10th Anniversary of United Nations October 24, 1955. (1955-2)

United Nations tenth anniversary was celebrated by Pakistan Post Office with the issuance of two commemorative stamps on October 24, 1955.

Because of late decision to bring out stamp on this day, the printer had no time to design a new stamp, therefore two previously issued values were overprinted \"TENTH ANNIVERSARY/UNITED NATIONS/24.10.55\".

The overprint was in blue colour 19.5mmx18.5mm on 1 1/2a anna (Tomb of Jahangir) and 19.5mmx14.5mm on 12 anna (Sui Gas Plant). The overprinting was applied by letter press by PSPC.

These commemoratives were sold over the counters till November 7,1955 (14 days only) but remained valid for postage for another six months. The quantity produced was 110,000 copies of each value. Forgeries of the set are also known, but differ in font shape and size.

8th Independence Anniversary August 14, 1955. (1955-1)

 

The subject of the new postage stamps issued on 8th anniversary of Independence was 'Industry', known to collectors as the INDUSTRIAL SET. Four values depicted as many industrial units of the country; 2-anna, Karnaphuly Paper Mill, 6-anna Textile Mill, 8-anna Jute Mill and 12-anna Sui Gas Plant, in deep red, bright blue, violet and carmine and orange colours respectively.

The stamps have identical frames and style of inscriptions, "PAKISTAN POSTAGE" in English is at the base and in Urdu, above the views. Denominations are printed at bottom sides on 2 1/2a and 8a values while on 6a it is at bottom left in English and in Urdu. It is diagonally opposite, on 12a.

The 2½ anna value had a design error as the denominator '2' was engraved to the right of its fraction. This mistake was later corrected.

GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF THE ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY (1974-2024) JULY 23, 2024 (2024-6)

 

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is a Public Sector University of Pakistan with over 1 Million students on its roll and is the second largest Open University in Asia. The University is entrusted with the responsibility of imparting education to all the strata's of society and is operating in all the provinces of Pakistan.

AIOU is a prominent institution of distance education established in 1974. The university is named after Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned philosopher, poet, and politician who played a pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan, AIOU is the first open niversity in Asia and one of the largest distance learning institutions in the world.

AIOU aims to provide accessible and affordable education to a diverse population, catering to the needs of individuals who are unable to attend conventional brick-and-mortar institutions due to various reasons such as geographical constraints, work commitments, or financial limitations. The university has played a crucial rote in expanding educational opportunities across Pakistan and beyond.

One of the distinctive features of AIOU is its commitment to inclusive education. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees, as well as diplomas and certificates in various disciplines. The diverse academic offerings encompass fields such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business administration, and technical and vocational education.

AIOU operates on a semester system, providing flexibility for students to pursue their education

at their own pace. The university employs a comprehensive and innovative approach to distance learning. Incorporating printed course materials, multimedia resources, and online platforms to facilitate effective learning. The use of modern technology enables students to access study materials, submit assignments, and interact with instructors and fellow students from the comfort of their homes.

The university's commitment to reaching underserved population is evident in its extensive network of regional and sub-regional offices across Pakistan. These offices serve as support centers, offering assistance to students and facilitating the delivery of study materials. AIOU's reach extends beyond national borders, as it has attracted students from various countries, contributing to the internationalization of the institution.

Through the massive technological intervention and the integrated automated suites of

applications like CMS (Campus Management Solution), EPB (Enterprise Planning &Budgeting), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and LMS (Learning Management System) that has enabled the students to have an improved learning experience in addition to pursuing their academic activities at their choice of time and place, besides they can also refer back to the recorded lectures available in LMS and can benefit while being off-line also. The tutoring to the students of AIOU is being provided by the quality academicians from various institutions across Pakistan.

In addition to academic pursuits, AIOU is actively involved in community development initiatives. The university collaborates with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups to implement projects that address social issues, promote literacy, and enhance the quality of life for marginalized populations.

