50 YEARS OF CRESCENT MODEL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, LAHORE (1968-2018) December 26, 2018 (2018-13)

 

The founders of the Crescent Group established a Not for Profit Trust named the Crescent Educational Trust in the early 1960's to deliver high quality education to Pakistani youth. They were of the firm belief that good quality education is crucial for Pakistan's development into a first world country.

Four brothers, the founders of the Crescent Group, Mian Fazal Karim, Mian Muhammad Amin, Haji Muhammad Shafi, and Mian Muhammad Bashir donated funds to the Crescent Educational Trust, helping establish the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School (CMS). One of the brothers, Mian Muhammad Amin, was asked to lead this noble venture on behalf of the family.

Other leading personalities of Pakistani society, such as Chief Justice Muhammad Munir, Chief Justice Yaqoob Ali, Dr. Ameer ud Din, Finance Minister Dr. Mubashar Hassan, Chief Minister Sheikh Manzoor Elahi, and renowned journalists Mr. Hameed Nizami and Mr. Majeed Nizami joined hands with the founders to help in this noble cause.

They made valuable contributions with their experience and wisdom, which were instrumental in the success of the newly born Crescent Model Higher Secondary School which in a short span of time became a premier educational institution. A modern, high quality campus was designed by the renowned architect Arif Hasan, and was built under the expert supervision of Dr. Mubashar Hassan, former Finance Minister of Pakistan.

While the campus was still under construction, the first batch of students was accommodated in a two room facility in Gaddafi Stadium in 1968. The school shifted to its permanent campus in Shadman Colony in 1970.

The highest standards of education, a low fee structure, a well trained and dedicated faculty, and merit based, need blind admission policy have always been the hallmark of the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School. This policy opened the doors of this high quality school to brilliant Pakistani youngsters, enabling them to compete on equal footings with students belonging to more affluent families.

The school was fortunate to have Sheikh Muin ud Din and Ms. Jahan Ara Khan as principal and headmistress of the school in its early days. The institution benefited enormously from their dedication, sagacity and wisdom. They established an institutional ethos that helped in developing "Crescentarians" to become "Game Changers" for Pakistan in general, and their own families in particular. Over the last fifty years, our students have built careers in the fields of education, academia, architecture, business, finance, defence, engineering, public service, sports and many more.

With a rich history exceeding fifty years, the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School is the largest not for profit school in Pakistan. Our student body consists of 7,600 boys and girls pursuing education following either the Matriculation or the Senior Cambridge curriculum. We have a modern campus with three auditoriums, well designed classrooms, science and information technology laboratories, well maintained playgrounds, a modern swimming pool, and four gymnasiums. We have a finishing school for girls with foreign certified faculty, a teacher training center, a school of arts, and a school of music. We have exclusive arrangements for teaching of Qirat and Naat.

All these facilities enable us to provide education that helps individuals develop an economically stable life, a passion for gratitude, compassion, integrity and responsibility. An extensive range of opportunities and broad spectrum of curriculum provides the large student population at CMS with a broad knowledge sharing platform, enabling them to become well rounded responsible citizens.

As a whole, the school has been providing quality, affordable and accessible education to the community for over fifty years, preparing both men and women alike to experience economic growth and a purposeful life. With the "no child left behind" policy, the Crescent Model Higher Secondary School has graduated agents of positive change who have helped reduce inequities within our society. Our resolve is stronger than ever before to meet the challenges of these turbulent times, with confidence.

On 50 Years of Crescent Model Higher Secondary School, Lahore, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 26, 2018.

SILVER JUBILEE GHULAM ISHAQ KHAN INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY (1993-2018) December 24, 2018 (2018-12)

 

Genesis

1. The Genesis of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology goes back to the early 50's when Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan, during his close association with the Water and Power Development Authority and the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation, became acutely aware of Pakistan's dependence on foreign expertise and imported technology. His frequent interaction with foreign and local experts led to the idea of a centre of excellence in engineering sciences and production technology whose standards of education would be comparable to those of its counterparts in the advanced countries. The transformation of this idea into a practical proposition took place in December 1985 when the Benevolent Community Care and Infaq Foundation donated Rs. 50 million for setting up an Institute, and the Khyber Pakhtun Khwa Government donated 218 acres of land for its campus.

2. A milestone in the evolution of the Institute was the registration, in June 1988, of its parent body, namely the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Sciences and Technology in Pakistan (SOPREST). Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan, the then President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, was elected President of the Society for life and Mr. H. U.Baig appointed its honorary Executive Director.

3.The task of conceiving and formulating the basic form and features of the Institute was entrusted to a group of eminent scientists and engineers. Civil works at the campus site started in early 1990. An interim office of the Institute was set up in August 1992 where experienced professionals worked on the educational aims and philosophy of the Institute, its curricula and details of equipment for its laboratories and workshops. The ordinance for the establishment of the Institute was promulgated by the then North Western Frontier Province (Now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) in March 1993 and the first batch of students entered its portals in October 1993. It is the first not-for-profit, non-governmental Institute of its kind in the country and is dedicated to bringing our engineering education at par with that of advanced countries.

