Highness believes diversity should inspire, not divide, and that enhancing pluralism is a crucial building block for constructing peaceful and successful civil societies

Decorations, Awards and Degress

In recognition of his exceptional efforts and contributions to human development and improving the social condition of societies-globalfy, His Highness has, over the last six decades, received numerous decorations, honorary degrees and awards from institutions and governments around the world. In Pakistan, His Highness has been awarded the following honours:

Ø  Nishan-e-Imtiaz (1970)

Ø  Nishan-e-Pakistan -Pakistan (1983)

Ø  LLD (honoris causa) University of Peshawar (1967)

Ø  LLD (honoris causa) University of Sindh (1970)

Ø  Honorary Membership, Pakistan Medical dical Associaton (1981)

Ø  Honorary Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) (1985)

On Diamond Jubilee of His Highness The Aga Khan (1967-2017), the Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs. 10/- denomination is (Slat of 6) are being issued by Pakistan Post on December 08, 2017

DR. RUTH KATHARINA MARTHA PFAU (1929-2017) December 03, 2017. (2017-11)

Ruth Pafu was a German doctor who devoted 57 years of her life fighting against Leprosy in Pakistan. She was known for her humanitarian services to people of Pakistan to root out Leprosy from the country. Born on 9th September, 1929 in Leipzig Germany, she grew up seeing the horrors of the Second World War (1939-1945) during which her city was bombed and destroyed. When the war ended, her country was divided into East and West Germany. In 1948, when she was just 17 years old she headed for the border to cross from East (then under Russian occupation) into West to pursue her medical education which she completed in 1950. Feeling unsatisfied with her life and with a desire to do something more purposeful in her life she decided to dedicate the rest of her life to the poor people of the world. Her devotion to God was so strong and unshakable that she eventually became a Nun and joined the Catholic Order of the 'Daughters of the Heart of Mary'. Her skills as a doctor made an asset to the Order's various charity missions. In 1960, she was given an assignment to assist Mother Teresa in India to help with the healthcare of the poor. However, due to visa problem she stopped over in Karachi. While staying in Karachi she along with other Nuns of her Order visited a Lepers colony situated at McLeod Road. There a small dispensary made of wooden crates was already established by her group members. It was an experience that she never forgot "I felt saddened when I saw people living in caves, crawling like animals. They had compromised with their faith but it was not their fate, they deserved a much better and happier life".

There were no proper drugs to treat Leprosy, no facilities, no electricity, no water. Sewage water mixed with all the garbage and stench overflowing from the open drains and the long lines of people who had lost their dignity because of being affected by Leprosy, and to add to the sorrow were some patients whose hands and feet became nutritional supplements for rats. Seeing the sub-human condition of the Lepers colony and people affected by Leprosy, Dr. Pfau realized that God had stopped her over in Karachi for a reason and that her real mission was to help the unfortunate and vulnerable. She decided that the care of patients would be her life's calling.

Dr. Pfau quickly reorganized the rough-hewn dispensary into a proper hospital - a full service Leprosy treatment and rehabilitation Center, free of charge to patients. She travelled to various parts of Pakistan to identify and treat patients affected by Leprosy. Soon, the makeshift clinic became a two-storey hospital, known as the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre with 157 branches across Pakistan. She trained doctors and paramedical workers and treated thousands of patients affected by Leprosy. Her dedication inspired the government to establish a national program to bring Leprosy under control.

With her efforts, in 1996 the World Health Organization declared Pakistan the first country in EMRO region to have controlled Leprosy.

Dr. Ruth Pfau was one of those great people in the history of mankind who selflessly devoted their lives to serving humanity without any interest for fame or personal benefits and without any discrimination of race, religion and geographical boundaries. She proved to be an angel in blessing for such poor people suffering from Leprosy.

Dr. Pfau was the moving spirit of the Leprosy Control Program. She spent over half a century in Pakistan. In search of the index cases, she travelled to every nook and corner of Pakistan. After controlling Leprosy, she launched an elimination campaign throughout Pakistan. She also included other health disciplines like Tuberculosis, Blindness control, Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) of Persons with Disabilities and Maternal Child Health Care (MCHC) so that Leprosy activities are sustained till its eradication.

Dr. Ruth Pfau was recognized in Pakistan and abroad as a distinguished human being and was awarded many prizes and medals most prominently. The Order of the Cross with Star from her native country Germany, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Hilal-e-Pakistan and Nishan-e-Quaid-e-Azam from the Government of Pakistan, Magsaysay award from the Government of Philippines and the BAMBI award in Germany (the most popular media award of Europe).

She was someone who never sought out the spotlight for herself but spent every waking hour defending those who are ignored and forgotten.

She was someone who mourned for others when they were in need. She felt the pain of people when they were treated like second-class citizens because of Leprosy.

She treated her patients with gentleness and compassion and worked hard to support the lives of others by offering medical care, food and funds.

She always thought every person is unique and deserves respect because they are created by God and that just because you are a Leper or a poor farmer does not mean that you are below everyone.

Through her hard work, Dr. Pfau made Pakistan- a nation considered sub-standard when compared to other great nations in Asia- the first country in the continent to have Leprosy controlled.

Whether it is flood or an earthquake, natural or man-made disaster, she was there to help poor people. She actively participated in 2005 earthquake in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and floods in 2010 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh and facilitated deserving communities through relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation activities. She also established community based inclusion program for persons with disabilities and Maternal Child Health Care program to serve the poor communities.

"The person is the centre of our concern. His dignity is our sacred trust."

On Dr. Ruth Katharina Martha Pfau (1929-2017), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 03, 2017.

70th ANNIVERSARY OF ESTABLISMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND TURKEY. November 09, 2017 (2017-09)

Historical Background:

Pakistan and Turkey enjoy exemplary ties based on commonalities of faith. culture, history and traditions. The relationship between both the countries is characterized by exceptional warmth, cordiality, mutual trust and understanding.

Today these bonds have transformed into a mutually beneficial strategic partnership.

Pakistan-Turkey relations date back to the Khilafat movement, which was launched by the Muslims of the sub-continent even before our independence in 1947. This Movement aimed at preventing division of the Ottoman Empire is still cherished as the epitome of the historical nature of the relationship between the two sides where Muslim volunteers from Subcontinent joined hands in support of the Turkish troops. The anecdotes of Muslim women from sub-continent selling their possessions and gold and silver items to support the Khilafat Movement is still remembered with warmth in the Turkish academia and general public discourse.

