Commission on Science & Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) October 4, 2019 (2019-4)

 

The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), is an international and intergovernmental organization, with the aim to promote South-South cooperation in the field of Science and Technology which are the most relevant to socio-economic raise of the developing nations and to sensitize the governments vis-a-vis significance of Science and Technology and its utilization in the national and regional development.

2. In harmony with this vision and with the support of various state heads from developing countries, the COMSATS was established in 1994. At the Foundation meeting 36 representatives from various developing countries and international organizations participated. Most were at the level of Heads of State and Heads of Government. The invitation was extended by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan. Through an international agreement it was established as an international/ intergovernmental organization whose Secretariat is permanently located in Islamabad. The President of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is the incumbent chairman of the Commission. Ministry of Science and Technology of Pakistan is the national focal point of COMSATS

3. The Government of Pakistan after signing the international agreement, under section 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act No. XX of 1948 issued Ministry of Foreign Affairs' notification No. IEE (1)- 12/4/95 dated November 28 1995. These inter alia provide:

(i) Whereas Pakistan has signed the International Agreement to Establish the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) on 5th October, 1994 at Islamabad.

(ii) Government of Pakistan to host the Secretariat of COMSATS and approval of the Network of International Science and Technology, Centre of Excellence, dated 23rd July, 1995.

(iii) It was also agreed that the Government of Pakistan would provide host facilities including annual grant to meet its operational expenses.

4. Since its inception in 1994, it may be noted that the activities of the Organization have increased manifold in encompassing meaningful interventions and initiatives in diverse disciplines involving scientific research and development. In the last several years there has been a paradigm evolution in the character of the Organization aligned with inevitable nexus between sustainable development and science and technology. These shifts are reflected in the development policies, scientific and knowledge based strategies and economic planning in the overall context of the South and triangular cooperation. Today COMSATS has widened its international cooperation with multiple international organizations with similar agenda and it is recognized as an Organization with substantial outreach. It is a matter of immense satisfaction that COMSATS has been able to accomplish significant achievements in the field of science and technology.

On occassion of completing 25 Years of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on October 4, 2019.

70th Anniversary of The Commonwealth Organization (1949-2019) August 14, 2019 (2019-3)

 

Establishment of the Commonwealth: The Commonwealth organization was formed 70 years ago at the signing of the London Declaration on 26 April, 1949. It is a voluntary association of 53 independent and sovereign states. Pakistan was one of the eight founding members besides Australia, Britain, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka in 1949. Pakistan was represented by its first Prime Minister Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan at the signing of London Declaration. Member states pledged to enter into a partnership as equal countries having a shared set of principles and values. The London Declaration also stressed upon the freedom and equality to be enjoyed by its member states as a free association of independent nations cooperating for the "pursuit of peace, liberty and progress." Since then, the membership of this organization has expanded from eight to fifty three countries covering nearly one third of the world population. Rwanda was the last country to join the Commonwealth in 2009.

Vision and Mission: The Commonwealth describes the vision and mission of the organization as follows:

Vision: To help create and sustain a Commonwealth that is mutually respectful, resilient, peaceful and prosperous and that cherishes equality, diversity and shared values.

Mission: Support member governments, and partner with the broader Commonwealth family and others, to improve the well-being of all Commonwealth citizens and to advance their shared interests globally.

The Commonwealth Secretariat: In 1965, the Commonwealth Secretariat was established to support members of this organization for achievement of "development, democracy and peace." The Secretariat's organizational structure is divided into three priority areas:

a. Economic, Youth and Sustainable development

b. Governance and Peace

c. Trade, Oceans and Natural Resources

Celebration at 70: This year, in 2019, the Commonwealth is celebrating its 70th anniversary to make the establishment of this organization that caters to nearly 2.4 billion people across six continents. It include both developed and developing economies alike. Member states get support from a network of more than 80 inter-governmental civil society Organizations in the professional and cultural fields.

Postage stamp design: The commemorative postage stamp being issued by Pakistan Post will mark the 70^th anniversary of the Commonwealth. Overall design and theme of this stamp highlights three aspects vis-a-vis Pakistan: Culture and Society, History and Heritage, Economy and Development; all of which are major components that define the Commonwealth as an entity. The stamp also showcases the 70th anniversary logo of the Commonwealth organization that has been designed by the Secretariat for official use across the 53 member states during events, competitions, conferences and other similar activities for celebrating this milestone throughout the year 2019. The white color of the Commonwealth logo has been selected to complement the green fields to jointly represent the two colors of Pakistan's national flag. The crescent and star has been added at the top of the picture within the arch to represent the symbol of Pakistan's official state emblem.

