11th Edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar - Ideas 2022 Defence Export Promotion Organization Ministry of Defence Production, Government of Pakistan (2022-7)

 

International Defence Exhibition And Seminar (IDEAS) is one of the mega regional events; biennially organized by Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) under the auspices 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 confererices and a capstone seminar. The history of intemational 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 the 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 an iconic standing on the canvas of global defence exhibitions

While serving as an international platform for showcasing latest innovations in defence 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 Pakistan's defence manufacturing sector is aspiring to meet the modern security challenges and technological advancements. It is fully capable to meet the requirements in the areas of medium as well as selected areas of advance technologies through public and private collaboration. Pakistan certainly has an elaborate infrastructure and a well trained human resource, not only to meet its own defence requirements but also to compete in the world's defence market.

Today more than 20 major public and over 100 private sector firms are engaged in manufacturing defence related products in Pakistan. While major defence products are manufactured by the government owned Pakistan Ordnance Factories, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Heavy Industries Taxia, National Radio Telecommunication Corporation and Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works; Global Industrial & Defence Solutions and private defence industry is also instrumental in producing high quality supportive equipment and services. Joint development and production of main battle tanks (Al-Khalid & Al-Zarrar) aircraft (JF-17. Super Mushshak, UAVs), maritime craft (auxiliary vessels and FAC(M)), submarines, different variants of APCs, small arms and ammunition, and high grade explosives are a few to mention in this regard. Through mutual partnership and joint ventures, Pakistan industry offers new avenues of cooperation and collaboration.

DEPO in this regard is the core organization in Pakistan which provides professional, comprehensive and accurate information services to its global partners and customers through promotion, facilitation and coordination with the support of Ministry of Defence Production, Joint Staff Headquarters, Services Headquarters, defence industries, various chambers of commerce and trade bodies of Pakistan.

The 11 edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS-2022) is being held from 15-18 November 2022 at Karachi Expo Centre. The event as per its traditions is hosting a number of splendid activities encompassing world's advance defence technology demonstrations, networking, B2G growth, knowledge sharing and business expansions.

Diamond Jubilee of Pakistan (1947-2022) (2022-6)

 The struggle for a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent fruitfully culminated on 14th August 1947 when Islamic Republic of Pakistan appeared on the World Map, after an unprecedented and most peaceful freedom struggle of Muslims of the subcontinent under the dynamic and able leadership of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan, the diverse, multiethnic and multilingual state is celebrating 75th year of its existence. The journey since 1947 is an inspiring story of success and struggle which makes its citizens a proud member of the global community. The story of Pakistan, it's struggle and achievements are that of a great endeavor to survive and thrive in the comity of nations. Ranging from influx of refugees after partition of British India to the Indian invasion of 1965, the nation braved many challenges and emerged as a winner. Today, Pakistan boasts remarkable achievements ranging from nuclear power to state of the art network of roads and motorways. The nation not only ensured it's proud existence amidst hostile strategic challenges due to its key geographical location but: it has developed into a modern Islamic state capable of defending itself against any internal and external threat. Today, Pakistan is moving forward with 220 million population towards future with a number of success stories. Pakistan is proud of its army, the 7th largest in the world, which has not only successfully ensured the geographical and ideological integrity of Pakistan but also contributed in peace keeping across the globe.

Being a nuclear power and located at a key geographical location, Pakistan is committed to the cause of regional and global peace. Pakistan highlights sovereign equality of states, bilateralism, mutuality of interests, and non- interference in each other's domestic affairs as the cardinal features of its foreign policy.

Pakistan encompasses a rich diversity of landscapes, starting in the northwest, from the soaring Pamirs and the Karakoram Range through a maze of mountain ranges, a complex of valleys, and inhospitable plateaus, down to the remarkably even surface of the fertile Indus River plain, from- where the mighty Indus flows southward into the Arabian Sea. Pakistan possesses a rich treasurer of natural resources, a wide spectrum of flora and fauna, and fertile land. Culturally, Pakistan is a predominantly Islamic society infused with cultural heritage from most ancient civilizations of the world like Indus civilization. Different cultural and religious communities live in harmony in Pakistan.

Pakistan is developing from a predominantly agriculture-based economy to a diverse economy, with ever increasing industrialization, thriving service sector, exciting developments in the cutting-edge technology and information technology.

With its huge youth bulge and a very strong and patriotic diaspora contributing to economic development, Pakistan is well placed to face the current and future challenges.

Pakistan Post is celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Pakistan by issuing a set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs. 20/- (each) denomination on August 14th, 2022. In addition, a souvenir sheet specially designed for the occasion will also be issued having denomination of Rs. 75/- (in a limited quantity).