Both the sides established diplomatic relations immediately after creation of Pakistan in August 1947. Yahya Kemal Beyatii, first Turkish Ambassador, presented credentials to Quaid-e-Azam on 4 March 1948, whereas, Mian Bashir Ahmed, first Pakistani Ambassador to Turkey, presented credentials to President Ismet Inonu in June 1949, which ushered in a new era of brotherhood between the two nations.

Both the countries signed an Agreement for Friendly Cooperation, in April 1954. Later after one year, Pakistan and Turkey joined CENTO in 1955. Moreover, they formed an organization Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), along with Iran in 1964, which was later transformed into Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in 1985 as successor to RCD. ECO expanded to become 10-member Organization in 1992. Turkey also became a member of OIC Contact Group on Kashmir and always held a stance on Jammu Kashmir that is in line with Pakistan's interests. Pakistan supports Turkish position on the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

In the recent times both the sides have recognized the strategic significance of the relationship. The relationship is steadily growing in the political, economic, security, defence, education and cultural spheres. Both the sides are now committed to transform traditionally cordial ties into a robust economic partnership. The strength of this relationship is manifested by the fact that we have convergent views on major regional and global issues. There is close level of cooperation in multilateral fora between the two sides.

Public and Cultural Diplomacy

Culturally Pakistan and Turkey have been very close due to the historical relevance of the ties. Bilateral Cultural Agreement between the two states was signed in June 1953. Since then there has been no turning back and both the sides have had exchanges in cultural, educational and scientific and public areas that will hardly find parallel in modern history. From student exchanges to scholarships to exchange. of writers and academia, the two countries have been heavily engaged in such interactions on regular basis. A Coffee table book has also been published recently titled 'Journey of Friendship' a pictorial history of Pakistan-Turkey relations since inception to date.

In recognition of the services for the promotion of Urdu language and literature and Pakistan-Turkey Cultural cooperation, the Government of Pakistan awarded Istanbul University's Chairman of Urdu Department, Prof. Dr. Halil Toker, with "Sitara-e-Imtiaz". President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain conferred this award upon Prof. Dr. Halil Toker during the investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadar, Islamabad on 23rd March 2017. In the 7th International Buhara Medya Awards, Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkey, Sohail Mahmood, was presented "Diplomat of the Year" award by Buhara Medya at a ceremony in Ankara on 25th January 2017.

Pakistan hosted 13th ECO Summit on 1st March 2017 in Islamabad Turkish President Erdogan also participated in the Summit ushering in a new era of regional connectivity. More colors were added to the brotherly ties with celebrations of 70th Year of Diplomatic ties, when the famous Turkish Mehtar Band of Ottoman era took a spectacular part in Pakistan Defense day on 23rd March 2017. In 2017, as a part of these celebrations, the Turkish Whirling Dervishes (Maulana Rumi's disciples) paid a country tour to Pakistan.

On the Turkish side, Pakistan's mission in Akara is also actively engaged in holding literary and cultural events. In order to increase collaboration between the film music industry of both the countries renowned director, producer and actor Mr. Javed Sheikh is shooting an upcoming Pakistani film "Wajood" in Turkey.

A number of MoUs/Agreements in multiple areas of cooperation are also in place between the two countries. At Higher Education Level (HEC) both sides have close collaboration that oversees the exchange of academia and students for higher studies on both sides.

All these interactions and warmth in bilateral ties prove that Pakistan and Turkey are two countries with a shared destiny. Our hearts beat together and all these colors of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations embolden the beauty of our bonds.

Allama Iqbal and Turkey

Allama Iqbal was born at Sialkot on November 9, 1877 and had his early education at Government College, Lahore. Later he also studied at Cambridge, and the University of Munich. After his education he taught philosophy at Government College Lahore and practiced law. He was elected (1927) to the Punjab provincial. legislature and served (1930) as president of the Muslim League. He became a staunch supporter of an independent homeland for India's Muslims and he is regared as the spiritual founder of Pakistan. Iqbal was the foremost Muslim thinker of his period, and in his many volumes of poetry (written in Urdu and Persian) and essays. he urged a regeneration of Islam through the love of God and the active development of the self. He was a firm believer in freedom and the creative force that freedom can exert on men. He was knighted in 1922. His works include The Secrets of the Self (1915), and Javid-nama (1934), Iqbal is the national poet of Pakistan.

He has in fact been called "the most serious Muslim philosophical thinker of modern times." Iqbal is the best articulated Muslim response to Modernity that the Islamic world has produced in the 20th century.

Rumi is M.Iqbal's great master whom he calls "Pir-i-Rumi (The master from Anatolia), and he names himself as "Murid-i-Hindi (The Indian disciple). In his Asrar-o-Rumuz Iqbal claims, "The saint Rumi has changed my earth into an elixir and out of my dust has produced much splendour." It means that there is a great impact of Rumi on Iqbal's spiritual teachings. When we study Rumi and Iqbal side by side, we find two bodies in one shirt. There are more than 250 poets in Turkey that follow the great master Rumi but Iqbal's interpretations are the most up-to-date. It is Rumi's Masnevi that seems to influence Iqbal the most. Great Persian poet Mulla Jami says this about Rumi's Masnevi. "The Masnevi of the spiritual master (Rumi) is the Koran in Persian." This statement is very true. Thus many teachings of Iqbal depend on the Holy Quran, directly or indirectly.

Turkey has also established an honorary grave of Allama Muhammad Iqbal at Mevlana Rumi's Shrine. The epitaph on the grave translates as 'this Honorary resting place has been granted to Muhammad Iqbal, Pakistan's national poet, by his spiritual master, Mevlana Rumi

Mehmet Akif ERSOY

Mehmet Akif Ersoy was born in December 1873, in his father's home in a neighborhood by the name of Sariguzel, in the Fatih district of Istanbul He commences his schooling life at the community school "Emir Buhari' in Fatih, when he was 4. After 2 years of education at the Emir Buhari, he continued his schooling. respectively, at primary (iptidal), secondary (rustiye) and high school (idadi) Muallim Naci was the literature teacher at this school, where he accomplished the first three-year term and lost his father as he was at the first grade of the senior section (1888). To complete the conditions for his education as well as to get a shortcut job he entered the Veterinary Faculty in 1889. He pursued his education at this school at the Ahirkapi campus for two years (day school) and another two years as a boarding student at the Halkali campus. As mentioned. he was the first graduate of the school and top of the class.

