150TH YEARS ANNIVERSARY OF ST.JOSEPH'S CONVENT SCHOOL, KARACHI PAKISTAN. (2012-6)

St. Joseph's Convent School is run by the Daughters of the Cross, Pakistan, under the auspices of the Catholic Board of Education, Karachi.

The school prepares students for the S.S.C. Examination of the Board of Secondary Education, Karachi, and for the School Certificate Examination of the Cambridge University.

This 150 years old institute was established in year 1862 by Monsignor Steins, Vicar Apostolic of Bombay and the five Sisters. On March 18th, school began with 10 pupils. Slowly the number of pupils increased. The first Government grant-in-aid was received in June 1863, Rs.50 per month.

The grand old School building is not only a proud possession of the Convent and its students, but is an extremely important landmark in the history of Karachi.

In 1862, Karachi was a city of about 60,000 inhabitants, but already counted about 5000 Catholics. With the creation of Pakistan a new challenge was thrown at the Sisters. The people who migrated to Pakistan were looking for schools for their children and the Sisters responded generously, stretching their capacity to the limit. Today the school has more than 2000 pupils on its rolls. The School enjoys a good reputation and is much in demand among the citizens of Karachi.

St. Joseph's Convent School is a comprehensive school offering O' Levels through the Cambridge University and the Matric Examination of the Pakistan Board of Secondary Education. St. Joseph's is a place where students, staff, parents, and the community work cooperatively to create an integrated curriculum and flexible educational program that meets the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social needs of an ever- expanding and diverse student population.

The School is also the pioneer in introducing Computer Education in its curriculum. It's students, on various national and international levels, have won prizes and certificates in Computer Studies including NISAC, the National Award Scheme in Computing, is a UK-based method of assessing basic computer literacy skills in various applications.

Apart from the academics, Students of St. Joseph's school are also ahead in co-curricular activities.

On the occasion of 150th years Anniversary of St. Joseph's Convent School, Karachi, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination on March 19, 2012.

125th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF AITCHISON COLLEGE, LAHORE. (2012-5)

 

2011 is a very special year in the History of Aitchison, as we are celebrating 125th year of its foundation. The story of its creation is quite fascinating and goes back to the time when India being a prosperous land was a crucial colony for the English. They never wanted to part with it and always thought ways to perpetuate their rule. It was the land which provided valiant soldiers for the English Army and essential raw material for the English Industry.

The policy of confrontations and hostilities with the locals must have taken its toll on the rulers' zeal. That is why after 1857 War of Independence, in which the East India Company successfully crushed the locals, they brought considerable changes in their policies. 'Reconciliation' appeared to be the watchword. The Punjab, like many other Indian states had successfully been annexed by the British Government. They wanted to create a class of the locals who would be the interpreters between the English rulers and millions of locals a 'class Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinion and intellect'. They started with the local rulers. The English wanted to educate them on their lines. The Punjab Chiefs' School better known as Aitchison College: an elitist institution was founded for Wards of courts and youths of landlords. It was one of the five Chief Colleges.

Sir Charles Umpherston Aitchison (1832-1896) the Governor of the Punjab took personal interest in its making. Col. Swindon S. Jacob, Bhai Ram Singh and J. Lockwood Kipling father of the famous English writer Rudyard Kipling were responsible for the design and unique architecture of the Main Building. On 3rd of November 1886, the Viceroy the Marquess of Dufferin and Ava came to the spacious but empty campus to lay the foundation stone of the main College building.

Over the years it has undergone transformation in campus facilities and its basic characteristic as a boarding school. Many new buildings and schools within the College came up with the passage of time. Admission policy and Fee Structure revised. It would now be misnomer to call Aitchison an Exclusive and Elitist College since it caters for students from all social strata. If Aitchison still is the household name for feudal families, bureaucrats and politicians, it is equally nostalgic to many who belong to Middle, Upper Middle or even weaker families. The College provides full scholarship to a few deserving and intelligent students who hail from rural areas of all the provinces of Pakistan.

The College is divided into three main Schools - Junior, Prep and Senior. Junior School caters for students from grade 1 to 5. Prep School acts as a middle school between Junior and Senior Schools. It nurtures younger boys aged 11 to 13 in grades 6 to 8. During his stay, at Prep School, a student undergoes the most crucial phase of his biological and mental development. He attains adolescence; changes from childhood to manhood. The skills he learns and character moulded in Prep School remains embedded in his mind for ever.

