70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Spain (2022-2)

 Year 2021 marks the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Spain. Pakistan-Spain ties are marked by cordiality, underpinned by commonality of views and shared interests of democracy, pluralism, peace and security.

The relations have consistently improved over the years. Spain is one of the largest trading partners of Pakistan and a large Pakistani Diaspora in Spain acts as strong bridge between two cultures.

The commemorative postage stamp is being issued to celebrate the friendly relations between our two countries, portraying the images of Plaza de Cibeles, Spain and Islamia College. Peshawar.

Revised

The Plaza de Cibeles is a classical symbol of Spanish art and architecture. It is a square with a neo-classical complex of marble sculptures with fountains that has become a symbol for the city of Madrid. It sits at the intersection of Calle de Alcala (running from east to west). Paseo de Recoletos (to the North) and Paseo del Prado (to the south). Plaza de Cibeles was originally named Plaza de Madrid, but in 1900, the City Council named it Plaza de Castelar, which was eventually replaced by its current name.

It is currently delimited by four prominent buildings: the Bank of Spain Building, the Palacio de Buenavista, the Palace of Linares ("Palacio de Linares"), and the Cybele Palace ("Palacio de Cibeles"). These constructions are located in four different neighborhoods from three different adjacent districts: Centro, Retiro, and Salamanca.

Over the years, Cybele Palace and her fountain have become symbolic monuments of the city. The Fountain of Cybele is found in the part of Madrid commonly called the Paseo de Recoletos. This fountain is named after Cybele, a Phrygian goddess.

Revised

The Islamia College, Peshawar was founded by the personal initiatives led by Sir S.A Qayyum and his colleagues in 1913. It is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Pakistan, and its historical roots are traced from the culminating point of the Aligarh Movement. The college provides higher learning in arts, languages, humanities, social sciences and modern sciences. In 1950 the University of Peshawar was founded as an offshoot of Islamia College Peshawar, with the later being associated to the university as a constituent college. Initially established as Islamia College, it was granted university status by the Government of Pakistan in 2008; the word college is retained in its title for preserving its historical roots.

The celebrations envisage a number of the cultural activities. The issuance of the postage stamp is the part of these celebrations. On 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and Spain, The Commemorative Postage Stamps are issued by Pakistan Post on January 14th, 2022.

70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relation Between Pakistan and Japan (2022-1)

 Pakistan and Japan enjoy traditionally friendly ties characterized by mutual trust, cooperation, people-to-people contacts, cultural and civilizational linkages. Historical links between the people of the two countries date back to pre-historic times. The Gandhara and Indus Valley civilizations and cotton trade were some of the means of old contact betweeen the two countries.

2. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 28th April 1952. Pakistan was among the first in few countries that ratified the Japan Peace Treaty. Unlinke majority Asian countries, Pakistan waived War Reparations due from Japan. During the 1951 San Francisco Peace Conference, Pakistan argued that Japan should be treated with respact and not with vengeance. Post War Japan's first ever Trade Agreement was with Pakistan. Pakistan was also one of the first countries that established a Trade Office in Japan (1948), while the latter also set up its earliest Trade office in Karachi that catered to the entire region. Textiles was the only industry initially allowed to operate by the US in Japan. Hence, Pakistan played a leading role in Japan's post war economic revival by exporting large amounts of cotton and jute to Japan on deferred payments. Japan in return provided us with textile machinery in lieu of our exports.

3. During the Korean War and in the Cold War, Pakistan and Japan found themselves on the same side of the divide. Within the first decade of Pakistan's independence, some 50 multinational Japanese companies had already set up their offices, mainly for trading purposes. The third overseas branch of the Bank of Tokyo was established in Karachi in 1953 and the metropolitan was also selected for opening the second office of the Japan External Trade Organization. After the US, Pakistan was the second largest trading partner of Japan, mainly catering to Japan's need for raw material, such as jute and cotton, and fulfilling over 50 percent of their requirement. During the 1960s, Pakistan occupied a prominent place in the allocation of Japanese assistance to the developing world and remained among the top recipients in the region, Japanese assistance came in the form of Yen Loan Assistance for development projects, grant assistance for social sector projects and technical cooperation for technology transfer and human resource development.

