MEN OF LETTERS SERIES ISHFAQ AHMED (1925-2004) JUNE 12, 2013 (2013-14)

 

Ishfaq Ahmed (22-) August 1925-September 7 2004 was an eminent, fiction writer, playwright, and broadcaster, intellectual and Sufi writer from Pakistan. He started penning down literature alongside pioneers of Urdu Litrature like, Prem Chand, Bibi, Krishan Chandar, Mumtaz Mufti, Saddat Hassan Manto, Quratulain Haider and Ismat Chugtai. His first master piece, short story "Guddaria" (The Shepherd) become classic as early as 1955.

He was born in Firozpur, British East Punjab and received his earlier education in his native town. In 1947, he migrated to Pakistan and made Lahore his permanent abode. He earned his Masters in Urdu Literature from Government College Lahore, where he met his life time partner and great Urdu writer "Bano Qudsia" and got married with her. Both contributed monumental volumes to Urdu Literatures.

In Pakistan he served initially at Walton Refugee Camp as a volunteer and later joined as Producer in Radio Azad Kashmir which was established in a truck that used to move around in various parts of Azad Kashmir. He also served as Lecturer in Dayal Singh College Lahore for two years. He went to Rome, Italy to join Radio Rome, Italy as Urdu News Caster. He become a professor of Urdu at Rome University, Italy. He learnt various European Languages and earned diplomas in Italian and French from the University of Rome, Italy and Grenoble, France. He also gained a diploma in Radio Broadcasting from New York, USA.

He started writing stories in his early childhood and after return from Europe to Pakistan he established his own monthly literary magazine "Dastaan Go" (Story Teller). He joined Radio Pakistan as script writer initially, and later got appointed as Editor of popular Urdu weekly "Lail-o- Nahar" (Day and Night). In 1962 he started his most popular weekly Radio program "Talqeen Shah" (The Mentor) which made him a remarkable and iconic voice of Radio among masses of Pakistan and abroad. This unique program has the record of the longest weekly program in Asia which continued for over 30 years. In 1966, he was appointed as Director General in the maximum Grade B.P.S. 22 of the "Markazi Urdu Board" which later renamed as "Urdu Science board", a post he held for next 29 years till 1979. He also happened to be the Advisor to the Federal Government in Ministry for Education. He once produced a feature film as well "Dhoop aur Saie" (Sunshine and Shadows).

Ishfaq Ahmed is a trend setter in sensitive, nation building, society reforming and Sufi Urdu Literary writings all times best Radio programmer and script writer of ever green Television Drama series. His television plays include "Aik mohabat sau afsane" (Bunch of Love Stories), "Uchhay burj Lahore dey" (Barbicans of Lahore). "Tota kahani" (Story of the Parrot). "Lekin" (But), "Hairat Kadah" (Surprise House) and "Mun Chalay ka Sauda" (Bargain of the Wanderer). Throughout his life Ishfaq Ahmed endeavoured to reform society through his writings. He authored over twenty five books including a travelogue "Safar Dar Safar" (Long Way Journey), "A series of Zaviayas" (Angles) many other books of drama series and his last famous book "Baba Shaiba". For his notable extra ordinary and remarkable services in the field of literature, television drama and Radio broadcasting he was awarded President's Pride of Performance and Sitara-e-Imtiaz. Throughout his amazing creative life, he happened to be very close in person and thematic thoughts of literature with Qudrat ullah Shahab and Mumtaz Mufti in Sufi trend settings and patriotic creative Writings in Urdu literature. He died of Pancreatic Cancer on 7th September 2004 at Lahore at the age of 79 year and is buried there.

On Men of Letters Series Ishfaq Ahmed (1925-2004), Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on June 12, 2013.

CHILD ART COMPETITION NATIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION 'KURRACHEE-2024' December 13, 2024 (2024-14)

 

The basic concept behind 'Child art' is to bring out the creativity in the young and express their ideas to the world. To encourage and promote this art on-spot painting/drawing competition in 2 hours during Stamp Exhibition, and to achieve a milestone in the world of Philately, Pakistan Post is issuing a special sheet of postage stamp depicting "Art Work" by the children, designs of which are taken from the "Stamp Drawing competitions" held by Pakistan Stamp Society (formerly Stamp Society of Pakistan)/ Pakistan Post as a live event during the annual National Stamp Exhibition at Karachi.