Senior School is the culmination of a boy's learning at Aitchison. After taking their external 'O' and 'A' Level Cambridge Examinations they go out to explore the diverse world of higher education in Universities and Colleges at home and abroad. From Howard to Oxford and from LUMS to Agha Khan Medical University, the presence of Aitchisonians can be felt. After completing education they join various professions in Pakistan and abroad. Aitchison College has produced eminent personalities in sports, politics and other professional fields. To name a few; Malik M Feroz Khan Noon, Nawab Amir Muhammad Khan of Kalabagh, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi, Farooq Ahmad Leghari, Mir Zafrullah Khan Jamali, Sardar Yar Muhammad jamali, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa, Khawaja Ahmed Tariq Rahim, Nawab Muhammad Mumtaz Hussain Khan Patuaudi, Mir Ala Dad Khan of Khairpur, Mir Balakh Sher Mazari, Syed Babar Ali, Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Imran Khan, Majid Khan, Ramiz Raja, Hasan Sardar, Syed M. Jaffar, Syed Qasim Zia, all hail from Aitchison.

Philanthropy at national scene is a laudable feature of Aitchisonians. Whenever, our country was in need; be it the flood, the earthquake or any other natural calamity our students always prove true to their responsibility. They contribute financially on yearly basis to various charitable organizations and trusts.

In short, Aitchison is unique in history and achievements and proud of 125 years of academic accomplishment.

On 125th Anniversary Celebrations of Aitchison College Lahore 2012, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination on March 3, 2012.

70 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE STATE BANK OF PAKISTAN (1948-2018) (2018-6)

At the time of partition of the sub-continent in 1947, it was agreed that the Reserve Bank of India would continue to function as the currency and banking authority in Pakistan till 30th September, 1948. This arrangement, embodied in the Pakistan Monetary System and Reserve Bank Order, 1947, was considered necessary. However, soon after the establishment of Pakistan it become evident that in the best interests of the country, it should have a central banking, institution of its own.

It was considered expedient to model the proposed institution on the line of the Reserve Bank of India and draft legislation for the purpose was issued in the form of the State Bank of Pakistan Order, 1948 on 12th May 1948 The functions, duties and powers of the State Bank were to be broadly similar to those of the Reserve Bank of India. The State Bank was charged with the responsibility of "regulating the issue of barnk notes and keeping of reserves with a view to securing monetary stability in Pakistan and generally to operate the currency and credit system of the country to its advantage", the 1956 Act which with subsequent amendments constitutes the current charter of the Bank requires it "to regulate the monetary and credit system of Pakistan and foster its growth in the best hational interests with a view to securing monetary stability and fuller utillization of the country's productive resources".

Simultaneously with the task of withdrawing the India notes and replacing them with Pakistan currency, the state bank had to revive and rehabilitate the banking system in the country which had virtually collapsed in the wake of partition of the Sub continent. Prior to independence (August, 1947) there were 46 scheduled bank offices in Pakistan dwindled from 631 to 195.

ใช้ 1949, the State bank initiated scheme for setting up a commercial bank which-would have a broader outlook and would be in a position to launch a bold branch expansion programe in the country.

One of the primary responsibilities assigned to the State Bank under its Charter is to regulate the monetary and credit system of Pakistan with a view to securing monetary stability in the country. Monetary stability signifies the avoidance of inflationary or deflationary pressures and maintenance of equilibrium in the balances of payments.

State Bank of Pakistan Role & Functions

Role:

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), from the time of its establishment on 1st July 1948, in addition to the traditional Central Banking functions has also been entrusted with the additional task of instituting a sound Banking System in the newly established country.

Objectives

The princple objective of SBP as envisaged in the SBP Act 1956 is to promote monetary and financial stability and foster a sound and dynamic financialsystem so as to achieve sustained and equitable economic growth and prosperity in Pakistan.