Centennial Celebration of Attock Refinery Limited (2022-5)

 

Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), a pioneer of crude oil refining in the country with its operations dating back to 1922, is a member of the Attock Group of Companies, the only fully integrated Group covering all segments of Oil and Gas industry from exploration, production and refining to marketing of petroleum products, besides being also engaged in power generation, manufacturing and trading of cement and other entrepreneurial activities. ARL is processing more than 40 different types of indigenous crude oils ranging from very light condensates to the heaviest crude oils. The main products of Refinery include Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Naphtha, Premium Motor Gasoline (PMG), Mineral Turpentine Oil (MTT), Jet Fuel, Kerosene Oil, High Speed Diesel (HSD), Light Diesel Oil (LDO), Jute Batching Oil (JBO), Furnace Fuel Oil (FFO), Cutback Asphalts, Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) and paving grade Asphalts.

In 1922 it all started with two small stills of 2500 barrels per day (bpd), ARL continued its journey and in late thirties and early forties the refining capacity was enhanced to 10,000 bpd. In 1981 with addition of two distillation units the capacity increased to 30,000 bpd. In 1999, refinery was further up-graded with addition of a 10,000 bpd Heavy Crude Unit, à Reformer unit to improve motor gasoline quality and a Captive Power Plant.

In 2016, ARL completed a major expansion and up-gradation project comprising Diesel Hydrodesulphurization (DHDS) Unit (to reduce Sulphur contents in High Speed Diesel to meet Euro

specifications), Pre-flash Unit (to enhance refining capacity by 10,400 bpd), Isomerization Unit (to enhance, production of Premium Motor Gasoline by about 70%) and expansion of existing Captive Power Plant by 18MW. The refining capacity now stands at 53,400 bpd with improved specifications of products. The Company continues to operate at optimum capacity in spite of many hurdles and challenges through induction of advanced technologies, improvement in skill index of its human resources and excelling in standards of health, safety and environment. ARL has initiated the pre- equisites for the installation of Continuous Catalyst Regeneration (CCR) Reformer unit for further improvement of gasoline specifications to Euro V and conversion of remaining naphtha stream. Technical studies to reduce furnace oil and enhance volume of value added products through bottom-of-the barrel up gradation are also in the process. ARL has achieved various certifications like ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 17025: 2017 accreditation for our laboratory and voluntarily adoption of ISO 50001:2011 Energy Management System. Automation of different critical processes like use of Distributed Control System, Auto Tanks Management System, MAXIMO - Inventory & Maintenance Management Systems, Human Resources Management System, ORACLE Financials, Laboratory Information Management System, Integrated Management System, Incident Reporting System, Permit to Work System, Management of Change System and Fuel Management System are some of the important examples of technological transformations that have taken place

in various spheres of activities.

ARL's emphasis on Safety and Quality assurance has enabled it to meet international safety best practices benchmarks as well as compliance with National Environment Quality Standards (NEQS). ARL has also enacted UN Global Compact Principles in its business process. All these steps prove our commitment to quality, safety and minimizing negative environmental footprint of our processes.

Backed by 100 years of successful operations in Pakistan, ARL as a responsible corporate citizen believes in sustainable community development which has a visible Corporate Social impact (CSI) and has sizeable contribution in the projects of environment, health, sports, and provision of clean drinking

water to the local community, poverty alleviation,women development, and capacity building. Education and skill development has always remained a top priority. Every year ARL contributes billions of rupees to the national exchequer in the form of taxes & levies, providing employment and business opportunities to thousands of people and contributes to national skill force by offering internships, apprenticeships, training opportunities and educational visits to students and fresh graduates.

On Centennial Celebrations of Attock Refinery Limited, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on July 25, 2022.

100 Glorious Years of Lahore College For Women University Lahore (1922-2022) (2022-4)

 Institutions play pivotal roles in the establishment of empowered societies. Lahore College for Women University, with a full time enrolment of about 16,000 students and a teaching faculty of more than 500 members, is one of the most influential institutions for women education in Pakistan. It admits students at the Intermediate, Graduate, Masters and Ph.D. levels. LCWU remains a charm for every Intermediate/Undergraduate level student as every year we receive thousands of applications from all over the country and abroad but only the top selected candidates get a chance to sit through the admission test and Interview.Ourpassed out students get appointed and serve in top positions in national and international organizations and fields like media, politics, civil services, provincial services and other fields that earlier have not been quite open for women. The University, over the years, has evolved into a symbol of excellence as an institution that ensures transference of quality education to women.

The conquest of an institute depends on its vision and LCWU's lucid vision has led to its rising stature. The Administrative and Financial Autonomy was given to the institution in the year 1990 which proved to be the turning point in the history of LCWU. The excellent performance during the period of administrative and financial autonomy paved the way for grant of academic autonomy and degree awarding status was granted in August-1999. The award of university status on 10th Sep,2002 added another feather in the cap of Lahore College for Women University as an institution of higher education for female education and women empowerment. Since the establishment of LCWU as a University, the institution has striven for improvement in Higher Education. At the time of autonomy, only six disciplines offered Masters Classes, but now with the University status, LCWU is offering degrees at graduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. BS 4 year degree program is being offered in 43 disciplines and 5 years Phram-D and Architecture degree is yet another highlight. The University is offering M.A/M.Sc. in 4 subjects and MS/M.Phil degree in 28 subjects. Moreover, the University is offering Ph.D. programs in 18 disciplines that are of immense significance.