Aims and Objectives

4.The aim of the Institute is to pursue excellence in education and research by developing appropriate curricula and teaching practices, acquiring talented faculty and providing an environment conducive to teaching and learning. Its graduates are expected to possess high professional competence combined with the humanistic and moral values envisaged in its Profile of the Graduates. The educational philosophy of the Institute lays emphasis on training of the mind rather than stuffing it with an inert body of facts; on expanding the scientific imagination of the students rather than making them tread well-worn and outmoded grooves of thought. Guided by such convictions, the Institute educates its students by confronting them with real-life problems, and inculcating in them a problem-solving approach. They are encouraged to explore and solve problems, to break new grounds and to cultivate leadership qualities. Pakistan is on the threshold of a major breakthrough in the techno industrial fields and needs professionals with ability and vision to lead the way. The Institute aims at producing such professionals with a strong base of engineering education and research. It strives to produce graduates who can upgrade existing technological activities in the country and in whom professional excellence is inseparable from a commitment to the national ideals.

5. The Institute has a Board of Govemors which sits at the apex of the statutory pyramid of the Institute and its composition is the same as that of the General Council of SOPREST. It has overall control of the Institute, the powers to create new components of the Institute such as a school, faculty or any other teaching or research unit, and to change the constitution of its Executive Committee and Governing Council. Engr, Shams ul Mulk, HI, Ph.D (hon), D.Sc (Hon), Former Chairman, Water and Power Development Authority and Former, Chief Minister of NWFP (Now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) is the President of the Board. The members consist of eminent scientists, scholars, engineers and industrialists as founding members. Chairman, Higher Education Commission, Chairman, Water and Power Development Authority, Executive Director SOPREST, Secretary Finance Division, Govt. of Pakistan, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Secretary Law, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are Ex-officio Members of the Board.

On Silver Jubilee of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, (1993-2018) a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 24, 2018.

INTERNATIONAL ANTICORRUPTION DAY. December 09, 2018 (2018-11)

 

1. International Anti-Corruption day is commemorated on 9th December every year all over the world. It signifies the day when United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was first opened for signing at Merida, Mexico in 2003. It is a major milestone in the global efforts to combat corruption and provides a unique opportunity to create public awareness against corruption. The day is observed to highlight the adverse impacts of corruption on humanity.

2. International Anti-Corruption Day i.e 9th December is gaining more impetus with each passing year as our society is becoming more aware to the plethora of problems our nation is facing due to rampant corruption. The recent crusade of the apex court against corruption and widespread debates and coverage from the media has sensitized the whole society to the disastrous impacts it has on the development of our country. The present government is taking bold steps to serve as an example by practicing good governance, transparency, accountability on economic and development issues so that we, as Pakistanis start believing in the government. The improvements in governance will not occur automatically as the development process unfolds; no virtuous circle will suddenly begin to operate.

3. NAB has intensified its efforts for raising awareness in the masses in fighting against corruption. The Bureau is the forerunner in the drive for a corruption free society through adoption of a holistic three pronged strategy of Awareness, Prevention & Enforcement. NAB has recovered over Rs. 297 billion since inception and its efforts have helped Pakistan in moving up the ladder in the (Transparency International) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) from 126th to 117th (latest index as of year 2017) position in the community of nations during the last four years.

4. Pakistan is a developing country, and it is quintessential that all resources including national kitty are utilized strictly in accordance with rules and regulations in fair and transparent manner. NAB is following and advocating policy of zero tolerance and practicing self-accountability in eradicating Corruption in the country.

5. NAB under section 33C (a) of NAO 1999 is mandated to educate and advise public authorities, holders of public office and the community at large on measures to combat corruption and corrupt practices The Bureau is actively engaging with other public sector departments and intelligentsia for reforming their systems and regulations in order to curb the menace of corruption and corrupt practices through the mode of Prevention Committees. Awareness is aimed at correcting ill habits of Society through Education and Character Building so as to build public opinion and will to eradicate Corruption and Corrupt Practices. The major object of awareness is to transform the social attitude from indifference to abhorrence against corruption; building anti-corruption coalition; and putting to lime light various aspects and dimensions of the menace of corruption by raising awareness and building requisite character traits.

6. NAB as an institution has played a central role in galvanizing anti-corruption efforts all over the country, it has become a focal point for people frustrated with our public sector institutions. The Bureau has developed and introduced an on line complaint registration system along with dedicated telephone lines for assistance of general public and complainants, where the grievances of the citizens are listened very carefully. The Chairman NAB holds public hearings on the last Thursday of every month wherein he personally hears the complaints of the public and issues necessary directions for the redressal of their grivances as law. The Regional Bureaus also hold public hearings for the convenience of the public on the same pattern as per the advice of the Chairman NAB for reaching out to the public.

7. The issuance of this Commemorative Stamp with the support of Pakistan Post on the eve of International Anticorruption day i.e. December 09, 2018 carrying the message "United against Corruption for a Prosperous Pakistan" is a step forward to renew the pledge and commitment of the government against corruption and for raising awareness of general public about its ill effects and will also help in the prevention of corruption.

8. Silence perpetuates corruption; when we have information that can help prevent loss of resources through corruption or that can assist to bring perpetrators to book. We must collectively fight, to destroy this cancer that eats deeper into the moral fabric of our society.

9. Let’s join together, as a nation, on the eve of International Anti-Corruption day i.e. 9th December, 2018 for renewal of our vows and dedication to the cause of eradication of corruption from our beloved country so that we leave for our future generations a better and prosperous Pakistan.

On International Anti-Corruption Day with the message "United Against Corruption for a Prosperous Pakistan", a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/-denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 09, 2018.