Japanese assistance was used for mega projects as well as for industrialization. Development projects of significance that were funded by Japan include the telephone exchanges throughout Pakistan, Thermal Power Station Jamshoro, Indus Highway, Kohat tunnel, Bin Qasim Thermal Power Station, the Construction Machinery Training Centre, Pakistan's first ever dedicated Children's Hospital, and countless others in the social sectors.

5. In the 1980's bilateral relations were further bolstered due to Pakistan's role in securing the withdrawal of the Soviet forces from Afghanistan and the sea lanes security through which Japan received bulk of its oil. Although bilateral relations saw a difficult phase following the nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan in 1998, the engagement at the political level continued.

6. The August 2000 visit to Pakistan by Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori signaled Japan's desire to continue highest-level engagement with Pakistan. President Pervez Musharraf visited Japan in 2000. Since 2001, Japan has also been highly appreciative of Pakistan's vital role in the War against terrorism. It also extended humanitarian assistance to Pakistan in the wake of 2005 earthquake.

7. During the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to Pakistan in 2005, Pakistan-Japan Joint Declaration entitled "Pakistan-Japan at a new Frontier, Towards a Renewed, Enhanced and Robust relationship" was signed. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz visited Japan in August 2005. Recognizing the

geopolitical importance of Pakistan and appreciating its role in fighting terrorism, Japan announced further expanding strong collaboration at all levels.

8. Japan welcomed the 2007 return of democracy in Pakistan. It not only hosted the Friends of Democratic Pakistan and Donors' Conference in Tokyo in April 2009, but also pledged US$1 billion at the Conference. Japan also come forward to assist Pakistan in its flood relief and rescue operations. It announced contributions for flood relief and rehabilitation efforts at the Pakistan Development Forum in November 2010.

9. Pakistan on its part expressed its solidarity and support to the government and the people of Japan in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011. Pakistan provided two C-130 aircraft loaded with relief goods to Japan. The Pakistani community in Japan went out of its way in helping the survivors by providing them food, disposable water bottles and other goods, and voluntarily worked in the shelters to provide them relief which was greatly appreciated by the Government of Japan. During the visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to Japan in 2011, the two sides signed the Joint Statement on Japan- Pakistan Comprehensive Partnership, which provided an impetus to further bolster ties. Both the visits provided an impetus to strong bilateral ties.

10. Pakistan is now offering a Special Economic Zone to the Japanese with attractive benefits such as sole ownership, tax exemptions, repatriation of earnings and single window operations. The Board of Investment set up for this purpose is making efforts, whereas the National Industrial Parks, another organization under the Industries Ministry, is offering developed industrial estates in different provinces at very reasonable terms. Japanese businessmen as well as the Japanese government have been in discussions with their counterparts on this matter. Such combined efforts portraying public-private partnership would bring about meaningful results to attract joint ventures for Pakistan, which in turn would provide job and business opportunities to Pakistanis.

11. Moreover, Pakistan among other things is now focusing on exports of Agri products to Japan. In 2020, Pakistan became the largest exporter of dates to Japan. Pakistan's mango exports to Japan have also witnessed an exponential increase in the last two years. There is a natural complementarily between the two countries in the field of Pakistani manpower export to Japan as Japan is witnessing a shrinking population and Pakistan has a young population. The two sides have signed MoUs such as: Technical Intern Training Programme as well as Specified Skilled Workers Programme under which Pakistan foresees semi- skilled and highly skilled workers (IT Sector) making their way to the Japanese

market in the near future.