The commitment to lifelong learning is a key aspect of AIOU's philosophy, The university encourages continuous education and skill development by offering a variety of short-term courses, workshops, and training programs to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. For timely transmission and delivery of the study material and other important correspondence of the University to the enrolled students throughout country especially in far flung area, the role of Pakistan Post cannot be denied. Pakistan Post being a trusted partner has played a vital role not only in providing delivery service since the establishment of the University but also established a post office a complete Sorting Section and a complaint cell for full facilitation of the university and students. in the premises of the University.

AIOUis the largest university of Pakistan in terms of Students' enrollment and educational programmes. It is apprised that around 5 million students have graduated from the University since its enactment and are contributing to the development of motherland. The university in its Convocation recognize student achievements and confer upon them publicly the degrees. earned by them through dedication and hard work.

In conclusion, Allama Iqbal Open University stands as a beacon of accessible education, providing a platform for individuals to overcome barriers and pursue academic and professional goals. Its innovative approach to distance learning, commitment to inclusivity, and dedication. to research and community development contribute to its significance in the realm of education in Pakistan and beyond. As a trailblazer in open and distance learning, AIOU continues to play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.

Design elements of Commemorative Postage Stamps and Souvenir Sheet.

These stamps are South Asia's first and Asia's second Artificial intelligence assisted postage stamps.

All stamps are set in turquoise color which symbolizes wisdom. The stamps shows dedicated students and the main campus of university,

* Souvenir Sheet encompasses all the previous issues of Pakistan Post to commemorate AIOU along with above four stamps. In the backdrop is the imposing building of Main Hall of AIOU at Islamabad campus.

On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, the Commemorative Postage Stamps Rs.30/-denomination (Set of 4) and a Souvenir Sheet with the Value of Rs.100/-are being issued by Pakistan Post on July 23rd, 2024.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MARKHOR COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP AND SOUVENIR SHEET MAY 24, 2024. (2024-5)

 

The Markhor (Capra falconeri), the national animal of Pakistan, is a large wild goat species native to South Asia and Central Asia, mainly within Pakistan, India, the karakoram range, parts of Afghanistan, and the Himalayas. Since 2015 it has been classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Redlist. The word "Markhor" meaning "Snake-eater," originates from Pashto and classical Persain languages, reflecting the ancient belief that the Markhor would hunt and eat snakes. This regional myth likely arises from the male Markhor's horns, which twist and curl in a snake-like manner, leading ancient peoples to associate them with snakes. There are five sub-species of Markhor (Capra falconeri) namely Astor Markhor or AstorAstore Markhor (Capra falconeri), Bukharan Markhor (Capra falconeri heptneri), Kabul Markhor (Capra falconeri megaceros), Kahmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) and Suleiman Markhor (Capra falconeri jerdoni), often based on their horn configuration.

As true goats of the Himalayas, the Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) is the most spectacular among wild goats. Distinguished by its large body, long spiraling horns, thick fur, and a flowing beard and neck ruff. It is widely spread from Afghanistan to Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Indian occupied jammu and Kashmir. In Pakistan, Kashmir Markhor, around Chitral and the border areas with Afghanistan, inhabits a number of valleys along the Kunar River (District Chitral), from Arundu on the west bank and Drosh on the east bank, upto Shoghor along the Lutkho River, and as far as Barenis along the Mastuj River. In Dir district, the Markhor accurs along the upper Panjkora River, on the slopes of Ludak Sar and Mankial in Swat and in Indus Kohistan. Its isolated populations also occur in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the western extremity of the Kazinag Range.

The main predators of the Markhor include the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). snow leopard (Panthera uncial), Himalayan wolf (Canis lupus chanco), and brown bear (Ursus arctos). Young Markhors are also preyed upon by the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Markhor have sharp eyesight and a strong sense of smell, which help them detect nearby predators. They are highly alert and aware of their surroundings, quickly spotting and feeling from threats in exposed areas.