ON THE 10 EDITION OF INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE EXHIBITION AND SEMINAR-IDEAS 2018. NOVEMBER 27, 2018 (2018-10)

 

International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) is one of the mega regional events, biennially organized by Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) under the auspicious of Ministry of Defence Production of Pakistan. A continuous success story since year 2000, IDEAS is now an established rendezvous of international defence exhibitors, high level delegations, security analysts and top ranking policy planners. Besides exhibiting latest innovations in defence technologies; it is also an international forum for analytical evaluation of defence and security outlook of the future through a series of conferences and a capstone seminar.

The history of international defence exhibitions in Pakistan dates back to 1999 when Pakistan Navy organized an International Naval Defence Show from 22-25 February 1999 at Karachi. The event received an overwhelming response and was largely participated by national and international defence manufacturers and exhibitors. The event provided an impetus and government of Pakistan decided to organize International Defence Exhibition and Seminar as "IDEAS" biennially and the first edition of IDEAS was held in year 2000 at Karachi Expo Centre. Through exponential year on year growth, both in terms of number of exhibitors and participating countries, today IDEAS has iconic standing on the canvas of global defence exhibitions.

While serving as an international platform for showcasing latest innovations in defense and technologies of the future, IDEAS is a regional gateway for international manufacturers and suppliers to explore new avenues of defence cooperation through joint ventures, outsourcing and collaboration. On the other hand while reinforcing our diplomatic efforts in the realm of defence diplomacy; it manifests Pakistan's deeply embedded and mutually beneficial relations with the international fraternity. In fact, the IDEAS is a shared vision for global peace, stability and harmony. The IDEAS slogan, "Arms for Peace" truly reflects Pakistan's principled stance on peace within and peace without.

Today marks the 10th successful conduct of IDEAS in Pakistan. On the 10th edition of IDEAS, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 10/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 27, 2018, showcasing the IDEAS logo which is well renowned in the defence exhibitions worldwide

JAMSHEED MARKER EX-AMBASSADOR, November 24, 2018 (2018-9)

 

Educated at the Doon School, Dehra Dun, and Forman Christian College, Lahore, Graduated as a Gold Medalist with an Honors Degree in Economics from the University of the Punjab.

DIPLOMATIC CAREER

Appointed as Ambassador of Pakistan in 1965, and since served continuously abroad in that capacity in eleven different capitals, with concurrent accreditation to a further nine countries.

September 2004 to December 2007

Ambassador at Large, Government of Pakistan

July 2000 to December 2004

Special adviser to the Secretary General, United Nations, for East Timor, with the rank of Under Secretary General.

February 1997 to Jun 2000

Personal Representative of the Secretary General, United Nations, for East Timor, with the rank of Under Secretary General. Conducted negotiations, as representative of the United Nations, with the governments of Indonesia and Portugal, with East Timorese leaders, which led to the successful referendum in August 1999, enabling the eventual independence of East Timor.

May 1995 to December 1996

Member, Efficiency Board, the United Nations, New York.

September 1995 to June 2004

Diplomat in residence, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg Florida. Director in various corporations in Pakistan.

September 1990 to March 1995.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, New York. Chairman of the Group of 77 for 1992. Led negotiations on behalf of the Group of 77 (consisting of 128 developing countries) the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro, June 1992. Permanent Representative of Pakistan, Member of the Security Council, January 1993 to December 1994. President of the UN Security Council, April 1993. President of the UN Security Council, July 1994.

July 1989 to August 1990.

Distinguished Fellow, the United States institute of Peace, Washington D.C. Diplomat in Residence, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida. Director of business corporations in Pakistan.

September 1986 to June 1989.

Ambassador of Pakistan to the United State of America, with concurrent accreditation to Jamaica. Maintained close co-ordination with the U.S. Administration and Congress on a number of important issues Including negotiations over the Soviet military withdrawal from Afghanistan. (Please see article in the New York Times, 1 September 1988, attached).

1982 to1986.

Ambassador of Pakistan to France, with concurrent accreditation to Ireland Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Paris.

Negotiated credit agreements in defense purchases, training and technology. transfer. Close political contacts on the Afghan issue. Travelled extensively in the country on speaking engagements. Maintained personal ties with important personalities at the Elysee, the Matignon, Quald'Orsay and the National Assembly.

1980 to 1982.

Ambassador of Pakistan to the Federal Republic of Germany. Negotiated credit agreements. Maintained close contacts on the Afghanistan issue, including the organization of refugee aid and assistance. Travelled extensively in the country.

1979 to 1980.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the European Office of the United Nations in Geneva.

Represented Pakistan on the Committee on Disarmament, the Council for the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), as well as the UN Specialized Agencies based in Geneva, ILO, WHO, WMO, WIPO, UNHCR, Chaired a number of committees, particularly in the Disarmament Committee, specializing in nuclear issues, and in UNCTAD, specializing in financial issues and the problems of international debt.

1976 to 1978.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Japan. Negotiated two annual yen credits, and numerous joint ventures in the private sector.

1973 to 1976.

Ambassador of Pakistan to the German Democratic Republic, with concurrent accreditation to Iceland. Opened the Pakistan Embassy in East Berlin, negotiated trade and aviation agreements with the G.D.R.

1972 to 1973.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Canada, with concurrent accreditation to Guyana, Trindad & Tobago.