The Pakistan Stamp Society (formerly Stamp Society of Pakistan) has organized various National Stamp Exhibitions and Stamp Drawing Competitions jointly sponsored by Dawn Media Group, the Philatelic Federation of Pakistan, and the Pakistan Post Office based on FIAP rules at Expo Centre, Karachi. During the last nine years, this was held under the banner of the "Life Style Exhibition" organized by Dawn Media Group.

The Pakistan Stamp Society (formerly Stamp Society of Pakistan) is among the pioneering Stamp Society 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 the Philatelic Federation of Pakistan, the exhibitions have been popular. Some new stamp collectors rejuvenated as collectors and some also participated in the Asian and International exhibitions after due accreditation and judging at Expo Centre, Karachi over the last two decades.

The Pakistan Post, Dawn Media Group, Pakistan Stamp Society (formerly Stamp Society of Pakistan), and Philatelic Federation of Pakistan made it possible to print the country's first-ever stamp design which was selected through the LIVE Stamp Drawing competition in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2016 in Sheet of Eight. These stamps depict drawings of the previous year's young winners and were issued on the First Day of the Exhibition.

This Youth Painting Competition is divided into two age groups. Group "A" for children from 4 to 10 years old and group "B" from 11 to 17 years. The competition is announced in the newspapers, and many children from all major schools 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 in their paintings in a very creative manner which are judged by Mr. Adil Salahuddin (Late), Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and Senior Officials of Pakistan Post, every year, and four awards are given in each age group.

Children draw from life and portray what is happening around them. They also become more aware of the country's current situations, 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 and paint better than other participants in just two hours.

This is the fifth time the paintings selected from Live Stamp Drawing Competitions are depicted on stamps and the sixth time for 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 become serious Philatelists and Stamp Designers.

Below are the names of the selected paintings by the following young artists for the Child Art Competition eight stamps with two labels in the center issued on the day of the exhibition:

Aysha Zafar Age: 9 Years	Hammad Umer Age: 8 Years	PAK POST LOGO	Aliza Sajid Age: 14 Years	Marium Bano Age: 14 Years
Zaina Fatima Age: 5 Years	Rumausa Imran Age: 7 Years	KURRACHEE 2024	Nabia Zehra Age: 14 Years	Yashfeeb Ayub Age: 15 Years

 These drawings have been taken from past competitions.

This is a combined teamwork of Pakistan Post, Mr. Adil Salahuddin (Late), the Organizers Mr. Iqbal Nanjee (Chairman of Organizing Committee & President), Engr. Afzal Nanjee, Mr. Usman Tahir of the Pakistan Stamp Society (formerly Stamp Society of Pakistan), and the officials of the Philatelic Federation took a keen interest in organizing the events for the Philatelic World.

Pakistan Post is issuing a set of 8 Special Stamps Sheet in the form of Stamp Sheet at the eve of National Stamp Exhibition KURRACHEE - 2024 being held at Karachi on December 13, 2024.

INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN DAY 2024, DECEMBER 11th, 2024 (2024-13)

 

International Mountain Day is observed annually on December 11th, and in 2024, this significant day will be celebrated with renewed emphasis on the importance of mountains to life. Mountains are the cradles of rivers, the sources of freshwater, and the homes of a rich array of flora and fauna. However, they are facing unprecedented threats from climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land use. On International Mountain Day 2024, the global community will come together to raise awareness about the crucial role mountains play in supporting biodiversity, regulating the climate, and providing livelihoods for millions of people. The day will be marked by events, campaigns, and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable mountain development, protecting mountain ecosystems, and preserving the cultural heritage of mountain communities.

The theme for International Mountain Day 2024 is "Mountain solutions for a sustainable future innovation, adaptation, and youth". This year's theme focuses on empowering mountain communities through innovation, adaptation, and engaging the youth, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future.

