50TH ANNIVERSARY OF STATE VISIT OF THEIR MAJESTIES KING BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ AND QUEEN SIRIKIT OF THAILAND TO PAKISTAN (1962-2012) May 5, 2012 (2012-10)

 

From 11-22 March 1962, Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand paid a state visit to Pakistan. The year 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the Royal visit. This auspicious occasion is being commemorated in both countries in a fitting manner.

During the 12-day visit, Their Majesties had the occasion to visit different parts of Pakistan - including its major cities, witnessing its evolution from the days of the Buddhist Gandhara to modern times, and experiencing its diverse culture and traditions from Khyber to Karachi.

Pakistan and Thailand have always enjoyed a close, cordial relationship marked by trust, mutual understanding, and growing cooperation. In its substance and symbolism, therefore, the Royal visit to Pakistan reflected the true spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

During their stay in Pakistan, Their Majesties visited several industrial sites across the country, saw naval installations in Karachi, and inspected a hydel project at Warsak. The Royal guests traveled through the historic Khyber Pass. The Peshawar University conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Law on His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Deeply interested in Pakistan's cultural heritage, Their Majesties visited Taxila to see the Buddhist Gandhara sites and artifacts. In Lahore, Their Majesties visited the famous Mughal monuments and appreciated the grandeur and architectural uniqueness of these buildings.

In Lahore and Karachi, Their Majesties also attended grand civic receptions held in order to welcome the Royal guests from Thailand to Pakistan. They were enthralled by the cultural performances organized for them during the visit.

In essence, the Royal visit contributed immensely to enhanced knowledge and understanding between the two peoples and to reinforcing the abiding friendship and cordiality between the two countries.

The 1962 state visit remains a landmark in the journey of friendship between Pakistan and Thailand. It is also a beacon of light for the future, as the two countries work together to forge a substantive partnership of mutual benefit in all areas of common interest.

On the occasion of 50th anniversary of state visit of their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand to Pakistan (1962-2012), Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on May 5, 2012.

CELEBRATION YAUM-E-SHUHADA AS THE HONOUR OF THE SUPREME SACRIFICES OF MARTYRS FOR THE SOVEREIGNTY OF PAKISTAN April 30, 2012 (2012-9)

 

1. History of Pakistan Army is replete with tales of its brave soldiers who have always been forthcoming to defend this motherland and in this way, have also laid their lives, whenever and where-ever. It is an Army that carries a history of passing through number of tests in its short history of six decades. Like every other resilient nation, Pakistan also remembers its martyrs in golden words. The sacrifices made by these men have been acknowledged at all levels by every citizen of Pakistan. To keep these spirits high, Pakistan Army celebrates 30th April as Yaum- e-Shuhada every year since 2010 in order to pay tribute to martyrs from cross section of society who have laid down their lives for the sovereignty of Pakistan and security of its habitants.

The day is marked to remind the Nation about the sacrifices of civil population, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) including Armed Forces and Police. This day also highlights the distinctive achievements of the Government of Pakistan in fighting the menace of terrorism and its determination for the future.Basic idea behind this event is to acknowledge the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers by holding ceremonial parades at all garrisons of the country and a ground ceremonial military parade on Shuhada monument at General Headquarters. The event is attended by high level military and civil dignitaries, foreigners and selected Next of Kins (NOKs) of shuhada who share their experiences and resolve with the audience. Ever since its conception and intial holding in 2010, the event is widely covered by national print and electronic media by publishing special supplements and a special telecast of TV programmes with reference to this day.

2. The objectives of Yaum-e-Shuhada are:-

a. Pay tribute to Shuhada.

b. Project the role of LEAs including Army and Police.

c. To inculcate the national spirit and acknowledgment of sacrifices of martyrs at national level.

d. Image building and morale boosting of LEAs and the public.

e. To interact with the families of martyrs and share their grief.