1969 to 1972.

Ambassador of Pakistan to the U.S.S.R., with concurrent accreditation to Finland. Negotiated the agreement for the establishment of the only steel mill in Pakistan. Travelled extensively in the Soviet Union, organized the state visits of President Yahya Khan to the Soviet Union in 1970, and of President Bhutto in 1972, Participated in frequent and extensive diplomatic negotiations in the Kremlin, particularly with Prime Minister Alexel Kosygin, during the crisis leading to the emergence of Bangladesh.

Negotiated with the East German diplomats in Moscow for the establishment of diplomatic relations with the German Democratic Republic.

1967 to 1969.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Romania, with concurrent accreditation to Bulgaria. Organized the state visit of President Ayub Khan to Romania in 1967.

1965 to 1967.

High Commissioner of Pakistan to Ghana, with concurrent accreditation as Ambassador to Guinea and Mali. Travelled extensively throughout West Africa, and expanded relations between Pakistan and the newly independent Anglophone and Francophone West African nations, from the diplomatic field to cooperation in commercial, economic, cultural and military affairs.

MULTILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS.

Apart from duties as Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, was also a member of the Pakistan delegation to the General Assembly of the United Nations on a number of occasions, was also a member of the Pakistan delegation to the Non Aligned Movement Conference in Havana in 1979, and to the organization of the Islamic Conference in Islamabad in 1980.

While based in Geneva, Paris and Washington, was closely involved with the negotiations which led to the Genva Accord 1988, and the subsequent withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan.

Member of an unofficial group of experts assembled by the Arms Control Association and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace at Divonne, France, in September 1974, which produced a report entitled "N.P.T. Paradoxes and Problems".

Appointed by the Secretary General, United Nations, to a group of experts on a Comprehensive Study on Nulear Weapons, vide General Assembly Resolution 33/91 D of 16 December 1978. Co-author of the Report dated 12 July 1980 Entitled * Nuclear Weapons: Report to the Secretary General".

BUSINESS CAREER

1946 to 1965

Joined the family business in 1946 in Quetta, Balouchistan and Karachi, Sindh, and became a director of a number of corporations which included shipping, pharmaceuticals, banking and insurance. Took an active interest in industrial labour relations, and was a member of the Pakistan delegation to several conferences of the International Labour Organization, Geneva. Was also a well known radio cricket commentator in Pakistan.

1942 to 1945.

Served in the Royal India Navy in World War II in convoy escort duties, commanded a magnetic minesweeper, and look part in combined operations in Burma. Served as a Group Testing Officer on the Naval Selection Board.

AWARDS.

Service Awards:

1939/45 Star, Burma Star, War Service Medal.

Civil Awards:

Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam by the Government of Pakistan, 1971.

Madarski Konnik by the Government of Bulgaria, 1986.

Grand Officer dei Order de Merit, by the Government of France, 1986.

Order of San Carios in the Degree of the Great Cross, by the Government of Columbia, 1993.

Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan, 2004.

Married to Diana Dinshaw (expired 1979), and Amaz Minwalla. Two daughters, Niloufer Marker Reifler and Feroza Marker (expired 2001).

Interests and occupations include music and opera, literature, sports and art, especially contemporary Pakistani paintings. One of the early circket commantators for Radio Pakistan.

Languages: Urdu, Gujarati, English, French, German and Russian.

PUBLICATIONS

East Timor. A Memoir of the Negotations for Independance. Mc Farland & Co. Jefferson. North Carolina.

Quiet Diplomacy. Memoirs of an Ambassador of Pakistan. Oxford University Press, Karachi.

The American Papers. Co-authored with Roedad Khan. Oxford University Press Karachi. Coverpoint. Impressions of Leadership in Pakistan.

On Jamsheed Markar, Ex Ambassador of Pakistan (1922-2018), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 24, 2018.

100 YEARS OF MAMA PARSI GIRLS' SECONDARY SCHOOL KARACHI (1918-2018) July 24, 2018. (2018-8)

 

April 2018 marks the centenary of The Mama Parsi Girls' Secondary School. The school's history and development reflects the contribution of the Parsi community to the city's civil life, offering a paradigm of the community spirit.

In 1917, there were few schools, particularly for girls, and very few girls went to school. As early as 1903, Seth Eduljee Dinshaw proposed the establishment of a High School for Parsi Girls. However, the funds raised then, were insufficient. The school was finally established in 1918 due to the foresight and acumen of Jamshed Nusserwanji Mehta, who brought together the community minded sprit and philantrophy of Khan bahadur Ardeshir Hormusjee Mama, Khan Bahadur Nusserwanji Mehta and Nadirshaw Eduljee Dinshaw. Shehryarji Contractor, Director of Public Education, Bombay Presidency, provided expert guidance. Since Khan Bahadur Ardeshir Hormusjee Mama was the largest donor, the school was named The Mama School in memory of his parents.

The school started in the BVS School premises, then moved to the Mama Mansions and finally settled down in its present location in 1920, with the capacity to accomodate 250 Parsi girls. In 1947, after partition, at the personal request of the Quaid-e-Azam, admission was opened to girls of all communities.