K-2

K-2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori is the second highest mountain in the world, after Mount Everest, at 8,611 metres (28251 ft) above sea level. It is located on the China-Pakistan border in the Gilgit- Baltistan region of northern Pakistan. K-2 is known as the Savage Mountain due to the extreme difficulty of ascent. It has the second-highest fatality rate among the eight thousanders. with around 800 successful summits and 100 fatalities, about one person dies on the mountain for every four who summit. It is more difficult and hazardous to reach the peak of K-2 from the Chinese side, thus it is usually climed from Pakistan side.

Nanga Parbat

Nanga Parbat (literally, Naked Mountain) is the ninth highest mountain in the world at 8,126 meters (26,660 ft) above sea level. It is the western anchor of the Himalayas around which the Indus river skirts into the plains of Pakistan. It is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and is locally known as 'Deo Mir', 'Deo' meaning 'huge' 'Mir' meaning 'mountain". Nanga Parbat one of the eight-thousanders, is an immense, dramatic peak rising far above its surrounding terrain, Nanga Parbat is also a notoriously difficult climb. Numerous mountaineering deaths in the mid and early 20th century lent it the nickname "killer mountain". Nanga Parbat forms the western anchor of the Himalayan range and is the westernmost eight-thousander. It lies just south of the Indus River in the Diamer District of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. Not far to the north is the western end of the Karakoram range.

Gasherbrum-l

Gasherbrum-I also known as Hidden Peak or K-5, is the 11th highest mountain in the world at 8,080 metres (26,510 ft) above sea level. It is located on the Pakistan-Chinese borderin Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and Xinjiang region of China. Gasherbrum-l is part of the Gasherbrum massif, located in the Karakoram region of the Himalaya. Gasherbrum is often claimed to mean "Shining Wall", presumably a reference to the highly visible face of the neighboring peak Gasherbrum IV, but in fact it comes from "rgasha" (beautiful) + "brum" (mountain) in Balti, hence it actually means "beautiful mountain". There are six Gasherbrum peaks and Gasherbrum-I is Highest of them.

Broad Peak

Board peak is the 12th highest mountain in the world at 8,051 meters (26414 ft) above sea level. Broad peak is part of the Gasherbrum massif in Baltistan on the border of Pakistan and China. It is located in the Karakoram mountain rage about 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) from K-2. It has a summit over 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) long. The mountain has several summits: Broad Peak, Rocky Summit, Broad Peak Central, Broad Peak North, and Kharut Kangri. The first ascent of Broad Peak was made between June 8 and 9, 1957 by Fritz wintersteller, Marcus Schmuck, Kurt Diemberger, and Hermann Buhl of an Austrian expedition led by Marcus Schmuck. A first attempt by the team was made on May 29, 1957 where Fritz winteresteller and Kurt Diemberger reached the forepeak (8,030 m). This was also accomplished without the aid of supplemental oxygen, high altitude porters nor base camp support. In July 2013, a group of five Iranian climbers attempted to ascend through a new route from the southwestern face. Three of them-Aidin Bozorgi, Pouya Keivan, and Mojtaba Jarahi ascended successfully but during descent all three of them were lost and declared dead.

Muhammad Ali Sadpara was a renowned Pakistani mountaineer and adventurer. Born on February 2, 1976, in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sadpara made history by becoming the first Pakistani to climb all 14 eight- thousanders, including Mount Everest, K2, and Nanga Parbat. His remarkable achievements and fearless spirit earned him international recognition and accolades. Tragically, Sadpara went missing on February 5, 2021, during a winter expedition to K2, leaving behind a legacy of courage and determination that continues to inspire generations of mountaineers and adventure-seekers.