12. In September 2021, the Foreign Minister of the two countries met on the sidelines of UNGA. Pakistan in August 2021, helped in Japan's evacuation efforts from Afghanistan which has been greatly appreciated by the Japanese government. In May 2021, Prime Minister Imran Khan became the first ever Prime Minister of Pakistan to give a keynote address at the "Future of Asia" conference organized

by Nikkei Inc. Another recent milestone was the signing of the MoU on Defence Cooperation between the two countries. On the economic and trade front, Toyota Japan provided a fresh investment of USD100 million for assembling hybrid vehicles in Pakistan.

13. To mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2022, several events have been planned to be held throughout the year both in Japan and Pakistan to befittingly commemorate the years long friendship between the two countries.

On 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relation Between Pakistan and Japan, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on January 1, 2022.

2023-13- 2023-13- 75 Years of Establishment of Pakistan - Turkiye Diplomatic Relations (2023-13)

 The year 2022 has a special significance for Pakistan, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the country's independence. It is also a special occasion in our diplomatic history, as we commemorate the 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Türkiye.

The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established soon after creation of Pakistan in 1947. Mr. Yahya Kemal Beyatli, the first Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, presented his credentials to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on 4 March 1948 and Mian Bashir Ahmed, Pakistan's first Ambassador to Türkiye, presented his credentials to President Ismet Inonu in June 1949. The fraternal relations between the two peoples go back centuries and are embedded in a common religious, cultural,

linguistic, and spiritual heritage.

The legendary support provided by the South Asian Muslims to their brothers and sisters in Türkiye during its War of Independence in the early 20th Century remains immortalized in the collective memory of all Turks. Muslims of South Asia defied their colonial rulers and came out in defense of Türkiye at one of the most critical junctures of its modern history - leaving behind their homes and donating all their belongings for the Turkish cause. Pakistan's national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal captured in his poetry the revolutionary spirit of resistance that led to the renaissance of the Turkish nation during its War of Independence. In fact, the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Türkiye are the extension of the same historical spirit - often articulated in motifs like "heart-to-heart relations" and, "two countries, one nation" by leadership on both sides. Both countries come to each other's support on every occasion and platforms. Pakistan and Türkiye stand with each other in pursuit of a peace, prosperity and development and against all challenges.

In recent years, in particular after the establishment of High- Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), bilateral relations have now been transformed into strategic cooperation. This highest bilateral mechanism between two countries at the leadership level has been instrumental in forging ever-greater ties in all sectors including trade, investment, banking, health, education, agriculture, defense, science and technology and tourism.

The milestone of 75th year of diplomatic relations provides us an opportunity not only to reinforce our unwavering ties but also transmit the tradition of unmatched fraternity and solidarity between the two nations to our future generations.

To commemorate the 75th year of diplomatic relations in a befitting manner, both countries have planned a range off events. As part of these activities; Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp to mark this historical milestone. The Commemorative Stamp bears joint logo for celebrating the year 2022 as the 75th year of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Türkiye.

On 75 Years of Establishment of Pakistan - Türkiye Diplomatic Relations, Pakistan Post is issuing the

Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.20/- denomination on September 13th, 2023.

75th Death Anniversary of Father of the Nation Quaid-E-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (2023-12)

 "Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Muhammad Ali Jinnah did all three". Stanley Wolpert

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born on 25th December 1876. By profession, he was a lawyer but worked as a successful political leader and fought for the rights of Muslims of the sub-continent. From 1913 until Pakistan's independence on 14th August 1947, Quaid- e-Azam worked as the leader of the All-India Muslim League: He was Pakistan's first Governor-General. He was a leader who, instead of raising swords, used the weapons of unity, faith and discipline to achieve his goal. It seems like God created him for this purpose only.

He led a meaningful life, had a multifaceted personality and had numerous achievements in other domains. In fact, he excelled in a variety of roles, including: one of the greatest legal minds India produced in the first half of the 20th century; an "Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity; a great constitutionalist, an eminent parliamentarian; a top politician; an unyielding freedom fighter, a vibrant Muslim leader; a political strategist and, most importantly, one of the greatest nation- builders of our time. But what makes him so exceptional is that, while other similar leaders took over traditionally well-defined nations and/ championed their cause or helped them achieve freedom, he founded a nation out of an impoverished minority and provided a cultural and national home for it.