Primary Functions

·         Sole Authority to Issue Notes

·         Monetary Management

·         Exchange Rate Management

·         Regulationton Supervision of the Financial System

·         Efficient Payment Systems

·         Lender of the Last Resort

Secondary Functions:

·         Public Debt Management

·         Advisor to Government

·         Liasioning with International Financial Institutions

·         Bankers. Bank

·         Banker to Government

Developmental Functions:

·         Development of financial framework

·         Providing credit to priority sectors/ specialized financial institutions ect'

·         Development of Islamic Banking System

·         Providing training to banking sector

On occasion of 70 years of excellence State Bank of Pakistan, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issue by Pakistan Post on July 01, 2018.

18th MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF HEADS OF STATE OF SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION QINGDAO SUMMIT, 2018 (2018-4)

On the eve of Qingdao Summit SCO Member States are issuing a commemorating stamp marking the occasion of the 18th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of Shanghai Cooperation Organization which will be held in Qingdao China on 09-10 June, 2018.

The summit marks a year since Pakistan joined SCO as full Member This is the first Heads of State Summit being attended by Pakistan as a Full Member. SCO currently has 8 member States which are India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, "Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Heads of State of Member States who will attend the summit ficlude:

·         Prime Minister of the Republic of India H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi,

·         President of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. N. A. Nazarbayev,

·         Chairman of the People's Republic of China H.E. Mr. XI Jinping, President of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. S. Sh. Zheenbekov,

·         President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. V. V. Putin,

·         President of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. E.Rahmon

·         President of the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

A númber of documents/MOUs and Agreements will be signed during the conference which reflects high level of mutual trust and cooperation amongst the Member States.

H.EMr Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China will Chair the meeting being the host of the CHS. The Council of Heads of State is the supreme decision-making body in the SCO. It meets once a year and adopts decisions and guidelines on all important matters of the organization.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental organization which is successor to the Shanghai Five, a security mechanism initially established to deal with the border problems between China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

SCO has evolved into a multi-faceted regional organization working for regional economic cooperation. It is based on "Shanghai Spirit" which is defined as mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and pursuit of common development. SCO also adheres to the principles of non-alignment, non-targeting any third country, and openness.

Pakistan became an Observer State of SCO in 2005 and following due process Pakistan became a member of SCO in 2017 at Astana Summit. Our membership fulfills a key foreign policy goal, inspired by a vision of a peaceful neighborhood and connectivity. Pakistan shares with SCO and its Members, deep rooted historical and cultural links and strong economic and strategic complementarities. Our interests and objectives intersect across a wide range of areas and issues.

Pakistan sees SCO as an important forum for regional cooperation. It includes our major development and strategic partners. We believe that it has a vital role in safeguarding peace and security in the region and its socio economic development. It promotes multifaceted cooperation in the region in a wide array of fields. It allows us to share perspectives, coordinate positions and develop practical and concrete cooperation with these important countries.

Pakistan is committed to enhancing our relations with all SCO members on the basis of its core values an enunciated in the Charter and the Shanghai Spirit.

Pakistan also sees SCO-RATS as an important and useful forum for cooperation against the common enemy of terrorism. Pakistan has been able to successfully combat terrorism on our soil and are ready to share our experiences in tackling the menace of terrorism through the SCO-RATS.

The initiatives of SCO on investment promotion, trade facilitation, customs cooperation, E-commerce, small and medium enterprises, rail and road connectivity and tourism cooperation will improve the living standards of our people and enhance peace and prosperity in the region.

SCO can be a major vehicle for cooperation under the belt & road initiative. All SCO countries are connected through the ancient Silk Route.

On 18^th meeting of the council of head of state of Shabghai Cooperation Organization Qingdao Summit, 2018, the commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 10/- denominations being issued by Pakistan Post on June 09, 2018.

PAKISTAN & AZERBAIJAN JOINT ISSUE (2018-3)

 

Since the independence of Azerbaijan in 1991, Pakistan and Azerbaijan have enjoyed close and cooperative relations. Pakistan was among the first country to recognize Azerbaijan's independence from the former Soviet Union in October 1991. Diplomatic relations were established in June 1992 and Embassy of Pakistan was opened in Baku in March 1993. The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Islamabad was opened in 1997.