Akif's close affinity with music dates back to reed-flute (ney) classes he took from Neyzen Tevfik. Akif's knowledge of music as the fruit of his invested efforts allowed him to achieve a level of skill in playing the musical instrument. His interest with music gave him the opportunity to know and savor many oeuvres of classical western music.

His innate penchant for languages allowed him to easily learn Arabic, Persian and French, which he learned so well as to follow the literature of these languages and translate them.

At the age of 20, he learnt the Holy Koran by heart.

Mehmet Akif is widely known as a poet. However, less known than his verse he also penned down other critical prose and translated. Although overshadowed by his verse, his other writtings are no less reflective of his personality as a great man of ideas and endeavors.

Akif published his nationalistic poems, which were unprecedentedly fluid, simple and speaking of the life and sentiments of his people. Nearly 50 poems of Akif were composed-including the National Anthem, the Independence March'- and important ones were translated into Arabic.

Akif was renown and loved by the people as a grand Islamic figure.

National poet of Turkey, who wrote unique National Anthem by putting into words his great love of country, was at the same time a great thinker and activist. He acted as a spiritual leader during National Struggle as an Islamic elder known and loved by the people for his strong faith and commonsense. In addition to these virtues, he has worked successfully in many fields as veterinarian, educator, preacher, hafiz, Koran interpreter, and athlete.

Akif died on December 27, 1936. His grave, today, is located at the Martyr's Memorial at Edirnekapi, which is called the Mehmet Akif Square.

To Commemorate 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Pakistan, souvenir sheet and first day cover themed Turkey - Pakistan Joint Stamp, containing Pakistan's National Poet Allama Muhammad IQBAL and Turkey's National Poet Mehmet Akif ERSOY, will be issued on 09-11-2017

On 70th Anniversary Pakistan and Turkey Deplomatic Relation Joint Issue, the Souvenir Sheet containing 2 stamps in souvenir sheet of Rs/-20 denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 09, 2017.

THE CHAMPIONS ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY. November 02, 2017 (2017-08)

ICC Champions Trophy, previously ICC Knockout Tournament, was initiated by ICC in 1998, featuring 50 overs matches, known as ODI's, to be held after every four years. However, in 2002 it was renamed as ICC Champion's Trophy. At its inception only ICC's full members could participate, but later, from 2002 to 2004, also allowed ICC associate members to take part. From 2009 onwards the tournament, dubbed as the Mini World Cup, and was limited to the eight highest-ranked teams. ICC works out the rankings on a point basis, six months prior to beginning of the tournament.

The Eighth Champions Trophy was held in England and Wales from 1st June to 18th June 2017. The West Indies team, title holders of 2004 Champion's trophy, failed to qualify among the top eight rankings teams. Group A had England, Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Pakistan was placed in Group B, along with South Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. South Africa entered the tournament with top ranking and India was placed at number three Pakistan team ranked last, the clear underdogs for this event.

Pakistan played its first match against India on 4th June at Edgbaston Cricket Ground. Customary to Pakistan India match, the countdown for this event began well in advance. This was the first encounter of the teams since 15th February 2015 World Cup at Adelaide. All odds were in favor for an outright win for the Indian team, and Pakistan team put up a dismal performance, much to the dismay of their supporters. India batting first scored 319 runs, losing only three wickets. Their batsmen scored easily; Rohit Sharma (91), Shikhar Dhawan (68), Virat Kohli (81) and Yuvraj Sing (53) and made sure of a big score. Stoppage because of rain, Pakistan as per D/L method, was given a target of 289 runs to be scored in 41 overs. Unfortunately the whole team was out for 164 runs in the 34th over. Only Azhar Ali could manage 50 runs. India's outright win left Pakistan cricket fans in a sheer disappointment.

This victory of Indian team came as a blessing in disguise for the Pakistan Team, and put pressure on the players and coaching staff to get their act together. Head coach, Mickey Arthur, and team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, initiated an aggressive strategy to play without the fear of losing, and a positive attitude inspired a fighting spirit. All the players were resolute to put up a spirited performance in the remaining matches. The message for other teams was, "don't write us off, we are here to play the finals".

The next match was against the top ranking team of the tournament, South Africa, and played on 7th June at Birmingham. Pakistan, with the best seam attack of tournament showed their potential, exhibiting a fierce bowling display, and a strong batting line, with players like Hashim Amla, F du Plessis, AB de Villiers, and David Miller, South Africa could muster only 219 runs in the allotted 50 overs. Hasan Ali, named Man of the Match, claimed three wickets for 24 runs, in eight overs; Imad Wasim and Junaid Khan took two wickets each. Pakistan needed a run rate of 4.38, to win. They were 119 for 3, when the match could not be continued due to rain and Pakistan were declared winners, by 19 runs via the DLS method. Fakhar Zaman made his ODI debut and scored a quick-fire 31 runs. He would soon be a celebrity, playing a major role in the coming matches. This victory against the world's number one ranked team was labeled as the first upset of the tournament. It renewed the grit and resolve of Pakistani players and from here onwards they never looked back.

Next Pakistan played Sri Lanka on 12th June, at Cardiff. Sri Lankan team, led by Angelo Mathews, was without their star batsmen, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, but still a fighting team, not to be taken lightly at all. Sarfaraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bowl first, on a surface that bore a green tinge. Sri Lanka was comfortably placed at 161 for three in the 32nd over, with both batsmen, Angelo Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella, well set for a big score. Looking for a breakthrough, Sarfaraz bought back his left arm pace duo of Mohammad Amir and Junaid khan, into attack. What followed was a magical four overs spell; superb display of swing and pace attack, sharing two wickets each. Amir and Junaid ripped the heart out of the Sri Lankan middle order as they went from 161 for 3 to 167 for 7 wickets. It proved to be the turning point of the match. Hassan Ali showed his class, taking three wickets. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 234 runs, Niroshan Dickwell scoring the highest, with 73 runs.