Starting with about 50 Parsi girls, we now have 2130 girls! The Founder's motto was to provide the best possible education to every child entering the portals of this school. Moving with the times, many things have changed but our motto has remained unchanged. We have surged ahead with the growth in numbers - our beautiful old buildings still stands, with several new structures added on new programmes and curriculum have been introduced. We now work in two shifts morning and afternoon. Computer Studies was introduced in 1985. The Matriculation System of the Sindh Board was changed to the SSC Examinations of the Aga Khan University Education Board. Co curricular activities have increase, with Urdu & English Literary & Dramatic societies, Red Crescent, Mama Cadets & Girl Guides also being added on and of course we are very proud of our girls' School Band.

Remaining true to our motto, our aim is not only to impact knowledge but to develop informed, ethical and reasonable individuals who are prepared for life-long learning, to lead and to serve.

We now have many Mamaians in different parts of the world, who are living, working and positively contributing to their cities and communities. We are indeed proud of them!

We thank God Almighty for the school's successful century and pray for His Blessings for many many more years to come.

On 100 Years of Mama Parsi Girls' Secondary School Karachi (1918-2018), Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 8/- denomination on July 24, 2018.

KASHMIR MARTYR'S DAY (Atrocities in IOK) July 13, 2018 (2018-7)

 

1. 13th July is the milestone in the history of Kashmir struggle for freedom. On this day 21 Kashmiris had sacrificed their lives for the supreme cause of freedom of Kashmir from the clutches of despotic Dogra rulers.

2. On 19th April 1931, the Dogra DIG Chowdry Ram Chand stopped Imam Munshi Muhammad Ishaq from giving Eid Khutba (Sermon) in the Municipal Park of Jammu. The incident sparked off widespread protest demonstrations in Jammu city. Ban on Eid Khutba in Jammu was followed by desecration of the Holy Quran at the hands of Dogra troops, in Jammu, which further aggravated the situation throughout the state. In Srinagar, people gathered in Jamia Masjid Srinagar to denounce desecration act and demand severe punishment to the culprits. To demand their religious rights and to protest, a large number of personal gathered in Khankah-e-Mualla Srinagar, where while listening to speeches of Kashmiri leaders a youth Abdul Qadeer pointed his finger to the Maharaja's palace and raised full-throated slogans "destroy its every brick". He was arrested instantly on the charges of sedition. Abdul Qadeer was to be tried in the court but due to possible public reaction the court was shifted to Central Jail Srinagar. On 12th July, violent public demonstrations were held throughout the city against the shifting of the court to the Central Jail, Srinagar.

3. On 13th July, thousands of people thronged the central jail Srinagar to witness the in-camera trial of Abdul Qadeer. At Zuhar time, one of the youth stood up and started reciting "Azan" for Zuhar prayer. He was killed by Dogra soldiers; next youth started the 'Azan' where it was left by the martyred youth. He was also killed and in process of completing the 'Azan' 21 youth were killed one after the other. This incident is a black chapter in the history of Dogra regime. The people carried the dead and the injured with them, formed a procession and paraded the highways and streets of Srinagar, chanting slogans Dogra brutalities. Complete strike was observed in the city, which followed weeklong mourning. This incident shook the whole state and the traffic from Srinagar to Rawalpindi and Srinagar to Jammu came to halt from 13th to 26th July. Since then, the day is observed as Kashmir Martyr's Day.

4. It was the result of the above episode that Kashmiri leadership realized the need to form a political party i.e. Muslim Conference (MC) with a view to wage struggle for their freedom. Later in 1934, State's first elections were held and Muslim Conference won 16 out of 21 seats and after two years in 1936 it succeeded in getting 19 out of 21 seats. Indian Congress was upset with this result and tried to create division in the ranks of Kashmiri leadership. On 19th July 1947, MC after considering geographical proximity, Majority of Muslim population (80%) religion, language and cultural relations, passed a resolution to merge Kashmir with Pakistan.

5. It's heart-moving to observe that despite a period of 80 years, the Kashmiris are still struggling and sacrificing to achieve their alienable right under UNSC resolutions for the plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir Valley is one of the most heavily militarized regions in the world with 7 Lakh armed security forces, who indulge in indiscriminate killing, forced disappearances, rapes and maiming innocent youth and women. The present history is witness to continued inhuman tactics of India to suppress Kashmiris.

6. Indian savage and ruthless forces left no stone unturned to crush their popular struggle and martyred thousands of Kashmiris during last 27 years. These brutal troops have victimized Kashmiri masses irrespective of their age and gender. They let loose reign of terror and applied Chankian tactics of curfew, cordon off, crackdowns, siege and search operations. Indiscriminate firing, fake encounters, murder, mass killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, illegal detention, abduction, disappearances, extra-judicial killings. custodial deaths, molestation, victimization of school going children and arson were the main characteristics of Indian State terrorism.

7. Indian cruel, inhuman, ruthless, merciless and brutal troops killed, tortured, kidnapped, molested, and disgraced thousands of innocent Kashmiri women. Even innocent female children are not spared. They are tortured, orphaned maimed, handicapped, deprived of their fathers and brothers and left wailing for their near and dear ones with ocean of tears.

8. Indiscriminate firing on women folk, baton charge, tear gas and pepper gas shelling. use of lethal weapons, pellet shelling and pepper gun grenade throwing have become the daily routine of Indian malicious forces. Thousands of women are arrested and jailed. Thousands of them martyred, thousands half widowed, thousands widowed, thousands molested, thousands left unsafe/ shelter less, and almost every women of kashmir mentally tortured and deprived of their sons and brothers.

