PREVENTION OF THALASSEMIA MAJOR IN PAKISTAN May 8, 2012 (2012-11)

 

Thalassemia Major -A grim picture warranting every step from those who care:- Thalassemia Major is the most common deadly genetic disorder worldwide and consists of a very severe, transfusion dependent, anemia generally presented during the first year of life. It occurs when both parents are Thalassemia carrier. It's particularly associated with people of Mediterranean, Indian subcontinent and Middle East origin. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified control of haemoglobinopathies, particularly ẞ-thalassemia, in developing world, as a priority.

There are approximately 80000 children suffering from this ailment in Pakistan and further estimated 5000- 9000 children with ẞ-thalassemia are born per year, although no documentary registry is available in Pakistan. The estimated carrier rate is 5-7%, (9.8 million carriers in the total population) with the ethnic distribution of Punjabi- 4.6%, Pathan 5.2%, Sindhi- 4.3%, Baluch-8.0%, Urdu Speaking-5.3%.

With gradual control of malnutrition and communicable diseases, B- thalassemia major patients who earlier died young are now surviving long enough to seek medical attention. In developing countries like Pakistan, this poses an increasing burden for health-care services as adequate blood transfusions with effective iron chelation and bone marrow transplantation is affordable for just a few, therefore, prevention has been demonstrated to be the way forward.

Having a child with Thalassemia major may cost a family an average of 200,000 rupees per year for non curative supportive care i.e. regular blood transfusion and removal of toxic iron from the body by injection or tablets which is higher than average income. Even though optimal supportive care may extend life expectancy to adulthood, this is not accessible to the majority of Pakistani children and most of them die prior to adolescence. In addition, because of frequent transfusions, many children acquire blood borne infection, particularly Hepatitis C.

This extremely depressing and exhaustive ailment is preventable. Countries like Italy, Cyprus, Sardinia and Iran have completely eliminated further birth of Thalassemia children from their countries by creating mass awareness and blood screening etc. Effectiveness of a 20-year control program in Sardinia is evidenced by reduction of the birth rate of thalassemia major from 1:250 live births to 1:4000. Mass awareness, Population screening, genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis and option of terminating affected pregnancies remain the mainstay strategy to devise an effective Thalassemia control program.

In Pakistan there is dire need to take every step possible to prevent further birth of Thalassemia children. Besides other measures, creating mass awareness in this regard would be of immense value.

Cure2 Children (C2C) foundation is an international nonprofit organization authorized to work in Pakistan. It is made by effected Italian and Pakistani parents and the treating Italian physician of their children. Through their program of "Prevention and cure of Thalassemia major in Pakistan", a 'Bone Marrow Transplant unit in Children hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical sciences (PIMS) has been established with the collaboration of PIMS. Here, Bone Marrow transplants of 39 Thalassemia children have been performed with the joint efforts of C2C, PIMS and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal

In continuation of efforts for prevention of Thalassemia major in Pakistan, the C2CF has requested Pakistan Post Department for issuance of a series of Postal stamps. C2C has got these designed and painted by 'Andrea Mancini', a famous artist from Florence, Italy. Issuance of a series of Postage Stamp aimed at creating mass awareness in this regard will go a long way in this humane mission.

On Prevention of Thalassemia major, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on May 8, 2012.

EID CELEBRATION (2012-15)

Special Postage Stamps on The Eve of Eid Celebration August 13, 2012:- Eid-ul-Fitr is the most important festival in the Islamic Calendar. This festival is the Culminating point of the Holy month of Ramzan, during which Quran-ul-Hakeem and Laila-tul-Qadar (Night of Grandeur) were gifted to the Muslim Ummah. While fasting teaches us self-discipline and provides us moral and spiritual blessings, Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting and brings the message of collective merry-making as well as sharing our good fortune with the less fortune in our fraternity.

The entire Muslim Ummah celebrates this most auspicious festival in every nook and corner of the world with great spiritual devotion, offering Eid prayers in Eidgahs, mosques or open spaces in towns and cities. The Eid prayer is the climax of this grand festival. One can see during this special congregation endless sight of row upon row of the faithful spread across the open air Eidgahs, a supreme manifestation of Muslim fraternity and equality of mankind.

After Eid prayers, the Muslims embrace and greet other fellow Muslims and pay visits to graveyards to pray for the departed souls. This sufficiently indicates that Islam is the religion of peace, friendship and aspires to promote universal brotherhood. Special sweet dishes are prepared and served to friends, relatives and other visitors. The young folk wear bright costumes and enjoy themselves with various types of entertainments on Eid day including a visit to special Eid Fairs and participating in different cultural activities. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to wear a new dress on this occasion. But it was always very simple which every member of the brother could afford.