Pakistan's opening pair of Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali gave a flying start, Fakhar Zaman played a swashbuckling knock of 50 runs from only 36 balls; his maiden half century in ODI's. He was out in the 12th over, with Pakistan at 77 runs. Pakistan lost two more quick wickets of Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez. To add to tension of the Pakistan supporters, Azhar Ali was out in the 20th over and Shoaib Malik in the 25th. Imad Wasim fell five balls later, leaving Pakistan reeling at 136 for 6 wickets, requiring 100 runs to win. There was a brief partnership between debutant Faheem Ashraf and Sarfaraz Ahmed, till Faheem lost his wicket in the 30th over, with Pakistan needing 75 runs to win. It looked the match had gone out of Pakistan's hands, but Sarfaraz kept his cool, and along with Amir, shared a match winning partnership to see Pakistan through to the semifinals. It was a wonderful effort, playing under pressure in a crunch match and achieving the target with 31 balls to spare. Man of the match, Sarfaraz Ahmed, top scored with 61 runs with Amir remaining unbeaten on 28.

On 14th June, Pakistan played the first semifinal of the Champion's Trophy against England, at Cardiff, Wales. England, tournament favorites, enjoyed the advantage of playing at home and was the only unbeatable side in the tournament so far. Pakistan team had a major setback, as the main strike bowler, Mohammad Amir was out with a back problem, and in his place Rumman Raees made his ODI debut. Pakistan bowlers bowled an impeccable line and length. The indomitable team of the tournament was bowled out for 211 runs. Joe Root, with 46, was the highest scorer. This was the third successive match when Pakistani bowlers bowled out their opponents under a score of 240 runs. Junaid Khan and Rumman Raees shared two wickets each; Imad Wasim was accurate enough to give only 16 runs in five overs, but the pick of the bowlers was Hasan Ali, Man of the Match, taking 3 wickets for 35 runs. Brilliant fielding and attacking captaincy from Sarfaraz Ahmed backed Pakistani bowlers. Chasing 211 to win, Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali made118 runs for the opening wicket partnership, the highest ever opening stand for Pakistan, in the Champions Trophy. The partnership put Pakistan on course for an impressive victory. Fakhar Zaman was the first to go with an aggressive knock of 58 runs, his second consecutive half century, Azhar Ali scored a classy 76. Babar Azam, 38 and Mohammad Hafeez, a quick 31, made sure of easy sailing, as Pakistan achieved the target in the 38th over. Pakistan was through to the finals.

On 18th June 2017, nearly every home in Pakistan and India and cricket fans all over the world, were glued to their Televisions, watching the most intense rivalry in the cricketing world. On the screen was Pakistan Versus India, final of the ICC Champions Trophy at the historical jam-packed Oval cricket ground in London. Cricket pundits had declared India as clear favorites, termed as tournament's most powerful batting line, with a balanced bowling attack, and a convincing victory over Pakistan in the league matches. India enjoyed all the advantages.

Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman opened the innings; in the fourth over Fakhar nicked Jasprit Bumrah to the keeper, only to be let off by a no ball. This lucky escape for Fakhar Zaman proved too expensive for the Indians. Pakistan's first 100 runs came in the 18 overs, with a wonderful display of controlled aggression. In the 23rd over, Azhar Ali was unlucky to be run out for 59 runs, but this was not before the openers had recorded a partnership of 128 runs, the highest first wicket partnership against India at an ICC event. The fall of the wicket did not deter the attacking mood of Fakhar. He repulsed the bowling attack of the best Indian slow bowlers, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. At 56 off 73 balls, he hit the remaining 44 runs for his century off the next 19 balls, sweeping Ashwin for four to record his maiden ODI century. He became the first Pakistani to score a century in an ICC event final, the third player to score his maiden ODI century in an ICC event final, after Clive Lloyd and Philo Wallace. Neither Lloyd nor Wallace could score another. His perfect strokes, cuts, drives, pulls, and reverse sweep, in such a high pressure match, were a treat to watch. Fakhar Zaman was out in the 34th over, scoring 114 from 106 balls, in his fourth ODI. Pakistan, at 200 for 2 wickets, was given a perfect launching pad for a big score to follow. Babar Azam scored a well-played 46, Imad Wasim a breezy 25 and Hafeez added misery to the depleted Indian bowling attack, hitting three sixes and four fours for an unbeaten 57 of just 37 balls. Pakistani batsmen hit nine sixes, the most by any team in a final of ICC Champions Trophy history. Pakistan's 338/4 is the second-highest total in ICC tournament finals, after Australia's 359/2 against India in the final of the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

India, chasing a big score of 338 runs, encountered a scintillating opening spell from Mohammad Amir. Rohit Sharma was trapped LBW in the first over. Virat Kohli, to the horror of Pakistan supporters, was dropped at 5. While the Pakistan fans were still in a state of shock, on the very next ball, Amir had the Indian skipper caught by Shadab Khan. Getting the world number one batsman out, on the very next ball, exhibits Mohammad Amir's brilliance as the best-left arm bowler in the game today. Shikhar Dhawan was Amir's third victim, caught by Sarfaraz Ahmed, leaving India at a precarious score of 3 down for only 33 runs. Sarfaraz continued his attacking field placing, putting pressure on the Indian batsmen. Yuvraj Singh was LBW to Shadab Khan and the Indian team got a defining blow when M.S Dhoni was out for 4, leaving India 54 for 5 in the 14th over. Indian team's dressing room was in a state of shock. There was a quick 80 runs stand between Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, but the run out of Pandya, for a well-played 76, proved to be the last nail in the coffin. Hasan Ali wiped out the tail, finishing with match-figures of 3 for 19, Junaid Khan and Shadab Khan shared a wicket each and Amir finished with three wickets for 16 runs, and Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy-2017.

After a demoralizing loss in its opening game, the least fancied and lowest ranked team in the competition stunned the top ranking team South Africa, kept its nerves to beat Sri Lanka, outwitted England in the semifinals and in the finals against India, mauled their fancied bowling attack and destroyed the much talked about Indian batting line up in 31 overs, winning the finals with 180 runs, the highest margin of victory, in terms of runs, in the history of ICC Champion's Trophy finals. This is also Pakistan's highest winning margin over India in ODI cricket.

Fakhar Zaman received the man of the match award, with Hasan Ali, bagging two awards, "Golden Ball" award for taking 13 wickets and the Man of the Series for his outstanding contribution towards Pakistan's first ICC ODI tournament title since 1992. The large number of Pakistani Supporters cheered Pakistan Zindabad Slogans as Sarfaraz lifted the coveted trophy, followed by a victory lap by the newly crowned champions.

