Pakistan The World Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional Arfa Karim (1995-2012) (2012-2)

 

Arfa Karim Randhawa (2 February 1995 – 14 January 2012) was a Pakistani student and computer prodigy, who in 2004 at the age of nine years became a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), the youngest in the world until 2008. She was invited by Bill Gates to visit the Microsoft Headquarters in the USA. A science park in Lahore was named after her, the Arfa Software Technology Park

Arfa was born to a family from the village of Chak No 4JB Ram Dewali in Faisalabad, Punjab. After returning to Pakistan from a visit to Microsoft headquarters, Arfa gave numerous television and newspaper interviews. On 2 August 2005, Arfa Karim was presented the Fatimah Jinnah Gold Medal in the field of Science and Technology by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shaukat Aziz on the occasion of 113th birth anniversary of Fatima Jinnah.  She also received the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award again in August 2005 from the President of Pakistan.  Arfa Karim is also the recipient of the President's Award for Pride of Performance, a civil award usually granted to people who have shown excellence in their respective fields over a long period of time. She is the youngest recipient of this award. In recognition of her achievement Arfa was made brand ambassador for Pakistan Telecommunication Company’s 3G Wireless Broadband service named EVO in January 2010.

In 2011, at the age of 16, Arfa Karim was studying at the Lahore Grammar School Paragon Campus in her second year of A-levels. On 22 December 2011 she suffered a cardiac arrest after an epileptic seizure that damaged her brain, and was admitted to Lahore's Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in critical condition.

On 9 January 2012, Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, contacted Arfa's parents and directed his doctors to adopt "every kind of measure" for her treatment. Gates set up a special panel of international doctors who remained in contact with her local doctors through teleconference. The panel received details about her illness and provided assistance in diagnosis and treatment.  Local doctors dismissed the option of moving Arfa to another hospital owing to her being on a ventilator and in critical condition.  Members of Arfa's family have lauded Bill Gates for offering to bear her treatment expenses.

On 13 January 2012, Arfa Karim started to improve and some parts of her brain showed signs of improvement. Her father, Amjad Karim Randhawa, said Microsoft had raised the possibility of flying Arfa to the US for care.

On 14 January 2012, 16-year-old Arfa Karim died at 9:50 PM (Pakistan Standard Time) at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Lahore. Her funeral prayer was offered in Cavalry Ground Lahore at 10 AM on 15 January 2012, and later at Faisalabad the same day. The funeral was attended by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif. She was buried at her ancestral village in Faisalabad.

On 15 January 2012, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced that the name of Lahore Technology Park would be changed to Arfa Software Technology Park.

On The Eeve of Tthe 100th Meeting of The Federal Cabinet of Pakistan. (2012-1)

 

Article 90 of the Constitution of Pakistan, envisages that the Executive Authority of the Federation shall be exercised in the name of President by the Federal Ministers, which shall act through the Prime Minister, who shall be the Chief Executive of the Federation. Article 91 of the Constitution, envisions a Cabinet of Ministers, with the Prime Minister at its head, to aid and advise the President in the exercise of its functions.

2.                  The present Government assumed power in March, 2008. The Federal Cabinet held its 100th meeting in the city of Quaid on his 135th Anniversary to pay homage to the father of the Nation, it was a unique honour, in the history of Pakistan, for the present Government to hold a meeting on the birth day of the Quaid.

3.                  The present elected Government made all out efforts to translate the vision of the Quaid-i-Azam into reality. The Cabinet held its meetings not only Islamabad but also in Lahore, Quetta, Gwadar, Peshawar and Karachi, which is a symbol of national harmony and integration. The decision making process of the Government remained well structured as it was based on mutual consultation and sense of unanimity. The achievements of the present Government include an independent judiciary whose decisions, orders and judgment are respected by it, the NFC Award, the 18th Constitutional (Amendment) and above all restoration of the 1973 Constitution. Holding All Parties Conference, indicate the Government’s sincerity for mutual consultation and national reconciliation. Free media and sovereign Parliament are the results of the selfless and dedicated efforts of the Government. The Government has vowed to carry on the mission of the Quaid to make Pakistan a progressive, democratic Islamic State. All the aforementioned decisions were ratified by the Federal Cabinet.