Markhor in Pakistan faces numerous threats that jeopardize its survival. Habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development significantly reduces the areas where these wild goats can't live and forage. Additionally, illegal hunting and poaching. driven by the high value of their distinctive spiraled horns, have led to a drastic decline in their population. Competition with domestic livestock for food and water resources further strains their already limited habitat. Climate change also poses a growing threat, altering the delicate balance of their mountainous ecosystems. These challenges collectively threatened the Kashmir Markhor, highlighting the regent need for comprehensive conservation efforts to protect and preserve this iconic species.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has officially declared May 24th as the International Day of the Markhor, following a resolution sponsored by Pakistan and eight other countries. This significant move aims to promote global awareness and cooperation for the conservation of the Markhor. The resolution urges all stakeholders to prioritize efforts to protect the Markhor and its natural habitat, recognizing its ecological importance and potential for enhancing regional economies through sustainable tourism and conservation initiatives.

On the occasion of declaration of International Day of the Markhor by the UN, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 30/- denomination and Souvenir Sheet (Value of Rs. 100/-) are being issued by Pakistan Post on 24th May 2024.

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN & KUWAIT. FEBRUARY 20, 2024 (2024-4)

 

Pakistan enjoys cordial and brotherly relations with the State of Kuwait. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1963. The Kuwaitis acknowledge with appreciation the assistance provided by Pakistan during Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1991. This year, both countries are celebrating 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The bilateral relations are deep rooted in shared faith and values, identity of views; and convergence of interests. The relation has a sustained history of standing by each other in testing times and supporting each other at various international and regional fora. Kuwait extended much needed support to Pakistan for the former's exit from FATF Grey List. Kuwait also provides Pakistan oil on deferred payments. During Covid pandemic, Pakistan helped Kuwait by sending its medical professionals (while Indian, Phillipino and others were leaving Kuwait). Since then, over 3000 Pakistani healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses and medical technicians are serving there. The two countries share common perception on most of the international and regional issues, including Palestine, Kashmir (at OIC forum) as well as raising voice against Islamophobia. On India's illegal actions in IIOJ&K, since 5th August 2019, Kuwait being non-permanent member of the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) and an important member of the OIC, supported Pakistan's position at the two fora.

The relationship has been marked by the numerous high level visits between the two countries. At the leadership level, the former Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al-Sabah, paid his first State visit to Pakistan on 19-20 June 2006. Former Kuwaiti Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Jabir Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- Sabah visited Pakistan on 10-11 November 2013 on invitation of the then Prime Minister. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif paid a two-day official visit to Kuwait on 6-7 March 2017. The President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi visited Kuwait in October 2020 to condole the demise of late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. Recently, the Amir of the State of Kuwait accepted the President's invitation to visit Pakistan. At the Foreign Ministers' level, in recent times the former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi visited Kuwait on 18-19 May 2019 at the invitation of his counterpart, H.E Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al-Sabah in order to address the issue of visa restrictions on Pakistani nationals in place since 2011.

The former Foreign Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Mohammed-al-Sabah visited Pakistan on 18-19 March 2021 at invitation of the former Foreign Minister. The former Kuwaiti Foreign Minister again visited Islamabad during 17th Extraordinary Session of OIC-CFM in December 2021 and then at 48thSession of OIC- CFM in March 2022.

Both the countries Signed visa abolition agreement (diplomatic and official passports only) on 11 November 2013 at Islamabad.

The two countries have established Institutional Mechanisms of cooperation including Bilateral Political Consultations (3rd round held in Islamabad on 27 January 2021) and Joint Ministerial Commission (4th session held in Islamabad in September 2018). Next session of both mechanisms will be convened in last quarter of this year on mutually agreed dates.

As far as bilateral trade between the two countries is concerned, it stood at US$ 2.4 billion in FY 2021-22. Investments from Kuwait during FY-2021-22 stood at US$ 45.6 million.

Kuwait hosts approximately 100,000 Pakistani nationals, as per figures given by Kuwaiti authorities in February 2021. They remitted US$ 934 million in FY 2021-22.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Kuwait, Pakistan Post is issuing a postage stamp of Rs. 30/= denomination on 20^th February 2024.