9. Indian evil forces have butchered, martyred, tortured, disabled and abducted the Kashmiri youngsters. These ruthless forces kidnapped them from their homes or streets and then threw their bullet riddled bodies in rivers and open localities. These brutal troops equipped with heavy weapons kill these Kashmiri youth anywhere and anytime in a bid to suppress the popular struggle of Kashmiris.

10. 94888 Kashmiris have been martyred by Indian security forces in custody, extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances and these human right violations are carried out by Indian security forces under total impunity. Indian occupation forces martyred thousands of Kashmiris in various massacres.

11. In Jammu Massacre on 6th November 1947, the Maharaja Hari Singh's army, Hindu terrorist organization RSS activists martyred nearly 500'000 Muslims in jammu and forced more than 1 million to migrate to Pakistan. It is a horrendous, unforgivable and unacceptable crime against humanity; and a dark blot on the history of mankind.

12. Gawakadal Massacre. On 21 January 1990, 51 civilians were killed by CRPF troopers during protests against earlier raids in which wanton arrests and molestation of women were conducted by CRPF troops.

13. Handwara Massacre. On January 25, 1990, two BSF patrolling parties in Handwara indiscriminately fired at peaceful protesters and killed 25 people. Many people were injured.

14. Zakoora and Tengpora Massacre, Indian forces killed 33 protesters and injured 47 on 1 March 1990 at Zakoora Crossing and Tengpora Bypass Road in Srinagar. The killers were not punished.

15. Hawal Massacre. At the funeral of Mirwaiz Muhammad Farooq on May 21, 1990 over 60 civilians were killed by paramilitary forces and hundreds injured in the indiscriminate firing on the funeral procession.

16. Sopore Massacre. On 6 January 1993 Indian troops killed 55 civilians in the town of Sopore and set fire to many homes and buildings.

17. Bijbehara Massacre. On 22 October 1993 the Indian Army killed 51 civilians during protests over the siege of the Hazratbal Mosque, 25 of those killed were students None of the accused were punished.

18. Kupwara Massacre. On 27 January 1994 the Indian Army fired at and killed 27 civilians, mainly traders, in Kupwara district. Survivors say that the soldiers carried out the massacre to punish people for observing shutdown on January 26.

19. Chattisinghpora Massacre. On 20 March 2000, 15-17 gunmen, entered the village of Chattisinghpora. They ordered all of the Sikhs to assemble at the village Gurdawara and systematically shot and killed 34 of them.

20. Nadimarg Massacre. On night of 23 March 2003 the terrorists entered at Nadimarg village near Shopian and dragged the Hindus out from their homes, lined them and shot them by automatic weapons. At least 24 Hindus including 11 women and 2 children were killed. The killers disfigured the bodies of the victims, looted their houses and took away the ornaments from bodies of the dead women.

21. Torture in Custody. Indian occupation forces torture innocent Kashmiris to suppress their demand for freedom. There are thousands of torture cases in Kashmir. The entire Kashmir is at risk of arbitrary detention, torture or even death. Indian forces are used to torture Kashmiris during crack down, search operation and raids on homes.

22. Rape as a weapon of war. Rape is an active strategy of the security forces to humiliate and intimidate the Kashmiri population, Rape is used as a weapon of war by India soldiers, 11036 women are molested by Indian occupation forces.

23. Custodial Killing. The custodial killings are a routine in Kashmir. According to human rights defenders around 7099 Kashmiris are martyred in custody during the past twenty-seven years.

24. Enforced Disappearance. Indian occupation forces are involved in forced disappearances of thousands of Kashmiris. The extent of male disappearances has been so large that a new term half widows has been created for their wives who end up with no information of their husbands' whereabouts. Human right activists estimate the number of disappeared to be over 10000, last seen in government detention.

25. Arson and Destruction. India occupation forces have used every type of brutal tactic to suppress the freedom struggle of Kashmiris. These ruthless forces have set ablaze the residential houses, go downs and crops of Kashmiris. Property worth billions of US dollars have been destroyed, 108,596 structures are arsoned.

26. Victimization of Children. Indian troops did not spare even innocent children of Kashmir. Their parents are martyred; even the children are tortured and martyred. 107676 children are orphaned.

27. Killings of Youth. Indian evil forces have butchered, martyred, tortured, disabled and abducted Kashmiri youngsters. These ruthless forces kidnapped them from their homes or streets and then threw their bullet riddled bodies in rivers and open localities. These brutal troops equipped with heavy weapons kill these Kashmiri youth anywhere and anytime in a bid to suppress the popular struggle of Kashmiris. According to confirmed sources 56000 Kashmiri youth have been abducted by Indian army and paramilitary forces and only some of them returned home alive. And those who were lucky to survive are living miserable life with mental and physical disorder.

28. Fake Encounters. To crush the popular struggle of Kashmiris and to target Kashmiri youth, fake encounter is one of the techniques of Indian state terrorism. A fake encounter is an unlawful execution with a dramatic component. Indian ruthless forces stage these dramas for gallantry or cash awards or for professional advancement that is out of tum promotions. Out of 94888 Kashmiris more than 8000 are killed in fake encounters.

29. From July 8, 2016 after the martyrdom of Burhan Wani, India used pellet gun which was meant to kill animals on innocent Kashmiris. Due to Indian pellet shelling 8353 have been injured, 73 youth lost complete eye-sight, 207 lost one eye sight,974 are at the verge of losing eye sight, 1863 youth are those whose eyesight is partially damaged.