The over arching setting in which the design has been put in place is reflective of a retro fashion and style for postage stamp design dating back to the formative years of Pakistan. More color and flavor has been added to bring it in sync with the required jubilant celebration style at par with the occasion that is being commemorated.

a. Culture and Society: The Cultural aspect is reflected in the colorful frames and flowery patterns which depict truck art design theme prevalent acrossPakistan and widely celebrated throughout the country with its vibrant colors and beautiful patterns on traditional transport vehicles. The text also has Urdu script as part of the labels to highlight the national language of Pakistan-Urdu. One of the key deliverables that the Commonwealth focuses upon is youth empowerment and people to people connectivity for establishing peace and having a long lasting impact on all the citizens within this group of countries. Culture and society forms the bedrock of this approach that seeks to develop increased connectivity and build bridges of cross cultural understanding. This theme there complements one of the objectives of the Commonwealth.

b. History and heritage: Pakistan has a rich history and heritage. This element is represented in the postage stamp design through the arch that is placed within the frames of the stamp which is reminiscent of Mughal and Islamic geometric art traditions that form an integral part of the country's heritage. Commonwealth in essence, is based on the idea of its member states coming across each other on the crossroads of history and represents the commonalities that bring the member states together. It is one of the oldest political associations of states in the world. Consequently, the impact of heritage is an important feature that binds member states of the Commonwealth.

c. Economy and development: Pakistan is one of the pioneers in agricultural production that forms the economic basket of majority of the rural population across the country. With its green croplands and agrarian potential, Pakistan enjoys a prominent status in this domain. This factor is reflected in the sizeable share of agriculture in Pakistan's economy and that which possesses the impetus to grow further. The picture within the arch is from a village in Pakistan that showcases the green fields which demonstrate economic activity. Commonwealth organization is about growing economies of its members and boosting trade. Through this theme, the idea of sustainable economic development is highlighted as a key segment of Commonwealth organization's aims.

On 70th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Organization (1949-2019), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on August 14, 2019.

Pakistan's First Remote Sensing Satellites. July 09, 2019 (2019-2)

 

1. As the national space agency of Pakistan, SUPARCO is currently pursuing a multifaceted space programme. The National Space Programme-2047 envisages the launch of multiple kinds of satellites to ensure guaranteed access to space and accrue its benefits for socio-economic development of country. In this vein, the launch of remote sensing satellites is an historic and unmatched feet, for it entails space-enabled natural resource inventorying and monitoring, environmental monitoring, disaster risk reduction and mitigation, urban planning and rural development, besides saving a vast sum of foreign exchange.

2. On 9 July 2018, Pakistan successfully launched two remote sensing satellites, called Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite-1 (PRSS-1) and Pakistan Technology Evaluation Satellite-1A (PakTES-1A) from China. The successful launch of the said satellites has further strengthened space cooperation between Pakistan and China. The timely launch of these satellites was a result of untiring efforts of engineers and scientists of SUPARCO.

3. PRSS-1 is tailored to meet Pakistan's needs for high-resolution imagery required by commercial/strategic users for socio-economic development of the country, especially in the fields of land mapping, agriculture classification and assessment, urban and rural planning, environmental monitoring, natural disaster management and water resource management. PRSS-1 is also being used for providing remote sensing information for CPEC monitoring.

4. Similarly, PakTES-1A is an indigenous satellite equipped with an optical payload commensurate with national socioeconomic and national security needs. The main objective of PakTES-1A is to achieve strategic breakthrough towards indigenisation of design and development of various types of satellites. The project was implemented by SUPARCO through local know-how and capability acquired over the course of past

three decades. PakTES-1A is covering the entire globe for earth observation and is capable of producing 2.4 metres resolution optical images of the planet. The launch and successful in-orbit operationalisation of the satellite is a landmark technological feet in the space journey of Pakistan.

5. The launch of the said satellites has made the nation self-reliant in addressing a myriad of socioeconomic and strategic security challenges. These include effects of climate change, natural and anthropogenic disasters, crop infestation, outbreak of epidemics, urban sprawl, water and other natural resources mismanagement, border security and smuggling etc. The data collected from these satellites shall provide information essential to forecast weather, assess environmental hazards, manage natural resources, and improve our understanding of climate. It will also aid the ongoing national afforestation campaign and identify suitable freshwater storage sites. In addition, the experience and know-how gained by the engineers and scientists of SUPARCO in the design and development of satellites has greatly augmented their technical skills and expertise, ready to be harnessed in future satellite projects.

On the occasion of Launching of Pakistan's First Remote Sensing Satellites, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on July 09, 2019.

150th Death Anniversary of Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib Urdu Eminent Poet. February 15, 2019. (2019-1)

 

Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib is regarded as the greatest South Asian Poet of Urdu-a language which is widely used and understood in entire region. He is also a Poet of Persian and a prose writer both in Urdu and Persian with a unique and distinct style of his own. As a Persian Poet he is well-known in Iran and Central Asia also. Actually, his ancestors hailed from Transoxiana, a part of Central Asia and migrated to India in the middle of the 18th Century some fifty years before his birth. Ghalib lived in Delhi during the twilight of the Mughal rule in the Sub-Continent as a Poet and writer was a ture and most authentic representative of the central tradition of the literary and cultural history of the period.

