Sunday, November 19, 2023

Pakistan Conquest Of K-2 December 25, 1954.


 









The second highest mountain in the world K-2 was first scaled by Italian and Pakistani mountaineers on July 31, 1954.

The peak is 28,250 feet high and also known as Godwin Austen. The name 'K-2' is derived from Karakoram 'K' and '2' for being the second highest in the world.

A beautiful stamp was introduced on December 25,1954 to commemorate the event. Motif shows, of course, the majestic view of the mountain with inscription below it "CONQUEST OF K-2" in white panel. The date of adventure (1954) is printed in Urdu and English at upper corners. Denomination 2 anna and 'Pakistan Postage' are printed in a panel at bottom.

Pakistan 7th Independence Anniversary August 14, 1954


 



A set of seven stamps highlighting the 'scenic beauties' of Pakistan was issued on August 14, 1954, but the stamps are considered to be definitive. From this issue it was decided to depict separate design for each value, to facilitate both public and the postal staff.

6 Pies Kaghan Valley: A beautiful stamp in purple colour illustrates the view of the valley in decorated border. All stamps in the set have identical elements; face value and 'Pakistan Postage' in Urdu and English etc.

9 Pies Gilgit: The stamp is in horizontal shape, in blue colour showing panoramic view of, spring in Gilgit through an arch.

1 anna Badshahi Mosque; the historical mosque was the subject of this stamp printed in carmine. The frame of the stamp is same as in 9p.

1 1/2 anna Tomb of Emperor Jahangir: The red coloured stamp in vertical format projects the Tomb of 4th Moghul Emperor Jahangir, located at Lahore, its frame is same as in 6p value.

14 anna Tea Garden; A view from East Pakistan showing Tea Garden.

Re.1, Cotton Field: Cotton field in full bloom is shown on this value in pale green colour.

Rs.2, Jute Field: Jute is a prominent product of East Pakistan, the stamp depicts boats in the river and Jute Field in the background.

The top three values are horizontally larger, having triangles on each corner, showing in Urdu 'Pakistan' at right and 'Postage' at left. These words together, in English are placed at the base.


Pakistan Scinde Dawk Centenary, August 14, 1952


 


This issue of stamps commemorates stamp of earliest time, universally known as 'Scinde Dawk' stamps, Asia's first postage stamps, issued in Sind (Scinde) province, hundred years ago.

The current issue comprising two same-design stamps denominated at 3 anna and 12 anna in deep olive and light brown colours. The original Scinde Dawk stamp is reproduced in reduced form, at left and same size crescent & star at right. A caravan of camels carrying mail is depicted at center and three aeroplanes are seen flying above, symbolizing the old and modern means of mail transmission. Denomination in Urdu and in English is printed at base on sides and \"CENTENARY 1ST. POSTAGE STAMPS" at the base. The Urdu translation is given above the planes where date "1852-1952' is also printed.

Pakistan 4th Independence Anniversary August 14, 1951

 



Although issued on Independence Day this set of stamps was declared as 'definitive. Country's renowned artist A. R. Chughtai designed the stamps in 2 1/2a, 3a, 3 1/2a, 4a, 6a, 8a, l0a and 12a values. The 2 1/2a (crimson) and 3 1/2a (blue) are in same design showing Vase and Plate surrounded by decorated frame. Value is printed in square tablets on sides of the base, where 'Pakistan Postage' is also printed linking the tablets. "Pakistan" and "Postage" in Urdu are printed at upper sides, diagonally. Saracenic leaf pattern is selected for 4a and 6a stamps in green and orange. "Pakistan/ Postage" is printed in between value tablets, and 'Pakistan' in Urdu at the centre of a crescent placed at the middle of the leaf pattern.

Two values intended for 'airmail' are 3a red and 12a slate in vertical shape, showing Hour Glass and symbolic aeroplane, crescent & star is also seen behind the plane. Elements are placed differently in these two values; country name in English is at the top panel and in Urdu, at bottom left, in decorated triangle. Face value is engraved at upper corners, in Urdu and English.

Arch and Lamp is the subject of next two denominations; 8a sepia and l0a purple. Horizontal stamps are decorated with floral design all around and two columns on either side, carrying tall trees. Value tablets are engraved at sides.

Saturday, November 11, 2023

75th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan & Netherlands. November 02, 2023 (2023-15)

 



1. Pakistan and the Netherlands enjoy friendly relations. Bilateral diplomatic relations were established on 28th February 1948. The Dutch embassy with its seat at Karachi was established in Pakistan by a Royal decree on 14th July 1948. During the first few years a charge. d Affairs (a.i) Mr. M.P.M. van Karebeek (1948-1950) was appointed. In 1954, the Netherlands and Pakistan started to exchange ambassadors. On 11th January 1955, the first Dutch Ambassador, Dr. J. G. de Benus (1954- 1957), presented his credentials to the Governor-General of Pakistan Mr. Ghulam Muhammad. The Dutch embassy was later moved to Islamabad in 1967.

2. Meanwhile, in August 1950 Pakistan opened its Embassy in the Hague. On 21st August 1950. Mr.S. Lal Shah Bokhari arrived in the Netherlands as charge d Affairs (a.). In September 1954, the first Pakistani Ambassador Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan came to the Hague and presented her credentials to Her Majesty the Queen Juliana on 20th September 1954.

3. In 1953, the Netherlands was inundated by sea water. Pakistan galvanized the entire nation to help the Dutch people and donated 2000 kgs of Tea to the Netherlands. Pakistan's support to the Dutch in 1953 has been widely recognized by the senior generation and in 2003, the Dutch Prime Minister officially sent a letter acknowledging Pakistan's support. During the 2010 floods in Pakistan, the Dutch Government provided US$4 million to the World Food Programme (WFP), for buying and transporting food packages to some 6 million people in Pakistan. In the wake of last year's unprecedented floods, the Dutch government has provided US$3.5 million through different streams to Pakistan and is helping through water management experts.

4. Since 2004, the Netherlands has hosted more than 150 junior diplomats from Pakistan who have received training there.

5. Pakistan and the Netherlands have institutionalized their relationship by establishing the mechanism of Bilateral Political Consultations since 2010. The upgraded 10th Session, at the level of Foreign Secretaries, was held in the Hague.

6. The Netherlands has become the second largest export destination for Pakistan's exports in the EU and major source of net Foreign Direct Investment. During FY 2022.

bilateral trade reached US$2.24 billion out of which Pakistani exports were US$1,735 million and imports. were US$507.9 million. Total Foreign Direct investment inflow from the Netherlands was US$305.8 million. In FY 2022, Pakistan's top commodities exported to the Netherlands included Textile, apparels, cotton, ethanol, leather, travel goods, beverages, cereals, sports, equipment and footwear.

7. More than 80 Dutch companies are operating in Pakistan. The major investments are in the sector of Food & Beverage, Electronics, Trade, Finance, Textile, Pharmaceuticals, and others. Engro Foods/Chemicals. Veon, AkzoNobel and Royal Vopak are some of the biggest names of Dutch FDI in Pakistan.

8. Pakistan and the Netherlands are celebrating 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023. The two countries share a rich history of bilateral co-operation in a wide range of areas including Political, Economic, Trade and investments, Climate Change, Education and Culture.

9. Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp on this auspicious occasion on 2nd November 2023. It features Tulip, the National Flower of the Netherlands which is also widelygrown in Pakistan, highlighting the beauty of the growing relations between the two Nations.