Pakistan greatly values its friendly and cooperative ties with Azerbaijan, which have deep roots in common faith, cultural affinities, and shared traditions. We are committed to comprehensively upgrading bilateral cooperation across all areas of common interest. The frequent high-level exchanges between our two countries are a reflection of special brotherly ties between the two countries and the mutual respect we have for each other. We are confident that through our joint efforts our fraternal ties and cooperative relations will continue to grow further in the years to come.

Pakistan greatly appreciates the unequivocal support extended by Azerbaijan to Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute both at bilateral as well as multilateral fora. Pakistan has been extending unqualified support to Azerbaijan in its dispute with Armenia over Nagorno Karabakh.

Pakistan also value the support provided by Azerbaijan to Pakistan at times. of natural disasters. The Heydear Aliyev Foundation, under the patronage of First Lady of Azerbaijan Madam Mahriban Aliyeva, has undertaken humanitarian work in Pakistan, especially during the 2005 earthquake, and 2010 floods, which is highly appreciated by the government and people of Pakistan.

We look forward to strengthening our brotherly relations with Azerbaijan the further in all areas of mutual interest for the progress and prosperity of the people of both countries.

During the 6th session of Pakistan Azerbaijan Joint Commission (JC) eld on 25-27 April, 2016 at Islamabad, the following decision for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the postal sector was taken,

"For promotion of Philately both sides agreed for issuance of joint- Commemorative Postage Stamps".

Subsequently it was mutually decided to dedicate the Stamps to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It was mutually agreed to show the Architectural monuments and hence to depict Mosques of both the countries on the Joint Stamps, Heydar Mosque of Azerbaijan and Wazir Khan Mosque of Pakistan.

Heydar Mosque

The opening of the Heydar Mosque took place on December 26, 2014. The building, which covers a total area of 12,000 square meters was constructed under the instructions of the head of state, Mister llham Aliyev. The fa9ade of the Mosque was covered with special stones architectural style of Shirvan-Absheron. It has four 95m- height minarets.

President llham Aliyev showed great interest in construction and was tightly following the whole process. Having total area of 4200 square meters, special decoration elements were used inside the mosque. The Koranic verses are written on the edges of the dome. 55m- height main and 35m- height second domes give special beauty to the inside of the mosque.

Wazir Khan Mosque

Lahore has been a hub of art and culture since centuries and we find innumerable art pieces scattered all around the city in the form of sculptures, paintings, monuments etc. One specimen of art is Wazir Khan Mosque. Built in 1634-35 A.O. during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the mosque is named after its builder, Nawab Wazir Khan, a native of Chiniot whose family migrated to Lahore and rose to be one of the court physicians to the Mughal Emperor. His real name was Hakim Shaikh llam-ud-din Ansari. In due course, over a long lifetime of service, llam-ud-din Ansari, was made a Mughal noble, and was given the title of Wazir Khan. Later he became the Governor of Lahore. He was also Chief Qazi of Lahore for some time. As a great philanthropist, he contributed a lot to the city. Mosque Wazir Khan is perhaps the most precious addition to Lahore by him.

It took seven years to construct Wazir Khan Mosque. Mainly it was built from brick and tile because these were the popular constructional materials in those days. The mosque has five compartments and each of them is crowned with a dome. In the centre is the main prayer hall that has a dome larger than the rest that features a high framed portal protruding from the faade, with walls covered by intricate frescos that portray flowers, plants, fruits and trees. The display of so many kinds of fruits on silver platters, pitchers of wines and trees of different styles are a strong reference of gifts mentioned in Quran that will be postulated to the righteous believers when they will reach heaven.

The Wazir Khan Mosque contains some of the finest examples of mosaic tile work from the Mughal period. Masterful calligraphy verses from the Holy Quran adorn the walls alongside Persian poetry in its elegant forms. Floral designs and patterns emerge in symmetrical, harmonious waves, bringing a sense of tranquility to the mosque's echoing halls. Its impressive blend of calligraphy, geometrical forms and floral decoration lends a unique dimension to the building's structure that makes the Wazir Khan Mosque stand out as a paragon of beauty, balance and grandiosity.

The Commemorative Postage Stamps and Souvenir Sheet on Pakistan & Azerbaijan Joint Issue, Pakistan Post are issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs.8/- denomination (Set of 2) and Souvenir Sheet of Rs. 50/- denomination on June 9, 2018.