As the greatest Poet of the 19th century, Ghalib has not only been a constant subject of literary criticism in the 20th century but has also attracted wide-spread attention of the common reader of Urdu who loves, admires and quotes him whenever he can even without having read or understood him thoroughly. No other Urdu Poet dominates the literary scene in the same way and lives in the hearts and minds of people as Ghalib. His charisma as a Poet in the literary world of the Sub-Continent is unprecedented and unmatched.

Ghalib had a strong personality and he was conscious of it. This consciousness was responsible for Ghalib's urge to express himself in his own individual manner. So he deviated from the tradition of Urdu Poets and gave expression to the thoughts and feelings of his individual personality rather than to the thoughts and feelings of the community in general.

Ghalib did not defy tradition but the carved out a new and different path for himself. As a result he discovered new realms of thoughts and feelings and endowed new dimensions to the ones already discovered. He added new shades of meaning to words so much so that a study of his poetry becomes a veritable exercise in appreciating meanings of meanings. What he says is of course significant but equally significant is what he leaves unsaid. He creates a sense of the infinite while dealing with the finite.

In the last phase of his life Ghalib the poet became Ghalib the letter writer. The sad music of Ghalib's soul expressing itself in the other harmony of prose epitomizes not only his personal mood or temper but in fact the mood and temper of a whole generation in the period after the great upheaval of 1857 which brought an end to the Mughal rule in the Sub-Continent.

In short Ghalib's world is a world inhabitated by intensely human experiences of a lively and rich personality with a new and refreshing mode of thoughts and feelings. Ghalib was conscious of his personality but he was not a prisoner of it. He had the breadth of vision and a catholicity of outlook which enabled him to see beyond himself. He had a truly sensitive, free and open mind ready to perceive and imbibe. That is why while Ghalib always remained Ghalib, he could also be you and me and many others. Like Shake-spear he was not wedded to a particular view of life nor did he make an attempt to systematise his thinking. He was large as life and had a real zest for it and a rare insight into it affairs. He was neither an optimist, nor a pessimist. He was a through-bread realist in his personal life as well as in his poetry and prose.

On the occasion of 150th Death Anniversary of Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib (Urdu Eminent Poet). Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on February 15, 2019.

"New Political Map of Pakistan - 2020" December 25, 2020 (2020-11)

 

1. After revoking Article 370 on 5 August 2019, India issued new Political Map which included Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) as part of Indian occupied territories. Apropos, Government of Pakistan approved new Political Map of

Pakistan on 4 August 2020 while considering following aspects:-

a. New map should reflect aspirations of the people of Pakistan - a reference for future generations.

b. To show Pakistan's stated position with respect to Jammu & Kashmir, Siachin and Sir Creek.

c. To highlight illegal occupation of Jammu & Kashmir by India.

d. Correction / reiteration of historic stance on Jammu & Kashmir while projecting Pakistan's perspective both inland & abroad -The Kashmir cause.

2. To commemorate this historical milestone, it is recommended that a special postal stamp depicting new Political Map of Pakistan be issued on 25 December 2020. The stamp shall depict the changes made in the new Political Map of Pakistan as elaborated below:-

a. Complete Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan shown as part of Pakistan with International Border marked accordingly.

b. Complete Jammu & Kashmir including Gilgit Baltistan (including Indian Occupied Parts) shown in one distinct. colour.

c. Gilgit-Baltistan regional boundary with rest of Jammu & Kashmir drawn distinctly.

d. Following annotation written within Indian Occupied Part:-

Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (Disputed Territory-Final Status to be decided in line with relevant UNSC Resolutions)

e. Line of Control (LOC) marked in red dotted line in accordance with own stance with respect to line north of point NJ 9842 up to Karakoram Pass. Annotation indicating LOC as under:-

"The red dotted line represents approximately the line of control in Jammu & Kashmir.  he state of Jammu & Kashmir and its accession is yet to be decided through plebiscite under the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions."

f. A word AJK written along LOC with following annotation:-

"AJK stands for Azad Jammu & Kashmir as defined in the AJK Interim Constitution Act, 1974."

g. Working Boundary marked with appropriate annotation. h. Annotation for FRONTIER UNDEFINED added:-

"Actual boundary in the area where remark FRONTIER UNDEFINED appears, would ultimately be decided by the sovereign authorities concerned after the final

settlement of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute."

i. Border with India on Sir Creek reflected as continuous riband Key "International boundary along the eastern bank of the Creek" added.

Pakistan Post is issuing a Speical Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on "New Political Map of Pakistan - 2020" December 25, 2020.