3. Although the objectives of the event have started to appear in Armed Forces where complete personnel in uniform fully acknowledge the importance of this day and bow their heads in response to sacrifices made by their fellow men in the line of duty. However, like 6 September, which is celebrated each year at national level to remember the martyrs of 65 & 71 wars, 30 April too needs a broader space in national sepctrum. Since 9/11, this nation has lost more than 35000 people across the country in numerous terrorist attacks and more then 4000 personnal of law enforcement agencies have laid their lives in law enforcement operations. To make it an important day at national level, the civil society and complete population needs to be made aware of its significance through different means at national level. It will not only strengthen the resolve of the people of Pakistan to eradicate the menace of terrorism and extremism from their society but will also inculcate a sense of pride and belonging to those who are at the fore front of this struggle. It will be a befitting answer to all those misconceptions and rumors that are spread from time to time to malign this struggle and portray it as a foreign war. We need to remind our people that this war is being fought to safeguard our own sovereignty and security. People from all walks of life need to understand that the success of this effort is necessary to ensure a bright and prosperous future for our generations to come. This synergy of thinking and effort can only be achived through unified dedicated efforts of all echelons of the Government with the civil sector. Today, it is a humble beginning but there can be no doubt that it can be moulded into a national effort of powerful impact in the near future. The issue of a commemorative stamp on the occasion of Yaum-e-Shuhada 2012 will bring this event into the notice of a common man throughout the length and the breadth of Pakistan. It will pave the war for national recongnition of this day and a wide spread participation from all walks of life in years to come.

On the occasion of Yaum-e-Shuhada 2012, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on April 30, 2012.

PAKISTAN 40TH ANNIVERSARY UNITED NATIONS UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME. (2012-12)

40th Anniversary of United Nations Environment Programme Commemorative Postage Stamps June 5, 2012:- Environmental issues in Pakistan threaten the population’s health and have been distributing the balance between economic development and environmental protection. As a great problem for the nature and nation of Pakistan and As Pakistan is a large importer of both exhaustible and renewable natural resources and a large consumer of fossil fuels, the Ministry of Environment of Government of Pakistan takes responsibility to conserve and protect the environment.

Conservation Efforts:- The government has expressed concern about environment threats to economic growth and social development and since the early 1990s, has addressed environmental concerns with new legislation and institutions such as a Pakistan Environment Protection Council. Yet, foreign lenders provide most environmental protection funds, and only 0.04 percent of the government’s development budget goes to environmental protection. Thus, the government’s ability to enforce environmental regulations is limited, and private industries often lack funds to meet environmental standards established by international trade organizations.

National Conservation Strategy (NCS):- The National Conservation strategy has three explicit objectives: (i) Conservation of natural resources, (ii) Promotion of sustainable development, (iii) Improvement of efficiency in the use and management of resources. It sees itself as a “call for action” addressed to central and provincial governments, businesses, and Non-governmental organization (NGOs), local communities, and individuals.

The National Conversation Strategy recommended fourteen programme areas for priority implementation: maintaining soils in croplands, increasing efficiency of irrigation, protecting watersheds, supporting forestry and plantations, restoring rangelands and improving livestock, protecting water bodies and sustaining fisheries, conserving biodiversity, increasing energy efficiency, developing and deploying renewable resources, preventing or decreasing pollution, managing urban wastes, supporting institutions to manage common resources, integrating population and environmental programs, and preserving the cultural heritage. Special attention has been paid to the potential roles of environmental NGO’s, women’s organizations, and international NGO’s in working with the government in its conservation efforts.

The average temperature in Pakistan had risen by 0.2 degrees in only 2 years, This is a dramatic change and puts emphasis on Climate Change Campaigns. In the 1980s World Wildlife Fund (WWF), United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and  International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)-World Conservation Union collaborated to formulate the World Conservation Strategy to ‘save the world’. After IUCN started its work in Pakistan. The government and IUCN worked to formulate the National Conservation Strategy for Pakistan over a three-year period. The NCS is a plan to integrate environmental concerns into Pakistan’s economy. The implementation of the strategy started with the formation of institutions such as the Environmental Section in the Federal Planning and Development Division and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):- Pakistan ratified this convention in 1992 with 161 nations at the Earth Summit at Rio. Consequently, Pakistan became a contributor and beneficiary to the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) set up under the convention. It is also taking initiatives in community level projects to conserve biodiversity.

Ghazi-Barotha Hydropower Project:- The project has the capacity to produce 1,450 mw of electricity. With this project, the Water and Power Department for the first time took efforts to study the environment and to include environmental considerations.

UN Convention on Combating Destrification (CCD):- This is an international treaty for collaborative action against damage and poverty in drylands. Pakistan signed this in 1997 and is in the process of developing its National Action Plan to fight desertification, which afflicts about 45 million hectares. A local NGO, Society for Conservation and Protection of Environment (SCOPE) is active in this area.

Shehla Zia Case:- This was a case filed against WAPDA to halt the construction of a grid station near a residential area. The judgment given was in favour of the citizens and became a landmark decision in the field of environmental law in the country. This case set the precedent for subsequent environmental cases.