30. According to reliable sources from January 1989 to 31th December 2017, 94,888 Kashmiris are martyred 7099 are martyred in custody, 143,048 Kashmiris arrested, 108,596 structures arsoned, 22.862 women widowed, 107676 children orphaned, 11036 women molested.

31. Indian used every type of brutal tactics to suppress popular struggle of Kashmir by force. Even after losing their precious lives these Kashmiri have moral advantage upon Indian ruthless forces. Their demand is crystal clear and that is right of self-determination. They are not ready to compromise their freedom though at the cost of their lives. It is time for International community, Human rights activists and peace loving nation to be a part of suppressed people and pressurize oppressors to stop genocide, otherwise history never forgives any one.

32. The date on atrocities by Indian security forces from January 1989 to 30 April 2018 is as under:-

a. Total killings                                                                   94,874

b. Custodial killings                                                          7,099

C. Arrests                                                                            142,851

d. Structures destroyed/damaged                           108,471

e. Women widowed                                                       22.862

f. Children orphaned                                                      107,674

g. Women gang-raped/molested                             11,026

On Kashmir Martyr's Day (atrocities in 10K), the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/-each

60th ANNIVERSARY OF URDU DICTIONARY BOARD, June 14, 2018 (2018-5)

 

Urdu Dictionary Board (Formerly Urdu Development Board) was established in 1958. It was created through a Resolution of the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan, dated 14th of June, 1958, which stated that Urdu Development Board would compile and publish a comprehensive dictionary of Urdu on historical principles, on the pattern of Greater Oxford Dictionary. The Board was also asked to undertake a number of other tasks for the development of Urdu.

Founded by Baba-e-Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq who was the first Chief Editor of the organization, it was honored over the years by close and active association of great scholars and litterateurs of their times such as Josh Malihabadi, Begum Shaista Ikramullah, Dr. Abdul Lais Siddiqui, Mr. Mumtaz Hasan (Governor State Bank of Pakistan); Shaukat Subzwari, Dr. G. Allana and many others. One of the oldest scholarly institutions of Pakistan, it has a prestige that has no rival.

UDB has a library comprising of rare books and manuscripts, a large number of which was rescued and brought to Karachi in trunks by Maulvi Abdul Haq from the office of Anjuman-e-Taraqui-e-Urdu in Delhi after it was ransacked in communal riots in 1947.

Through a Resolution of Ministry of Education dated 27th of March, 1982 the Board was re-named as Urdu Dictionary Board and was assigned the task of compiling and publishing a comprehensive dictionary of Urdu keeping in view the standard of Greater Oxford Dictionary. It was also given the task of preparing an abridged /concise Edition as well as other dictionaries of technical & scientific terms. The Board was asked to perform such other functions too, as assigned to it by the Government from time to time.

In 1986 another Resolution dated 31st March 1986, was passed by the Ministry of Education but the main function of the Board remained almost unchanged and it continued preparing and publishing the Lughat as its main task.

Federal Education Minister governs the affairs of the Board while the Chief Editor supervises working of the Board. The Chief Editor who has all the administrative and financial powers.

Urdu Dictionary Board was declared Sub-Ordinate office of the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan in November 2007. After the devolution of Ministry of Education, Urdu Dictionary Board was placed under control of the Cabinet Division, Government of Pakistan after that it became the sub-ordinate office of Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, and w.e.f. 5th January 2016 it is working under National History and Literary Heritage Division, Ministry of IB & NH, Government of Pakistan.

The basic objective of the organization has been to prepare dictionaries. This entity has prepared Greater Urdu Lughat (from volume 1 to 22) comprising 22000 pages and 264000 entries at the pattern of Greater Oxford Dictionary. This greater Lughat was completed in 2010 after the great efforts of 52 years.

Because of this greater Lughat, Urdu has been accepted the third language of the world who has made dictionary at philological principle. Before this, same nature of work has been done by United Kingdom and Germany.

Recently Urdu Dictionary Board has completed a project regarding "Computerization of Urdu Dictionary, Software Development for Mobile Phone, Web Hosting and establishment of Server Room" in this project Urdu Dictionary Board has computerized (volume No.1 to 22) that are available at website www.udb.gov.pk moreover mobile apps are also available to get utility from this greater dictionary.

After completion of greater Lughat, Urdu Dictionary Board Karachi has been preparing concise and children's dictionaries, these dictionaries are going to be completed soon and it will be ready for publication.

On 60th Anniversary of Urdu Dictionary Board, the commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on June 14, 2018.

70 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE STATE BANK OF PAKISTAN (1948-2018) (2018-6)

At the time of partition of the sub-continent in 1947, it was agreed that the Reserve Bank of India would continue to function as the currency and banking authority in Pakistan till 30th September, 1948. This arrangement, embodied in the Pakistan Monetary System and Reserve Bank Order, 1947, was considered necessary. However, soon after the establishment of Pakistan it become evident that in the best interests of the country, it should have a central banking, institution of its own.