On the occasion of International Mountain Day 2024, Pakistan Post is proud to introduce a unique commemorative triangle-shaped souvenir sheet, a first-of-its-kind innovation in Pakistan's philatelic history with denomination Rs. 270/- is being issued by pakistan post on December 11th, 2024,

Pakistan Philatelic Association Lahore; monthly meeting December 2024

Like always, the meeting was held on the second Sunday of the month, which fell on 8 December this time.  The meeting started with beautiful recitation of Quran by Jameel Bhatti sahib, after that Fatiha was recited for those friends who are no longer with us. Then buying, selling, and gossiping started. Today Salman Baseer Sahib also came to the meeting as he was visiting from USA after around a year. Salman Sahib presented tickets as a gift to the friends present in the meeting. As always, the meeting ended with the love and sincerity of Jameel Bhatti. Tea, samosas and jalebis added to the enjoyment of the season. 

Men of Letters Series 'Shafiq-UR-Rehman' Issue Date:- 06-06-2013 (2013-13)

 

He was born on November 9, 1920 in a small town near Rohtak, India. Shafiq-ur-Rehman was an illustrious humorist and a short-story writer of Urdu language. He was a medical Doctor by profession, and served in Pakistan Army.

He received his education in Bahawalpur. He completed his MBBS from King Edward Medical College Lahore in 1942, and post-graduation in 1952. He began writing humorous stories during his school days.

His stories were published in a literary monthly magazine “Khayyam”. His book “Kirnain” was completed before he joined medical college and it was published in 1938 while he was still a medical student. It was followed by Shagoofay, Lehrain, Maddojazar, Parvaaz, Himaqatain, Mazeed Himaqatain, Dajla (a travelogue), Insaani tamasha (a translation of “a human comedy”) and lastly Dareechay.

Though he was a humorist, but generally there is an air of romance I his writings. Early in his career, he became a household name. His popularity increased manifold from his second book “Shagoofay”

His later books “Lehrain” and “Parvaaz” further established him as a high class humorist. His wit and repartee put him way ahead of some of his contemporaries. Though his humor is not shy of practical jokes, he uses it sparingly. His jokes have meaning beneath the surface but on the outside they amused everyone to laugh.

As far as parodies are concerned, hardly any humorist in urdu can reach his level in satire and wit. His five parodies “Qissa Chahar Darvesh”, Qassa-i-Hatim Tai bai tasweer”, Qissa Professor Ali Baba Ka”, “Tuzk-i-Nadri urf siyahat nama-i-Hinda” and “Safar nama Jahazbad Sindhi Ka” are fine satires on our history and culture.

Shafiq became very popular among adolescent. He often philosophizes about joys and sorrows, sweeping the young readers with the bouts of optimism and pessimism, giving semi-philosophical, semi-romantic explanations to the queries that haunt the youth. In Urdu Language his style is comparable to that of Stephen Leacock and Mark Twain in English Literature.

He continued to write till his death. He gave a new look to Urdu humor and is the inspiration for many of the Leading humorists nowadays. He created a world that was very real with all its joys, pains and anguish. It was an affirmation of human values and compassion. The Language he used is simple and spontaneous.

His unforgettable characters include Shaitaan, Hukoomat Aapa, Maqsood Ghora, Buddy, Nannha and others. He ruled the world of humor for almost 60 years.

Shafiq-ur-Rehman joined the Indian Army Medical Corps and served at different war fronts during ther Second World War. After partition, he joined the Pakistan Army and rose to the rank of Major General. After his retirement, he served as Chairman of the Academy of letters of Pakistan from 1980 to 1985. During his tenure, the Academy of Letters really flourished and touched its zenith as a Literary Institution.

Grief came to his happy life in the shape of sad death of his son Khalique on account of an accident and his wife’s prolonged illness. He died on March 19, 2000 in Rawalpindi. He was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his military and civilian services on March 23, 2001 after his death.

He wrote following books:-

1.       Kirnain

2.       Shagoofay

3.       Lehrain

4.       Madd-o-Jazar

5.       Pachtaway

6.       Parwaaz

7.       Himaqatain

8.       Mazeed Himaqatain

9.       Dajlah

10.   Insaani Tamasha (a translation)

11.   Dareechay

On Men of Letters Series Shafiq-ur-Rehman, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on June 6, 2013.