550th Birthday Celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-2019) November 12, 2019 (2019-7)

 

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His birthday is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Kartik Pooranmashi, the full-moon day in the month of Katak, October-November.Birth place of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is considered holy place by Followers of Sikhism, Punjabi Hindus and Sahajdhari Sindhis across the Indian subcontinent. Because of his close connection with Hazrat Sheikh Farid-ud-din Ganj Shakar, the Punjabi Sufi saint, Nanak Dev Ji is also considered by many Muslims to be a Sufi, or adherent of Sufic tenets. His main teaching to the world was written down to be "devotion of thought and having good actions as the first of our jobs".

The day prior to the birthday, a procession, referred to as Nagarkirtan, is organized. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). They head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib and the Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by teams of singers singing hymns and devotees sing the chorus. There are brass bands playing different tunes and 'Gatka" teams display their swordsmanship through various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons. The procession pours into the streets of the town. The passage is covered with banners and gates decorated flags and flowers, for this special occasion. The leaders spread the massage of Sri Guru Nanak.

On the day of the "Gurpurab", the celebrations commence early in the morning at about 4 to 5 am. This time of the day is referred to as Amrit Vela. The day begins with the singing of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns). This is followed by any combination of Katha (exposition of the scripture) and Kirtan (hymns from the Sikh scriptures), in the praise of the Guru, followed by Langar, a special community lunch, arranged at the Gurudwaras by volunteers. The idea behind the free communal lunch is that everyone, irrespective of caste, class or creed, should be offered food in the spirit of seva (service) and bhakti (devotion).

In Pakistan main religious ceremony of Birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is held in Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib every year. On the occasion of the event Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB ) provides best available facilities to the Yatrees, in coordination with other government departments for their comfortable stay in Pakistan. Emphasis is made to improve these facilities in order to project Pakistan as a minorities' friendly country. Detail of the facilities provided to the Sikh yatrees by ETPB is as under:-

1. Reception/Langar

Reception at Wagha Railway Station.

Provision of Langar on arrival / departure and throughout their stay in Pakistan.

2. Travel Arrangements

Arrangements of special trains/buses for travelling of Yatrees.

3. Customs and Immigration

• Liaison with Customs and Immigration / Rangers authorities for speedy immigration process for the Yatrees.

4. Security

Adequate security arrangements in coordination with concerned Government Departments for the protection of Gurdwaras/Mandirs and Yatrees.

Provision of Security Staff of ETP Board to help Special Branch at Wagha Border for Bio-data Form filling of Yatrees.

Security Staff of ETP Board is detailed with Yatrees throughout their inland traveling in Pakistan.

5. Accommodation

Comfortable boarding and loading arrangements for Yatrees within the premises of major Gurdwaras/Mandirs.

Various stalls, including Utility Store, Handicraft and Tourism are also established to facilitate the Yatrees.

6. Rituals

To ensure holding of religious ceremonies in Gurdwaras as per traditions of Sikh religion.

7. Currency Exchange

Arrangements for money exchange counters of National Bank of Pakistan/ Habib Bank Limited at Wagha Railway station and in all major Gurdwaras.

8. Telephone Facilities

PTC telephone booths with NWD/ISD facilities in all main Gurdwaras.

Provision of Mobile SIMS for the Yatrees at all the major Gurdwaras.

9. Health Cover

Round the clock availability of Doctors / Para Medical Staff for Yatrees during the travel of Yatrees and their stay at Gurdwaras/Mandirs.

On 550th Birthday Celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-2019), the Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs.20/- denomination each (set of 4) and Souviner Sheet of Rs. 550/- denomination are being issued by Pakistan Post on November 12, 2019.

30th Years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. (CRC) November 04, 2019 (2019-6)

 

The year 2019 is a special year for children of the world. It is the 30^th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history.

When countries- or states - sign a convention or make a treaty, they are making promises to each other. These promises create rights and obligations which are legally and politically binding.

By signing the CRC, world leaders agreed that children needed a special convention just for them because they often need care and protection that adults do not. They made a promise to children to protect and promote their rights to survive and thrive, to learn and grow, to make their voices heard and to reach their full potential. It was agreed that childhood, which goes up to 18 years, is a special, protected time, in which children must be allowed to grow, learn, play, develop and flourish with dignity.

Only a year after the signing of the CRC, Pakistan ratified the treaty making a strong commitment towards ensuring the fundamental rights of the child in the country. Ever since, noteworthy results, for children have been achieved in the country, however, a lot more needs to be done.