4.                  The performance of the present Government was keenly monitored by the Prime Minister during its 45 months period, who was pleased to order meeting of the Federal Cabinet on fortnightly basis.

5.                  In compliance to above, regular meetings of the Cabinet have been held on alternative Wednesday. One hundred meetings of the present Cabinet is unprecedented in the history of Pakistan. The Cabinet deliberated upon 891 different issues of vital importance and 1101 decisions have been taken and that the rate of implementation of these decisions is 81%.

6.                  The aforementioned facts, reveals that the Cabinet under the Prime Minister is carrying forward the agenda set forth by the Parliament for the democratically elected Government including approval of few structural changes. It has tried to resolve each and every problem being faced by the people of Pakistan. A Task Force was formed to address energy related issues. The year of 2012, has been dedicated to address the rights of the people of Balochistan. The Cabinet dedicated to ensure complete and honest implementation of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package, to provide all fundamental rights to the people of Balochistan, under the Constitution.

On the eve of the 100th Meeting of the Federal Cabinet, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination on 18th January 2012.

"KASHMIR SOLIDARITY DAY" February 05, 2024 (2024-3)

On 5th of February, Government and People of Pakistan observe Kashmir Solidarity Day every year to express their unwitvering political moral and diplomatic support to the struggle of people of Jammu and Kashmir for their legitimate right of self-determination, as enshrined in UN resolutions. It exhibits Pakistar's support and unity with the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and their freedom struggle

On this day, the Nation reaffirms its resolve to standby our brothers and sisters in their valiant struggle for their just cause and exhibits its solidarity with people of Indian occupied Kashmir, their brave and rightful stance against atrocities of Indian forces. The atrocities and human rights violations by the Indian occupying forces have not deterred them from the cause based upon their legitimate right of self-determination as acknowledged in UN resolutions

The people of Pakistan and Kashmiris around the world reiterate their persistent support and send a loud and clear message to the world that people of Jammu and Kashmir are not alone in their struggle against the Indian occupying forces and call for peaceful settlement of Kashmir Issue in accordance with aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir is sine qua non for the lasting peace in South Asia

Pakistan calls upon the international community to play its role to check the egregious human rights violations in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and to ensure just and peaceful settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people.

The day is also observed as a national holiday To commemorate this day Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 30 on February 5, 2024,

 

30th ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND BELARUS (1994-2024) February 03, 2024 (2024-2)

This Commemorative Stamp marks 30 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Belarus, spanning from 1994 to 2024. It prominently features two iconic landmarks that represent the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Pakistan and Belarus. Dominating the foreground is the majestic Miner-e-Pakistan, a symbol of Pakistani nation's struggle for independence and sovereignty. In harmony with this, the Victory Monument of Belarus stands tall, signifying the resilience and triumph of the Belarusian spirit.

The Miner-e-Pakistan and Victory Monument serve as powerful symbols of national pride, history, and cultural identity. By featuring these landmarks the stamp pays homage to the shared values and aspirations that have forged a lasting bond between Pakistan and Belarus.

Interwoven into the stamp's intricate design are the state emblems of both nations: The National Coat of Arms of the Republic of Belarus serves as a symbol of the country's sovereignty, reflecting various facets of its identity, history, and aspirations Meanwhile, the coat of arms, or state emblem of Pakistan, adopted in 1954, embodies the nation's ideological underpinnings, economic foundation, cultural heritage, and guiding principles.

The 30th anniversary logo, with its meticulously chosen colours, reflects the harmony and respect that characterize the diplomatic relationship between the two nationa The number '3' is adorned with the vibrant colours of the Pakistani flag in a harmonious juxtaposition, the number '0' is elegantly shaded in the colours of the Belarusian flag. The logo also incorporates the state emblems of both countries and their respective flags, encapsulating the essence of this significant milestone in diplomatic history

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Belarus Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 30/- on 3rd of February, 2024

SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF PUNJAB MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT FUND COMPANY (1998-2023) (2024-1)

The Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC), a pivotal technical entity under Punjab's Local Government & Community Development Department, marks a significant milestone in its history the celebration of its 25th Anniversary the Silver Jubilee This commemoration stands as a testament to PMDFC's remarkable joumey. its manifold accomplishments, and its indispensable role in bolstering municipal services infrastructure and local government capacity across Punjab.