This victory completed Pakistan's honour of winning all the major ICC trophies; the under-19 World Cup, won twice in 2004 and 2006, 1992 Cricket World Cup, 2009 ICC T 20 World Cup and now the 2017 Champion's Trophy. The victory sent a wave of joy to Pakistanis all over the world. There were celebrations nationwide, from big cities to small villages, and the whole country was in a state of complete ecstacy. On arrival in Pakistan the team was given a tumultuous welcome, conferred with attractive cash prizes, and invited to various receptions, including one by the Prime Minister.

The win for Pakistan is great for the game of cricket, but most importantly, for the players and Pakistani people, who follow it as a passion and had been missing the absence of international cricket on their soil because of security concerns. Here one must give credit to PCB for initiating PSL. This has certainly introduced talented players like Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan, Rumman Raees, Fakhar Zaman, and Imad Wasim and provided them an opportunity to play with renowned international players in pressure matches, bringing a world of learning for young players.

The Champions ICC Champions Trophy 2017, a set of three Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs. 10/-Each Stamp and Souvenir Sheet of Rs. 50/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 02, 2017.

125th ANNIVERSARY OF GOVERNMENT ISLAMIA COLLEGE RAILWAY ROAD, LAHORE, November 01, 2017 (2017-07)

Govt. Islamia College, Lahore was founded in 1892 in a two room upper storey of Haveli Munshi Harsukh at Sheranwala Gate, Lahore. The team of Lahorites who initiated this then humble project had scanty resources but passion, compassion and foresight in abundance. The College continued to teach and train students in this humble condition for almost eight years. In 1900 degree classes commenced. This up-gradation was a considerable achievement in those unspeakable circumstances. Looking at the slim resources, some people looked down upon this step but the passion for educating the sons of poor muslims prevailed and in the sway of the same spirit arrangements were made for teaching Arabic at postgraduate level in 1905. In 1904 the college was shifted to a private building at Railway Road, Lahore.

In 1907 Sardar Habibullah Khan, the ruler of Afghanistan, laid the foundation stone of Islamia College, Lahore at Railway Road where it stands today an area of about ten acres. The zealots. who were ebullient to see the dreams come true were not exhausted then. They motivated the masses, appealed to the charitable and sent their representatives to every nook and crevice to contact all and sundry for promoting this noble cause.

It was not until 1912 that it became possible to shift classes in this new building Habibia Hall, a tribute to our benefactor, stands in the middle with rows of rooms, laboratories and library on its both sides. Crescent (Jinnah) hostel was built on the left behind the main building of the college. Later owing to overwhelming number of candidates graduate and postgraduate classes were shifted in a building that was known as DVA College. This now exists as separate college, though it was originally a branch of Govt. Islamia College, Lahore Civil Lines is called because it is situated opposite Police Civil Lines behind the district courts.

However, Govt. Islamia College (Railway Road), Lahore continued to serve the community-mainly muslims. During Movement for Pakistan this college was strong center of verve and valor. According to annals during Pakistan Movement Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah visited Lahore 14 times and eleven times he came to Islamia College for he reposed great confidence in the enthusiasm, energy and devotion of the students of Islamia College Lahore they were not only the vanguards of Pakistan Movement but also the bodyguards of Quaid-e-Azam. More than once they took up this delicate and onerous responsibility and stood like a lead wall between Quaid and threats.

In addition to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the poet of the East, also visited this college many times and by reading his inspiring poetry in Habibia Hall of the college infused a spirit in the students of the time. Apart from these honours, Govt. Islamia College, Lahore enjoys this honor that Allama Muhammad Iqbal joined the college's teaching faculty for some time. In 1941 first Pakistan conference was held in Govt. Islamia College, Lahore under auspices of Muslim Students Federation which was formally opened by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It was in this conference that Lahore resolution was termed as Pakistan Resolution.

Under the dynamic Principal of Sir Henry Martin, Dr Muhammad Taseer, The first Muslim doctor of English Literature in sub-continent, Allama Abdullah Yousaf Ali, who translated the Holy Quran into English, Khawaja Dil Muhammad etc. and invaluable and immeasureable skill of the teaching faculty produced luminaries who scintillated on the world horizon and not only added luster to the brilliance of the college but also lit the darkness prevailing in the world. Ch. Rehmat Ali who suggested the name for our homeland, Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi, a veteran politician, Hameed Nizami, the top ranker in the realm of journalism, Abdul Hafeez Kardar, the first skipper of Pakistan's cricket team, Fazal Mahmood, the devastating bowler, Nasir Kazmi, highly sensitive and musical poet, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, a seasoned parliamentarian are only a few examples to mention.

Before its centenary in 1992, a computer block was built to meet the demands of the coming digital modern age. Laboratories for B.Sc. Classes were also shifted in this block and a big Hall and its basement was allocated to the Health and Physical Education Department. Simultaneously a post graduate block was set up along the left corner of the ground where the classes for masters in English and Urdu have been conducted since then. The college is still playing its roles of enkindling a flame of commitment and patriotism in the hearts of young students.

On 125th Anniversary of Government Islamia College Railway Road, Lahore, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 01, 2017.

200th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY SIR SYED AHMED KHAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2017 (2017-06)

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was one of the most illustrious Muslim educationalists, writers and social reformers. Born in Delhi in 1817, he hailed from a distinguished land-owned family.

Sir Syed had no formal education at any educational institutions. Through self-study, he accomplished himself in major branches of learning and became one of the most well-read men of his days.

Sir Syed was born at a time when the people of the Sub-continent in general and Muslims in particular were passing through a critical juncture. For nearly half a century, Sir Syed struggled against the apathy and despondency that had settled upon the Muslims in the post-1857 era. He managed to take them out of the abyss, give them a national identity, bring clarity to their thought, and put them on the road to progress and freedom.

Sir Syed was one of those early pioneers who recognized the critical role of education in the social, economic and political revival of Muslims. The Aligarh Movement' was his greatest achievement. He founded the Muhammadan Anglo Oriental College (MAO) at Aligarh in 1877. The MAO College, which aimed at a confluence of traditional learning and modern sciences, was elevated to become Aligarh muslim University in 1920.

The 'Aligarh Movement actively motivated the Muslim to spread a network of Muslim-managed educational institutions throughout the Sub-continent. For this purpose, Sir Syed founded 'All India Muslim Educational Conference' and remained its Secretary till 1897. These efforts helped in awakening the Muslims and infusing in them social and political awareness.

Sir Syed was nominated as member of the Imperial Legislative Council in 1878 and re-nominated in 1881, but he resigned in 1883. He also served as a Member of the Education Commission, but resigned due to his differences with Chairman W.W. Hunter.