In his message for the 30th anniversary of the CRC, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H.E Dr. Arif Alvi said, "Pakistan is fully committed to combating all challenges that confront our children. We are dedicated to ensuring that no infant life is lost because of lack of basic health facilities; no school going child is deprived of education merely because of lack of schools; and no child is bounded to labour because of poverty, deprivation, and lack of opportunity. We will ensure that deteriorating environment does not affect our children. We will eradicate crime and terrorism from our society so that no child is ever prevented from leading a fulfilling life. It is, in short, our priority to transform each child into a productive and responsible member of our nation":

Over the past years, Pakistan has made steady progress for children, and the government of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf has committed to rise up to the challenges. The Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is committed to help children and young people survive, enter school, and develop the skills they need for employment said, "No country can prosper when there is a small island of rich people, and a sea of poor".

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is the UN organization mandated to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged, and is the only organization specifically named in the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a source of expert assistance and advice. As the flagbearer for the rights of the child, UNICEF continues to demand from the world leaders that they fulfill their commitments made in the CRC and take action to ensure that every child, has every right.

By promoting the ratification and supporting the implementation of the Convention and its Optional Protocols, UNICEF helps strengthen laws and policies and improves understanding of the Convention at all levels of society, including:

a.    Supporting governments to implement the Convention through laws and policies, including providing institutional and professional capacity development.

b.    Participating in different stages of the monitoring process. For example, UNICEF country offices assist governments in organizing major consultations prior to drafting their reports.

c.    Supporting the Committee on the Rights of the Child. For example, by participating in the Committee's review of submitted reports.

d.    Working with governments to identify implementation strategies in response to the Committee's recommendations.

e.    Helping to ensure that voices that too often go unheard are reflected in the information presented to the Committee. For example, by facilitating wide-reaching consultations at all levels of society, submitting written reports on the situation of women and children, and encouraging non-governmental organizations to submit their own reports to the Committee as a supplement to government reports.

UNICEF will continue to support the government of Pakistan to accelerate progress for children, work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and help children realize their rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This will be made through strong partnerships with provincial authorities, teachers and health professionals, frontline workers and social mobilizers, communities and families, and of course children and adolescents themselves.

On 30th Years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 04, 2019.

Japan's International Cooperation Towards Pakistan. October 22, 2019 (2019-5)

 

Diplomatic relations between Pakistan Japan were established on 28th April, 1952 and have remained traditionally friendly and historically conflict free. The mainstay of bilateral relationship has been economic and commercial, with Japan being a key development partner, a major investor and a significant export destination for Pakistan. Total trade between Pakistan and Japan in 2018-2019 was US$ 1.94 billion. Pakistan and Japan have signed several MoUs/Agreements in various sectors for mutual benefit. About 86 Japanese companies have made investments in Pakistan. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is engaged in About 40 projects through grant aid, loans or technical cooperation.

Since 1954 Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Pakistan has forwarded on basic economic and social infrastructure projects. JICA's Technical Training Programme involves the transfer of knowledge and technology required for administrators, technicians and researchers as well as field workers. Technical cooperation is designed in order to enable people to become self-reliant, solving their problems through their own efforts which leads to sustainable development of Pakistan.

JETRO, the lead Japanese agency monitoring global business trends and advising Japanese businesses, rated Pakistan at number three and number one in its surveys of 2017 and 2018, respectively, in Asia in terms of business growth expectation, profitability and employment has also been very helpful in attracting Japanese investor interest in Pakistan. Major Japanese companies including Mitsui, Sojitz, Morinaga and Ajinomoto have already set up their operations in Pakistan during these past few years. Establishment of PTV, Indus Highway, Digitalization of telephone system, Kohat Tunnel, are among the many projects carried out with Japanese financial and technical assistance.

Japna's priority areas of assistance in Pakistan include energy, improvement of the investment climate and promotion of industries, agriculture and rural development. In the field of human security and improvement of social infrastructure, it includes health, water and sanitation, disaster management and education.

The signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) in February 2019 is an important step forward in enhancing cooperation in human resource development.

The Commemorative stamps are being issued at the occasion of the President of Pakistan's visit to Japan to attend the enthronement ceremony of Japan's new Emperor. It is in commemoration of Japan's important role being played in the socio-economic development of Pakistan in various fields, mainly, infrastructure development, water supply, education and vocational training, disaster prevention and disaster risk management.

The commemorative stamps depict the following:

(i)            JICA expert teaching at Construction Technology Training Institute (CTTI)

(ii)          An irrigation expert working on the survey on the water amount of a waterway with Pakistani counterparts.

(iii)         Technology transfer at Pakistan Readymade Garment Technical Training Institute.

(iv)         Kohat Tunnel, the 1.9 km tunnel as a part of the Indus Highway, known as the symbol of friendship between Japan and Pakistan.

On occassion of Japan's International Cooperation Towards Pakistan, the Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs.20/- each denomination (set of 4 diffrent stamps with 2 labels in the center) are being issued by Pakistan Post on October 22, 2019.

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.