External linkages in the forms of LOIS and MOUS with local and Foreign Universities have been established in the fields of Pharmacy, Electronics, Environmental Science, Fine Arts, English, Economics, Mass Communication and Gender Development Studies. The vision behind this advancement, though forward looking, is rooted deeply in the mission of the University duly approved by the syndicate. LCWU (Intermediate College) At F.A. / F.Sc. level the Intermediate College of LCWU is affiliated with the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Lahore for the purpose of examinations. This Intermediate College has proved to be a very fruitful nursery in providing women force for professional education in the province. The 21st century has brought a tremendous revolution in science, which has completely transformed the world. Today, sciences are exploring areas that defy imagination. Keeping in line with the importance of the sciences in today's world, LCWU has been fulfilling demand of the female students in this area too.

Since 1922, the Institution has firmly established its worth and significance in the country by maintaining the level of excellence customary to its origin. With the advancing times and challenging

global scenarios, LCWU is making a rapid progress and there is no doubting the prospect that it would very soon reach out to the pinnacle of its glory and shine even brighter! On 100 Glorious years of Lahore College for Women University Lahore (1922-2022), Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on May 25, 2022.

48th Session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Islamabad, 22-23 March 2022 (2022-3)

Pakistan will host the 48th Session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), in Islamabad, on 22-23 March 2022, under the theme of "Partnering for Unity, Justice and Development". The meeting also holds special significance as it will coincide with the 75th anniversary celebrations of Pakistan's independence.

2. Pakistan has a proud history of hosting OIC Summits and CFM meetings. The upcoming Session will be the 5th occasion that Pakistan has hosted a regular CFM - we earlier hosted the 2nd Session (December 1970 in Karachi), 11th Session (May 1980 in Islamabad), 21st Session (April 1993 in Karachi) and the 34th Session (May 2007 in Islamabad).

3. Pakistan also hosted the 2nd OIC Summit in February 1974 in Lahore and the Extraordinary Summit on the occasion of Pakistan's Golden Jubilee, in Islamabad in 1997. Moreover, the 1st, 7th and the 17th Extraordinary Sessions of the OIC CFM were also held in Islamabad,in January 1980, September 1994 and December 2021, respectively.

4. Pakistan has a deep and abiding commitment to the eternal. Islamic virtues of amity and brotherhood. Promoting solidarity and cooperation between members of the Islamic Ummah is not only a

foundational basis for our foreign policy, but is also an element of faith for us.

5. The guiding principles of this vision were laid by the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who described Pakistan's policy towards the Islamic States as one of abiding 'friendship and goodwill. Over the years, Pakistan has remained true to these

ideals.

6. As a founding member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan is fully committed to the vision of realizing the true potential of the Organization as the most effective and

representative voice of the Muslim World. This vision would also serve as a guiding principle for the 48th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM).

7. The 48th Session comes at a critical juncture for the Islamic World: the people of Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir are being denied their inalienable right to self- determination; the rising tide of Islamophobia and hate speech threatens Muslim communities across many parts of the world; millions of our Afghan brethren risk an uncertain future at the hands of hunger and disease. Similarly, the deleterious impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is yet to be fully contained.

8. Under these circumstances, the need for Islamic solidarity and cooperation is more pressing than ever and the Muslim Ummah has pinned its hopes on the OIC to chart out a joint Islamic action on all

such wide ranging issues in the true spirit of Islamic solidarity.

9. During the course of our Chair of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, Pakistan will sincerely endeavor to promote unity amongst the OIC Member states, advance the cause of justice for all Islamic

people, including our Kashmiri and Palestinian brethren who are forced to live under illegal and suppressive occupations, and to achieve the mutually reinforcing goals of prosperity and development for the OIC Member States. Similarly, ensuring full and complete recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic also remains a key priority for us.

10. The proposed theme of the 48th OIC CFM, "Partnering for Unity, Justice and Development" fully encapsulates these priorities. Our overarching focus would be to build 'bridges' of cooperation and to construct 'partnerships' across the Islamic world.

11. It is also pertinent to mention that during our previous Chairmanship of the CFM in 2007-08, Pakistan led negotiations on the new OIC Charter, which was a manifestation of our conviction that the Organization must be kept attuned to the dynamic and fast-evolving needs of our times. In the same spirit, Pakistan will continue to work with other OIC Member States towards tangible and practical steps to further strengthen bonds of Islamic solidarity and cooperation.

12. We are confident that the 48th CFM would prove to be a landmark session in our combined efforts to chart a joint Islamic way forward. On our part, Pakistan remains committed to support all efforts aimed at promoting unity, brotherhood and prosperity amongst the Muslim world. On 48th Session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Islamabad, 22-" 23 March 2022, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination each on March 23, 2022.