Sir Syed was among the intellectual pioneers of Muslim nationalism and freedom in the Sub-continent. His ideas greatly influenced the vast array of Muslim inrellectuals, scholars, politicians, poets, writers and journalists. The graduates of Aligarh were among those who played the role of a vanguard in the movement for Pakistan. Sir Syed is thus counted among the founding fathers of Pakistan.

Sir Syed accomplished several scholarly works on a wide range of subjects during his life-time. His study of the events of 1857. "Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind", is still considered a seminal work. His study of the monuments of Delhi, "Asar-al-Sanadid", is regarded as classic of archeology. In his "Series of Essays on the Life of Muhammad" (PBUH), Sir Syed wrote a response to the negative account of the Prophet's life by William Muir.

Sir Syed is also the author of 'Tahqeeq-e-Lafze Nassara', 'Tabayyun-ul-Kalam', 'Strictures upon the Present Educational System in India' Hunter's Indian Musalmans', 'On the Present State of Indian Politics', 'Musalmanan Ki Kismat Ka Faisala', and 'Sirat-e-Faridia' Sir Syed was also a pioneer in the field of Urdu journalism. his 'Tahzeebul-Akhlaq' and Aligarh Institute Gazette were important contributions in this regard.

Sir Syed had started work on a commentary on the Holy Quran. He had completed 7 volumes when he fell ill and could not live long enough to complete it. He passed away in 1898.

On the occasion of 200th Birth Anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 10/- and Souvenir Sheet of Rs.20/- denominations are being issued by Pakistan Post on October 17, 2017.

MAULANA MUFTI MAHMOOD (1919-1980) OCTOBER 14, 2017 (2017-05)

Maulana Mufti Mehmood is a unique personality in our Political, religious and national history. He was born on January 9, 1919 at village Penniala, district Dera Ismail Khan. He started his schooling at the age of six. He passed his middle examination with high marks in 1933. He received his basic religious education at home and took admission in Madrasa Shahi, Murradabad (India) for further education. He received his final degree after six years in 1940. The same year, he performed his duty as a teacher in Madrasa Moeen-ul-Islam Esa Kheil (Mianwali) and performed his duties as Imam and teacher at Abdul khel, Dera Isimail Khan in 1947 and appointed in Madrasa Qasim-ul-uloom, Multan in 1950 and graced the chair of Tadrees and Afta. He personally wrote twenty-two thousand Fatawa which have been published under the title of "Fatawa-e-Mufti Mehmood".

Apart from tafseer-e-Mahmood based on his commentary gains, the treatise titled Almotanabi Al-Qadiani Mun Howa? Al-tas'heel-ul Ahkam-ul-Tarteel and Zubdat-ul-Maqal Fi roya tul- Hilal magazine are the masterpieces of his authorial craftsmanship and keenness. It was the result of his great approach and sound knowledge of Hadith that he compiled the Arabic commentary of Jamae-Tirmazi titled Almuntahi. He enjoyed special zeal for Islamic Jurisprudence. He deployed the power of logic and exercised moderation. in the matter of Fatwa. he never tried to politicize the religious matters. The Egyptian Mufti Muhammad Abduhu gave Fatwa regarding the legality of machine slaughtering.

Mulana Mufti Mehmood proved with solid reasons that an animal slaughtered through a machine could not be treated as "Halal". Thus he saved the entire nation from eating 'haram' meat. Beside being a great 'Mohadith', exegetist or commentator of the Holy Quran and jurist, he was an excellent author also. Religious scholars of Egypt and Hijaz too acknowledged his command of eloquence in the Arabic language. Along with Persian, he wrote several laudatory poerns in Arabic also. He was a renowned poet as well as a notable prose writer. As an editor of the weekly "Khuddamuddin", Lahore, he wrote several editoials for about three years.

In 1953, during Khatam-e-Nabuwwat movenment, Mufti Mahmood (RH) was arrested and during Ramzan-ul-Mubbark and eid he remained there in jail. He summoned a convention of the learned Ulma from across the whole country in Multan on October, 8-9 1956 in which 500 Ulma participated and elected Maulana Ahmed Ali Lahore (RH) as President (Ameer) Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Maulana Ghulam Ghaus Hazarvi (RH) as General Secretary and Maulana Mufti Mahmood (RH) as Vice President (Naib Ameer). He prepared a learned report by pointing out the un-Islamic provisions of the constitution of 1956 which was published under the title of "Criticisms and amendments".

Maulana Mufti Mahmood had a Keen understanding of the state of affairs. Religious seminaries were his chief preoccupation. He assembled them and played a central role in the establishment of "Wifaq-ul Madaris Al-Arabic" which was meant to reform and organize the seminaries. He became its first general organizer. He was elected as the President after the demise of Hazrat Binori and held the office till his death. The certificate of Wafaq-ul-Madaris was for the first time issued during his term. Afterwards, he formally tabled a resolution on the floor of the National Assembly also to make this certificate equivalent to the degree of MA Islamiat. President Ayub Khan established Family commission in 1960 and promulgated an Ordinance to incorporate its recommendations into the constitution which were contradictory to the Islamic principles. At that point of time. Maulana Mufti Mahmood appealed to the general public to oppose the steps as well as protest against them. When he was elected as member of the National Assembly in 1962 for the first time, he convinced the majority of the House through his address in Dhaka to revoke the Family Laws..

On 8th March, 1963, a bill titled "Human Right" was introduced in the National Assembly. He pointed out those sections of the bill which might had opened the gate of apostasy.

Having heard about the fame and the role of Maulana Mufti Mahmood, the Rector of Al-Azhar university invited him in 1964 to participate in the millennium celebrations of the Jamia. He was invited in 1965 to participate in Majma-ul-joas Islami being held under the administration of the Govt. of Egypt. On this occasion, he presented the Kashmir issue while mentioning conspiracies against the Muslim countries. The newspapers of Cairo. published his speech under headline. He visited Egypt, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Kuwait and Saudia Arabia along-with a delegation on 12 July 1971. He got invitation from the scholars (Ulma) of Russia to attend the Islamic Conference in 1971. In January, 1972, he travelled to Saudi Arabia with the official hajj delegation to check the arrangements made for Pakistan Hujjaj. He boarded on a tour of six Arab countries in October, 1977. He preformed the dities of judge/Jury in the international ceremony of the competition of recitation of Holy Quran on Saudi Government's invitation in July, 79. He visited Kuwait on the invitation of Ministry of Aoqaf of Kuwait in May, 79 and during the same tour he also visited South Africa. In 1980, alongwith a delegation, he visited Iran on the invitation of the Government of Iran... He went to India to attend the centenary celebrations of DAR-UL-Uloom Deoband in March 80. He whole heartedly supported the Arab alliance movement of Jamal Abdu-ul-Nasir of Egypt. When Israel attacked Egypt in 1967, he held demonstrations in support of president of Egypt, Jamal Abdul Nasir and responded to the imperial propaganda against Nasir in a befitting manner.