Maintaining Biodiversity With Rural Community Development:- IUCN – Pakistan and the Government of NWFP’s Wildlife Department jointly implement this project. Rural communities are active partners in this project and over 40 villages were involved in the first two years.

Sarhad Provincial Conservation Strategy (SPCS):- In 1996, the Government of NWFP approached IUCN to formulate and implement the SPCS. This was the principal plan to implement the National Conservation Strategy. The strategy has spurred the governments of Baluchistan and the Northern Areas to emulate this move.

Pakistan Environmental Protection Bill 1997 (PEPA):- PEPA supplements the 1983 Environmental Protection Ordinance with more functions for the Environmental Protection Agencies, and new laws dealing with pollution. It also rationalizes the Environmental Protection Council.

Year 2012 is the United Nations Environment Programmes’ (UNEP) 40th Anniversary. This marks four decades of service and achievements, which have assisted in catalyzing and evolving the environment as an integrated aspect of sustainable development vital for the social progress of now 7 billion people.

This is reflects in the logo slogan-“Serving People and the Planet”. The key to this message is that UNEP has not only been concerned with the conservation and more intelligent management of the planet but, just as important, serving its inhabitants.

On 40th Anniversary of United Nations Environment Programme, Pakistan Post is issuing a set of four Commemorative Postage Stamps each denomination of Rs.8/- on June 5, 2012.

Centenary of Government High School No 1, Thana Malakand Division. April 15, 2012. (2012-8)

Centenary of Government High School No.1, Thana Malakand Division Commemorative Postage Stamp April 15, 2012:- Allah, the Most Gracious. It is He Who has taught the Quran. He has created man. He has taught him utterance.

(Surrah Al-Rehman):- Allah, increase me in knowledge, so prayed Moses to Allah as revealed in the Holy Quran and the first word of the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) “Read in the name of Allah who created you”.

The Holy Prophet was directed by Allah Almighty to pray for enhancement in knowledge. So knowledge can not but be our Chief and prior concern. Education is important for self development, self fulfillment and for attaining physical, mental, social and emotional stability. Acquiring education does not mean only to gain some prescribed amount of knowledge or develop and enhance skills; it is preparation for better and a happier life.

Upgraded to middle level in 1912, Government High School No.1 was then known as Government Anglo Vernacular Middle School Thana. At that time this historical school was having a total enrolment of one hundred and seven students. Only three teachers were responsible for imparting education to the students. In fact they were fighting against the ignorance as some local Mullahs were actively involved in running campaign against the modern education. The presence of the names of Mr. Wishwant and Mr. Deewan Chand on the honor board of 1940’s clearly indicates that equal rights of studies are being given to both, the Muslims and minorities.

However over the period of time, the people of Thana village and other parts of Malakand Agency after realizing the need and importance of modern education started sending their children to the school. Consequently a large number of students were attracted from Swat, Dir, Bajour, Chitral, Batkhela, Dargai and many other villages. To accommodate all incoming students from the outskirts, a beautiful hostel was constructed in 1916. The people of Thana village voluntarily donated a big piece of land for extension in the school and construction of the hostel. On 7th June, 1934 the school was upgraded and renamed as Government High School Thana Malakand Agency.

Some area including play grounds, agricultural plot and the area pertaining to the then hostel was later on donated for construction of the Girls Degree College Thana which is also considered as the best contribution of the school.

Keeping in view the recent requirements of students, the school building has been renovated, enabling the management to impart education to the students both in Urdu and English languages. In addition to the compulsory subjects, Agriculture, Commerce, Industrial Arts and Technical Education subjects are also being taught in the school.

Till date, nine principals, eighteen Head masters, Four hundred eighty five teachers and one hundred ten non teaching staff of this historical school have rendered valuable services to the people of Malakand Division. A record number of twenty four thousand eight hundred and seven students have been enrolled and benefited from this school since its inception. A great number of VIPs including Lord Irvin, the then Viceroy of India visited this school on various occasions which clearly speaks of its importance.

Due to its high standard of education, hundreds of ex-students of this school have reached to high ranking positions in the armed forces and civil services of Pakistan which is not only a great honour for the school but also for the whole of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Being one of the oldest schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Government High School No.1 is celebrating its centenary as the school is completing 100 years of triumphant years of service to the people of the KPK province.

While celebrating the centenary of Government High School No.1, the management has announced a number of awards for talented students in the name of the ex-students who have been greatly successful in their respective fields/professions. This will definitely set a good tradition for others to follow.

To commemorate 100th Anniversary of Government High School No.1 Thana, Malakand Division, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on April 15, 2012.

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.