No boubt, there were people who could not even afford such simple dresses. To make it possible for them to join the rejoicings of Eid, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) ordered the rich to pay them a prescribed amount (known as fitrana) in advance, so that they may be able to get their new dress prepared for the occasion. The institution of Fitrana re-inforces Islam’s emphasis on one’s obligations towards society. Some of the prescribed practices or special spiritual etiquettes of Eid-ul-Fitr are given below:-

It is compulsory fo all the faithful to take a bath and wear new dress.

It is Sunnah to eat dates or some sweet dish before leaving for Eid prayers. The Holly Prophet (PBUH) always use to go for Eid congregation after eating some dates. (reported by Anas Bin Maalik & collected in Saheeh Al-Bukhari (Eng. Trans, Vol. 2 P-40 No. 73) & Ahmad.

It is Sunnah to recite “Takbiraat “loudly while going to Eidgah for offering Eid prayers or coming back from there. It is reported that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself used to recite these “Takbiraat” with a loud voice on Eid Day.

Pay Fitrana before Eid prayers to ensure that the less fortunate among us are also enabled to share the festivities. Fitrana is to be paid for every young or old. Its rates are fixed according to the prevailing rates of wheet and dates by Ulema.

It is preferable to offer “Eid Prayer” in an open ground or Eidgah and not in the Masjid, if possible. (Bukhri and Muslim)

It is Sunnah to adopt different routes to and from the Eidgah, preferable going on foot. The Holly Prophet (PBUH) himself used to go the Eidgah on foot and declared that it was more reqarding to seek the Divine blessings. Jabir reported that Prophet (PBUH) used to come back from the Eid prayer on a path other than the one used in going to it.

Sending Eid greetings to friends and relatives are customary on this occasion throughout the Muslim world. Exchange of special Eid cards is to show affection for the near and dear ones.

Pakistan Post Office has been issuing beautiful designed Eid Cards at different times. A special Eid Greeting envelope was also issued by Pakistan Post Office. Pakistan office issued following stamps on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr in the past.

On 24th December, 1999 two stamps of Rs. 2 & 15 denomination were issued.

On 14th November, 2002 One stamp of Rs. 4 denomination was issued.

On the eve of Eid celebration, Pakistan Post is issuing a Set of 4 Special postage stamps of each Rs.8/- denomination on August 13, 2012.

CHILD ART COMPETITION NATIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION "KURRACHEE 2012" Special Postage Stamps Sheet June 22, 2012 (2012-14)

 

The basic concept behind the Child Art Competition is to bring the creativity in the young and how they express their ideas to the world. To encourage arid promote this art, and to achieve a milestone in the world of Philately Pakistan Post is issuing a sheet of 8 postage stamps depicting "An Won by the children designs which are taken from the selected "Stamp Drawing Competitions" held by Stamp Society of Pakistan/Pakistan Post as a live event during the past two years

The Stamp Society of Pakistan had organized National Stamp Exhibition and Stamp Drawing Competitions jointly sponsored by Dawn Group, Philatelic Federation of Pakistan and Pakistan Post Office based on FIAP rules at Expo Centre. Karachi. During the last two years, this was held within the "Life Style Exhibition" organized by Dawn Group

The Stamp Society of Pakistan is among the pioneering Stamp Society in Karachi with over 150 members and has been proactive in disseminating knowledge and awareness through regular exhibitions. In collaboration with the Dawn Lifestyle and the patronage of Philatelic Federation of Pakistan, the exhibillions is very popular. A number of new stamp collector got rejuvenated as collectors and some also participated in the Asian and international exhibitions after due accreditation and judging at Expo Centre, Karachi

The stamp drawing competitions has always been an essential part of every exhibition and have accomplished the glory of Stamp printing which have been selected from the drawing competition in 2009/2010 on the occasion of National Stamp Exhibition titled "Kurrachee 2011". That was the very first time in the History of the World that printing postage stamp made through the LIVE Stamp Drawing competition

This Youth Painting Competition is divided in two age groups. Group "A" for children from 4 to 10 years old and group "B" from 11 to 15 years. The competition is announced well in advance in the news papers, and large number of children from all major school of Karachi/Sindh participate in the competition alongwith their teachers and parents Participation and interest of children has increased each year and we have now seen entries from all over Pakistan The children have portrayed the given topics on their paintings in a very creative manner.