In 1970, he decided to contest election from Dera Ismail Khan. Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto announced to compete against Maulana Mufti Mahmood. The election was won by Mufti Mahmood. After elections, as a result of agreement between the National Awami party (NAP) and Jamiat, Mufti Mahmood became the Chief Minister of NWFP. On 1st May 1972, he took oath of the Chief Ministership and immediately banned alcohol in the Province. Each and every type of gambling was declared legally a crime; ban was imposed on (usury) and orders were issued to provide interest-free loans. Ehteram-e-Ramzan-ul-Mubbarik ordinance was promulgated. Friday was declared as closed holiday and Urdu declared as official language along with enforcement of educational reforms. A five-member the board of scholars and legal experts was constituted to bring legislation in line with the Quran and the Sunnah, Sugar, Textile, Cement, Fertilizer and steel factories were approved to be set-up for the development and the welfare of general public. A number of irrigation projects were initiated. After nine months in office, he resigned from the Chief Ministership of NWFP in protest against the sacking of Baluchistan government and thereby he set a healthy precedent in the politics of Pakistan.

Maulana Mufti Mahmood struggled unprecedentedly to make the constitution Islamic. Definition of Muslim, condition for the President and the Prime Minister to be Muslims, guarantee for not enacting laws contrary to the Quran and the Sunnah, the formation of the council of Islamic Ideology, along with the clause relating to the Islamization of the prevailing laws necessarily within seven years were the result of his efforts. Nationwide movement commenced against Qadianiyat in 1974. This case was presented in the Parliament. All the Muslim Patrliamentarians were one and united under the Chairmanship of Maulana Mufti mahmood Opposition moved a resolution in the National Assembly on 30th June, 1974 to declare Qadianis a non-Muslim minority. On 7th September, 1974, the House declared Qadianis as non-muslim minority by making unanimous amendment in the constitution

In order to resolve the issue of the sighting of moon, he summoned a meeting of the Country's Ulema and Mufti in Qasim-ul-uloom Multan, in September, 1954 so that unanimous stand could be taken. Afterwards when Committees were constituted for making the Constitution, he not only succeeded in making Islamic provisions, a part of the Constitution but also succeeded in making formation of central Ruwait-e-Hilal Committee and its rules and regulations, a part of the Constitution

In February 1975, Maulana Mufti Mahmood was elected the officiating Opposition Leader in the National Assembly

He taught daura-e-tafseer in Madrasa Qasim-ul-uloom, Sheranwala Gate Lahore during Ramadan in August, 1976. He also attended Assembly sessions during this very period. The National Assembly was dissolved on 10th January, 1977 and elections were announced to be held on 7th March. The Opposition formed Pakistan National Alliance and Mufti Mahmood was made its President. Elections held on 7th March were alleged to be rigged, so countrywide protests and strikes were announced by the National Alliance. At one stage, through negotiations Mr. Bhutto agreed that elections would be held again but on 5th July, 1977 Zia-ul-Haq took over the reins and announced that elections would be held within 90 days but afterwards he backed out of his words, Maulana Mufti Mahmood strongly opposed that move.

Zia-ul-Haq promulgated the Zakat Ordinance on 30th June, 1980. Maulana Mufti Mahmood didn't agree with this initiative. He was having a discussion on the issue with prominent religious scholars of Karachi in Dar-ul-Hadis of Jamaia Banori Town when suffered a Cardiac arrest and breathed his last on 14th October, 1980. Three funeral prayers were held for Maulana Mufti Mahmood. First in Karachi by Maulana Abdul Hai, Second, in Multan, by Maulana Abdullah Darkhwasti and the third funeral prayer was lead by his son, Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman in Abdul Khel and he was laid to rest in his native graveyard at Abdul Khel.

On Maulana Mufti Mahmood (1919-1980), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on October 14, 2017.

PAKISTAN AND ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK 50 YEARS OF PARTNERING FOR DEVELOPMENT. JULY 06, 2017 (2017-4)

The year 2016-2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-a milestone celebration for ADB and all its partners and stakeholders.

Pakistan is one of the founding members of ADB. ADB provided its first loan to Pakistan in 1968 to help the country fund the credit requirements of small and medium-scale industries. Since then, ADB has extended vital support to improve Pakistan's economy, reduce poverty and achieve development goals.

Pakistan and ADB have worked together to promote export, private sector efficiency, reform public sector management, financial market development, improve social protection, emergency assistance and prioritizing energy. A particular emphasis has been placed on promoting the welfare of women.

ADB has been one of Pakistan's largest and most steadfast development partners. As of 31 December 2016, ADB has provided more than $29.5 billion in loans, technical assistance, and grants to assist Pakistan achieve its development goals.

ADB: Through the Years.

In the 1970s, ADB stepped into the area of power generation and transmission, including supporting natural gas and hydropower projects. The Tarbela hydropower plant, one of Pakistan's largest, was originally supported by ADB in 1974 and has been extended in coordination with other development partners in subsequent decades. ADB also extended vital assistance for Mangla dam and Ghazi Barotha power plants.

After a resident mission was established in Islamabad, ADB focused its expertise and resources on supporting efforts to grow the economy through free enterprise, privatization, deregulation, and liberalization. This included promoting exports and bringing private sector efficiency into health care and education.

By the middle of the 1990s, ADB's work in Pakistan was focused on education, population welfare, public sector management reform, and government decentralization.

In the early 2000s, a new government put in place an economic reform program designed to build on efforts in the 1990s to open the economy through privatization and economic liberalization. The program, along with other factors, was a major boost to the economy.

From 2005 to 2012, Pakistan and ADB worked together to restore basic services and livelihood to millions of people devastated by 2005 earthquake in northern Pakistan, and subsequent floods in 2010 and 2011.