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah inspired the World in general and South Asia in particular through his charismatic and visionary leadership. As a statesman, the Quaid led the constitutional struggle that culminated in the creation of an independent homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-Continent. The Freedom Movement is a living testimony of the political insight and sagacity of Quaid-e-Azam who adhered to the ideals of democracy and rule of law.

Unfortunately, the Quaid left for his heavenly abode soon after the creation of Pakistan. The founder of Pakistan was laid to rest on September 11, 1948. We have to continue to strive for making our country a place where people live with freedom, dignity and honor, as envisioned by the Quaid. Let us reaffirm on this day that we will devote our energies in individual and collective capacities for the betterment of our State and Society. The best way to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation is to adhere to the principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline, and to carry forward the Quaid's legacy in letter and spirit towards making Pakistan a developed and prosperous country. Jinnah dedicated his entire life to the struggle for a separate homeland for Muslims. He will always be remembered for his great vision and

highest standard of leadership.

On 75th Death Anniversary of Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.75/- denomination & Souvenir sheet of Rs. 100/- denomination on September 11th, 2023.

Golden Jubilee of Rawalpindi Medical College & University (2023-11)

 Rawalpindi Medical College was established in Faisalabad in 1973 and relocated to Rawalpindi on November 5, 1974. The college initially occupied an incomplete building at Tipu Road, later transferred

to Rawalpindi Medical College.

Professor Abdul Latif, the founder principal, played a significant role in establishing the institution. He oversaw the construction of student hostels, staff colony, and auditorium. The three teaching hospitals of the city namely Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital and District Head Quarter Hospital, now called Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital were attached to the college to teach and train medical students.

Subsequent principals, Professor Muhammad Nawaz and Professor Muhammad Iqbal, contributed to the college's development. Professor Iqbal collaborated with Professor Saad Rana to establish the New Teaching Block in Holy Family Hospital with assistance from the Islamic Development Bank. Professor Mubashir Malik established the Department of Psychiatry and fostered international collaborations. Professor Musadiq Khan established the Department of Medical Education and the Institute of Allied Health Sciences in 2007. He also oversaw the creation of the new teaching block in Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, along with the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Cardiac Care Unit (CCU)

In 2013, Professor Muhammad Umar (S.1) initiated improvements in the Institution. He restructured the undergraduate training program, upgraded student facilities, and organized a historical meeting to develop national guidelines for undergraduate training.

Since its establishment, over 8,600 students have graduated from RMC, achieving top positions in university examinations. The college's academic programs are accredited by various bodies, and it has gained recognition from international organizations.

Upon recognition of meritorious serves rendered by the college, the Punjab Government on 5th May 2017 upgraded it to Rawalpindi Medical University. With two main campuses and three affiliated teaching hospitals, the university provides comprehensive education and practical experiences for students. Under the leadership of Professor Muhammad Umar (S.1), the college focused on patient care initiatives, including the establishment of various departments including 12 new specialities and improving affiliated hospitals' standards. The college has also established recognized postgraduate training programs, organized international conferences, and implemented mentorship programs. The university's alumni have contributed to its development and aligning it with the latest advancements in healthcare. For the past three years, the university has been consecutively ranked by the Times Higher Education as the top medical university of Pakistan.

To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Rawalpindi Medical College, the Rawalpandi Medical University has organized a series of academic and cultural events, including an International Scientific Conference, alumni dinner, social program, variety program, and inauguration of projects and programs.

The Pakistan Post Office will issue a commemorative postage stamp to honor the Golden Jubilee and the university's contributions to healthcare.

On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Rawalpindi Medical College and University (1973-2023), Pakistan Post in issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 20/- denomination on 6th September, 2023.