Children not only draw from life, but also portray what is happing around them. They also become more aware of the current situations of the country, which they try to depict in their paintings it's a real treat to see the excitement and interest of the children and a strong desire to draw better from others participants in just two hours

The Jury comprising of Mr. Adil Salahuddin, (Sitara-e-Imtiaz), Senior Officials of Pakistan Post and Philatelic Federation of Pakistan to judge the

paintings

A set of eight stamps with two labels in the center are being issued from the selected paintings by the following young artists. These drawings have been taken also from the past competitions.

The selected Artworks of the following children depicted on the Postage Stamps and First Day Cover.

Priya Parkash Mansha St. Patrick Girls High School Age: 13.5 Years	Ali Muhammad Nizar Foundation Public School. Age: 8 Years	LOGO of Pakistan Post	Samayan Hasan Khan Happy Home Scand Hussainabad. Age: 10 Years	Sheza Ashraf Happy Home Screa Age: 15 Years
Yamna Naveed St. Patrick's Girls High School. Age: 10 Years	Ayesha Qureshi Karachi Public School. Age: 7.5 Years	KURRACHEE 2012 PHILATELIC EXHIBITION	Vania Rizvi Bay View High Middle School Age: 13 Years	Marium Shahzad The Country Scavol Age: 13 Years

·         Priya Parkash Mansha St. Patrick Girls High School Age: 13.5 Years

·         Ali Muhammad Nizar Foundation Public School. Age: 8 Years

·         Samayan Hasan Khan Happy Home Scand Hussainabad. Age: 10 Years

·         Sheza Ashraf Happy Home Screa Age: 15 Years

·         Yamna Naveed St. Patrick's Girls High School. Age: 10 Years

·         Ayesha Qureshi , Karachi Public School. Age: 7.5 Years

·         Vania Rizvi Bay View High Middle School Age: 13 Years

·         Marium Shahzad The Country Scavol Age: 13 Years

Paintings on First Day Cover by MALAIKA ZIA JAFRI: Age 7 Years Froebel Education Center Karachi and AYSHA KHAN Age 7 years

This is the third time that the paintings selected from Live Stamp Drawing Competitions are depicted on stamps and fourth time for the Child Art. This effort by the organizers and Pakistan Post has encouraged the youth and opened the doorway to young artists in the country, one day they will also became serious Philatelists.

This is combined team work of Pakistan Post, Mr. Adil Salahuddin, the Organizers Mr. Iqbal Nanjee (Chairman of Organizing committere & President Engr. Afzal Nanjee, Mr. Usman Tahir of Stamp Society of Pakistan, and the officials of Philatelic Federation who took keen interest in organizing the events for the Philatelic World.

GOLDEN JUBILEE AYUB BRIDGE 1962-2012 (2012- 13)

 

Golden Jubilee of Ayub Bridge Commemorative Postage Stamp June 15, 2012:- The bridge was designed by Dr. D.B Steinman of New York and it was constructed by Doman Long Ltd (German) in association with M.S Gammon Construction Ltd. (Pakistan. Construction of Ayub Bridge was commenced on November 26, 1959 and completed on March 17, 1962. Total cost of the bridge at the time of construction was 21.6 million Pak rupees. The bridge was inaugurated by the then President of Pakistan, Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan and opened for Rail traffic on May 6, 1962.

This is Steel Arch Suspension Bridge. The height of Crown of arch above bearing is 204.7 feet. The quantities of steel, High Tensile steel and Mild steel are respectively 131 tons, 1002 tons (main chord) and 1907 ton (rest of the portion of bridge). Span of the bridge is 806 feet and 9 inches.

The road over the Sukkur barrage involving a distance of 13 kilometers betweenSukkur and Rohri Railway Station remained the only road connection between Sukkur and Rohri. It was decided to utilize the Lansdowne Bridge for road traffic by providing a roadway. The work was started on December 16, 1963 and completed on June 10, 1964. By opening of roadway the distance for the road taffic between Sukkur and Rohri was reduced to 5 kilometers as against 13 kilometers over the Sukkur Barrage. Lansdowne Bridgte was a road bridge and it is still in working condition having full functional capacity. There is a beautiful Hindu sacred shrine in downstream of this bridge with a graceful Army Restoration.

It has a proper decking for Army purposes. It may serve as a road bridge as well as an emergency bridge during war time. Even the heaviest vehicle like Tanks can also easily cross over this bridge. It is truly called as the masterpiece of Railway Engineers.

There was no such engineered arch at that time in Asia, when this arch of 800 meters was buils in 1962. Even today as it stands, has the third largest arch’s position in Asia. Ayub Bridge has been constructed with the help of such a fine and best quality material that it still stands in its original state. While coming from Lahore to Rohri, this gigantic bridge can be easily seen from a distance of 04 kilometers.

On the Golden Jubilee of Ayub Bridge, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on June 15, 2012.

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.