The period also marks projects to upgrade transmission and distribution networks, improve transport infrastructure and connectivity, agriculture and irrigations systems, livelihood development, and investment to boost social security of poorest and most vulnerable groups including women.

Between 2012 and 2015, ADB-supported projects in Pakistan helped build or upgrade 2,454 classrooms and train 656 teachers, benefiting 53,729 students. ADB's energy assistance resulted in an additional 0.113 megawatts (MW) of power generation, as well as the installation or upgrading of 729 km of distribution lines, providing electricity to about 92,443 households. In transportation, ADB helped build or upgrade 2,946 km of roads and highways that accommodated an average of 3,689,739 vehicle-kilometers daily during the first full year of operation.

ADB's water supply and sanitation programs have provided a total of 32,944 households with improved sanitation, and have installed or upgraded 1,075 km of water pipes, which now bring clean water to 192,698 households. ADB projects financed wastewater treatment plants with the capacity to handle a total of 570,000 cubic meters (m3) per day. And, under its rural development projects, there were 162,976 micro-finance loan accounts opened or end borrowers reached.

Through its regional cooperation and integration projects, ADB has facilitated the cross-border transport of 9,279,000 tons of cargo per year.

ADB & Pakistan: Stronger Together

ADB can reflect on its achievements in Pakistan with pride. Pakistan and ADB have built highways, rural roads, hydroelectric power plants, canals. schools, hospitals, financial markets, and other critical facilities that improve lives and help pull millions out of poverty.

Together with other development agencies, nongovernment organizations, and the private sector, ADB is committed to work to attract investment, create industries and jobs, and improve the quality of life of Pakistan citizens.

On Pakistan and ADB 50 Years of Partnering for Development, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on July 6, 2017.

MEN OF LETTERS SERIES MAJEED AMJAD (1914-1974) June 29, 2017 (2017-03)

Majeed Amjad enjoys a distinct position amongst the most celebrated Urdu poets of the 20th century. Critics have often regarded him as a "philosophical poet of depth and sensitivity". His poetry has been translated in several languages and his poem have been sung by many noted artists of Pakistan.

Amjad was born on June 29, 1914 in Jhang, a small town in the Pakistani province of Punjab into a reputable literary family and completed his initial education there. He then moved to Lahore and received his bachelor's degree in 1934 from Islamia College, Lahore. His first sustainable job as editor of a weekly journal Urooj ended in 1939. Thereafter, he qualified as inspector of civil supplies in the Department of Food and Agriculture in 1944 and served till his retirement in 1972. He lived in Sahiwal for the most part of his life. He died a lonely death on May 11, 1974. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto the then Prime Minister of Pakistan approved scholarship in recognition of his matchless poetic talent and the scholarship was received by his widow in 1974.

Amjad's first collection of poetry. Shab-e-Rafta, was published in 1958. This was published by Naya Idara in Lahore and was the only collection published in his lifetime even though he had written steadily throughout his life. After his death, the manuscripts of his unpublished poetry were preserved by Javed Qureshi who was then the Deputy Commissioner of Sahiwal. In 1976, Javed Qureshi and others published a second collection of his poetry titled "Shab-e-Rafta ke Baad". It was not until 1989 that the Urdu critic Khawaja Muhammad Zakariya edited and published a complete collection of his works called "Kuliyat-e-Majeed Amjad".

Amjad's life has been the subject of several biographical essays and even a full length biography. Critics such as Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar believes that Amjad influenced, more than any other poet, the 'nazm' (poem) written in Pakistan after the late sixties. In his book on the life and works of Amjad, Dr. Nayyar observes that Amjad gave importance to the neglected things in his surroundings and it was he who instilled aesthetics of locality in his poetry. He didn't sing paeans of grand narrative about a hollow world either. What he did was that he focused on the ordinary. His work covers varied themes like the tribulations of survival in the period between the two World Wars, colonization, Partition of the sub-continent, socio-economic disparity and so on.

Amjad bravely experimented with metrical forms and rhythms. His vocabulary was extremely diverse and universal. There is an earthiness in his verse, a sense of grounding with the here and now. The Slow and soothing lilt of his signature rhythmic style and choice of words reflective of the local culture. set his work apart from the rest.

Amjad's poetry is excessively subjective. It is rare to come across a poet who penned so many poems about his personal angst and failure, and who has such as a low opinion of himself. Some such melancholic poems include: 'Mere Khuda Mere Dil', 'Autograph', 'Nigah-e-Bazgashi and Munich'.

To his credit Amjad has the achicvement of introducing novel subjects previously unexplored through poetry. He wrote poems on environment conservation years before it became a fashionable topic. His innate sensitivity enabled him to empathise with trees, rivers, flowers, and birds in a manner that makes nature appear as an entity that is alive. Poems like 'Jalsah' and 'Kuch Din Pehle', for example, lament over cut trees and polluted highways.

Amjad was not an ideological poet affiliated with a particular group. He allowed none to use his poetry as a means of propagating their philosophy and even the Progressive Movement or 'Jadidiyat' of the 1960's didn't have a bearing on his style of work. Amjad's style was not steeped in symbolism, allusions and abstractions like the 'Jadid nazm' (modern poem). He tailored his own ideology of compassion and humanity and made his own distinctive path.

Amjad was known as a quiet and reticent personality whose introvent nature manifested no desire for self-marketing. His financial struggles, a difficult marriage; and negligible recognition of his work during his lifetime cast a sorrowful shadow over his entire life. Despite a very concise list of influential advocates of his literary talent that he had during his lifetime, Amjad's popularity has only increased ever since his death.

A number of thesis on Ph.D., M.Phil and M.A level highlighting different aspects of Majeed Amjad's life and literary achievements have been written in various universities of Pakistan. The details of research work done by various scholars on this unique poet are as follows:

Ø  Dr. Aamir Sohail                Bauhuddin Zakaria University     Ph.D.

Ø  Ummat-ul-Mateen         Quaid-i-Azam University               M.Phil

Ø  Tabinda Gul        Bauhuddin Zakaria University     M.A

Ø  Farid Kanwal      Punjab University            MA

Ø  Fozia Ashraf       Punjab University            MA

Ø  Tasneem Naz     Punjab University            MA

Ø  Nawazish Ali       Punjab University            MA

Ø  Mohammad Zubair Khalid            Punjab University            M.A

On Birth Anniversary of Majeed Amjad, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on June 29. 2017