Established in 1998 under the Companies Ordinance 1984 and registered with SECP on 08/10/1998, PMDFC was conceived to aid Punjab's local governments in surmounting capacity constraints across financial, administrative, technical, and organizational domains. The company's overarching goal was to elevate the coverage and quality of municipal services throughout Punjab. Over the past 25 years. PMDFC has exhibited a sustained commitment to urban development, municipal services enhancement, and fortifying economic and institutional capacities within local governments.

Operating with the vision of "Help Build Healthy Cities," PMDFC has emerged as a multidisciplinary institution proficient in surveying, feasibility studies, planning, design, and the operation and maintenance of diverse municipal services. Its skilled workforce has significantly enhanced the institutional capacity of staff overseeing service delivery across all levels, thereby augmenting the quality of life in Punjab.

PMDFC's achievements are extensive, notably reflected in completed projects totalling Rs. 7855 million. These encompass diverse endeavours such as Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project (PMSIP). asset management, procurement, IT-based systems, capacity building and several other initiatives aimed at enhancing municipal infrastructure and services across various districts and cities in Punjab.

Notably, the Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project (PMSIP) garnered acclaim, earning recognition from the World Bank Regional Vice President Award for its exceptional contribution among South Asian Region World Bank projects. The project encompassed 41 sub- projects across 104 Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMA) in Punjab amounting to Rs. 4010 million.

The significance of PMDFC's journey lies not only in the tangible infrastructural enhancements but also in the profound impact on the lives of Punjab's residents. These range from the elimination of ponds for improved sanitation, development of sanitary landfill sites, pilot projects for rural solid waste management, clean drinking water initiatives, to the design and supervision of road and park construction each contributing significantly to amplify the quality of life for communities across the province.

In addition to infrastructural strides, PMDFC has emphasized capacity building, fostering collaborations with local governments, and empowering them to autonomously and responsibly enhance service delivery. These efforts have been underpinned by a meticulous situation analysis of municipal services, addressing gaps and deficiencies comprehensively.

Presently, the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) is actively engaged in the design and implementation phase of the World Bank-funded 'Punjab Cities Program' (PCP) across 16 selected cities in Punjab. This initiative aims to bolster the operational capacity of urban local governments in managing urban areas effectively. The primary objective is to introduce a model for Performance-Based Grants (PBGs) to Municipal Committees, focusing on parameters like Own source revenue and infrastructural development initiatives. These sub- projects have been rolled out in 16 chosen cities, including Daska. Hafizabad, Jhelum, Kamoke, Muridke, Wazirabad, Gojra, Jaranwala, Jhang, Kamalia, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Burewala, Khanewal, Kot Addu, and Vehari PMDFC has successfully completed 50 subprojects amounting to Rs. 2083 million as part of the Punjab Cities Program.

In parallel, PMDFC is overseeing a project titled "Support to Strengthen the Local Services by Local Governments. Funded by The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), this project focuses on enhancing local government services in selected districts of Punjab: Sheikhupura, Toba Tek Singh, Jhelum, and Lahore. Its core objectives encompass developing a regulatory framework, emphasizing capacity building among local government officials, officers, elected representatives, and support to the Punjab Local Government Academy (PLGA) in Lalamusa. The project places a strong emphasis on delivering municipal services while catering to the specific needs of vulnerable groups. Specific output indicators are set to measure success, including showcasing expertise in implementing standard operating procedures and bylaws. The project prioritizes gender inclusivity, promoting diversity, and empowering individuals within local government structures.

Furthermore, PMDFC is overseeing the implementation of the project "Revitalization of Sewage Pond." funded by UNICEF and valued at Rs. 10 million. This project targets the transformation of the wastewater pond at Mughal Pura (Laittan), Sheikhupura, with the aim of treating wastewater effectively minimizing its adverse impact on the environment and ground water and also to improve its quality for agricultural purposes without further treatment.

On the occasion of the silver Jubilee celebrations of Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (1998-2023). Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 25/- on 11th of January 2024.