It was considered expedient to model the proposed institution on the line of the Reserve Bank of India and draft legislation for the purpose was issued in the form of the State Bank of Pakistan Order, 1948 on 12th May 1948 The functions, duties and powers of the State Bank were to be broadly similar to those of the Reserve Bank of India. The State Bank was charged with the responsibility of "regulating the issue of barnk notes and keeping of reserves with a view to securing monetary stability in Pakistan and generally to operate the currency and credit system of the country to its advantage", the 1956 Act which with subsequent amendments constitutes the current charter of the Bank requires it "to regulate the monetary and credit system of Pakistan and foster its growth in the best hational interests with a view to securing monetary stability and fuller utillization of the country's productive resources".

Simultaneously with the task of withdrawing the India notes and replacing them with Pakistan currency, the state bank had to revive and rehabilitate the banking system in the country which had virtually collapsed in the wake of partition of the Sub continent. Prior to independence (August, 1947) there were 46 scheduled bank offices in Pakistan dwindled from 631 to 195.

ใช้ 1949, the State bank initiated scheme for setting up a commercial bank which-would have a broader outlook and would be in a position to launch a bold branch expansion programe in the country.

One of the primary responsibilities assigned to the State Bank under its Charter is to regulate the monetary and credit system of Pakistan with a view to securing monetary stability in the country. Monetary stability signifies the avoidance of inflationary or deflationary pressures and maintenance of equilibrium in the balances of payments.

State Bank of Pakistan Role & Functions

Role:

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), from the time of its establishment on 1st July 1948, in addition to the traditional Central Banking functions has also been entrusted with the additional task of instituting a sound Banking System in the newly established country.

Objectives

The princple objective of SBP as envisaged in the SBP Act 1956 is to promote monetary and financial stability and foster a sound and dynamic financialsystem so as to achieve sustained and equitable economic growth and prosperity in Pakistan.

Primary Functions

·         Sole Authority to Issue Notes

·         Monetary Management

·         Exchange Rate Management

·         Regulationton Supervision of the Financial System

·         Efficient Payment Systems

·         Lender of the Last Resort

Secondary Functions:

·         Public Debt Management

·         Advisor to Government

·         Liasioning with International Financial Institutions

·         Bankers. Bank

·         Banker to Government

Developmental Functions:

·         Development of financial framework

·         Providing credit to priority sectors/ specialized financial institutions ect'

·         Development of Islamic Banking System

·         Providing training to banking sector

On occasion of 70 years of excellence State Bank of Pakistan, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issue by Pakistan Post on July 01, 2018.

18th MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF HEADS OF STATE OF SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION QINGDAO SUMMIT, 2018 (2018-4)

On the eve of Qingdao Summit SCO Member States are issuing a commemorating stamp marking the occasion of the 18th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of Shanghai Cooperation Organization which will be held in Qingdao China on 09-10 June, 2018.

The summit marks a year since Pakistan joined SCO as full Member This is the first Heads of State Summit being attended by Pakistan as a Full Member. SCO currently has 8 member States which are India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, "Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Heads of State of Member States who will attend the summit ficlude:

·         Prime Minister of the Republic of India H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi,

·         President of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. N. A. Nazarbayev,

·         Chairman of the People's Republic of China H.E. Mr. XI Jinping, President of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. S. Sh. Zheenbekov,

·         President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. V. V. Putin,

·         President of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. E.Rahmon

·         President of the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

A númber of documents/MOUs and Agreements will be signed during the conference which reflects high level of mutual trust and cooperation amongst the Member States.

H.EMr Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China will Chair the meeting being the host of the CHS. The Council of Heads of State is the supreme decision-making body in the SCO. It meets once a year and adopts decisions and guidelines on all important matters of the organization.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental organization which is successor to the Shanghai Five, a security mechanism initially established to deal with the border problems between China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

SCO has evolved into a multi-faceted regional organization working for regional economic cooperation. It is based on "Shanghai Spirit" which is defined as mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and pursuit of common development. SCO also adheres to the principles of non-alignment, non-targeting any third country, and openness.

Pakistan became an Observer State of SCO in 2005 and following due process Pakistan became a member of SCO in 2017 at Astana Summit. Our membership fulfills a key foreign policy goal, inspired by a vision of a peaceful neighborhood and connectivity. Pakistan shares with SCO and its Members, deep rooted historical and cultural links and strong economic and strategic complementarities. Our interests and objectives intersect across a wide range of areas and issues.

Pakistan sees SCO as an important forum for regional cooperation. It includes our major development and strategic partners. We believe that it has a vital role in safeguarding peace and security in the region and its socio economic development. It promotes multifaceted cooperation in the region in a wide array of fields. It allows us to share perspectives, coordinate positions and develop practical and concrete cooperation with these important countries.

Pakistan is committed to enhancing our relations with all SCO members on the basis of its core values an enunciated in the Charter and the Shanghai Spirit.

Pakistan also sees SCO-RATS as an important and useful forum for cooperation against the common enemy of terrorism. Pakistan has been able to successfully combat terrorism on our soil and are ready to share our experiences in tackling the menace of terrorism through the SCO-RATS.

The initiatives of SCO on investment promotion, trade facilitation, customs cooperation, E-commerce, small and medium enterprises, rail and road connectivity and tourism cooperation will improve the living standards of our people and enhance peace and prosperity in the region.

SCO can be a major vehicle for cooperation under the belt & road initiative. All SCO countries are connected through the ancient Silk Route.

On 18^th meeting of the council of head of state of Shabghai Cooperation Organization Qingdao Summit, 2018, the commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 10/- denominations being issued by Pakistan Post on June 09, 2018.