Saturday, August 9, 2025

100 YEARS OF MAMA PARSI GIRLS' SECONDARY SCHOOL KARACHI (1918-2018) July 24, 2018. (2018-8)

 

April 2018 marks the centenary of The Mama Parsi Girls' Secondary School. The school's history and development reflects the contribution of the Parsi community to the city's civil life, offering a paradigm of the community spirit.

In 1917, there were few schools, particularly for girls, and very few girls went to school. As early as 1903, Seth Eduljee Dinshaw proposed the establishment of a High School for Parsi Girls. However, the funds raised then, were insufficient. The school was finally established in 1918 due to the foresight and acumen of Jamshed Nusserwanji Mehta, who brought together the community minded sprit and philantrophy of Khan bahadur Ardeshir Hormusjee Mama, Khan Bahadur Nusserwanji Mehta and Nadirshaw Eduljee Dinshaw. Shehryarji Contractor, Director of Public Education, Bombay Presidency, provided expert guidance. Since Khan Bahadur Ardeshir Hormusjee Mama was the largest donor, the school was named The Mama School in memory of his parents.

The school started in the BVS School premises, then moved to the Mama Mansions and finally settled down in its present location in 1920, with the capacity to accomodate 250 Parsi girls. In 1947, after partition, at the personal request of the Quaid-e-Azam, admission was opened to girls of all communities.

Starting with about 50 Parsi girls, we now have 2130 girls! The Founder's motto was to provide the best possible education to every child entering the portals of this school. Moving with the times, many things have changed but our motto has remained unchanged. We have surged ahead with the growth in numbers - our beautiful old buildings still stands, with several new structures added on new programmes and curriculum have been introduced. We now work in two shifts morning and afternoon. Computer Studies was introduced in 1985. The Matriculation System of the Sindh Board was changed to the SSC Examinations of the Aga Khan University Education Board. Co curricular activities have increase, with Urdu & English Literary & Dramatic societies, Red Crescent, Mama Cadets & Girl Guides also being added on and of course we are very proud of our girls' School Band.

Remaining true to our motto, our aim is not only to impact knowledge but to develop informed, ethical and reasonable individuals who are prepared for life-long learning, to lead and to serve.

We now have many Mamaians in different parts of the world, who are living, working and positively contributing to their cities and communities. We are indeed proud of them!

We thank God Almighty for the school's successful century and pray for His Blessings for many many more years to come.

On 100 Years of Mama Parsi Girls' Secondary School Karachi (1918-2018), Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 8/- denomination on July 24, 2018.

KASHMIR MARTYR'S DAY (Atrocities in IOK) July 13, 2018 (2018-7)

 

1. 13th July is the milestone in the history of Kashmir struggle for freedom. On this day 21 Kashmiris had sacrificed their lives for the supreme cause of freedom of Kashmir from the clutches of despotic Dogra rulers.

2. On 19th April 1931, the Dogra DIG Chowdry Ram Chand stopped Imam Munshi Muhammad Ishaq from giving Eid Khutba (Sermon) in the Municipal Park of Jammu. The incident sparked off widespread protest demonstrations in Jammu city. Ban on Eid Khutba in Jammu was followed by desecration of the Holy Quran at the hands of Dogra troops, in Jammu, which further aggravated the situation throughout the state. In Srinagar, people gathered in Jamia Masjid Srinagar to denounce desecration act and demand severe punishment to the culprits. To demand their religious rights and to protest, a large number of personal gathered in Khankah-e-Mualla Srinagar, where while listening to speeches of Kashmiri leaders a youth Abdul Qadeer pointed his finger to the Maharaja's palace and raised full-throated slogans "destroy its every brick". He was arrested instantly on the charges of sedition. Abdul Qadeer was to be tried in the court but due to possible public reaction the court was shifted to Central Jail Srinagar. On 12th July, violent public demonstrations were held throughout the city against the shifting of the court to the Central Jail, Srinagar.

3. On 13th July, thousands of people thronged the central jail Srinagar to witness the in-camera trial of Abdul Qadeer. At Zuhar time, one of the youth stood up and started reciting "Azan" for Zuhar prayer. He was killed by Dogra soldiers; next youth started the 'Azan' where it was left by the martyred youth. He was also killed and in process of completing the 'Azan' 21 youth were killed one after the other. This incident is a black chapter in the history of Dogra regime. The people carried the dead and the injured with them, formed a procession and paraded the highways and streets of Srinagar, chanting slogans Dogra brutalities. Complete strike was observed in the city, which followed weeklong mourning. This incident shook the whole state and the traffic from Srinagar to Rawalpindi and Srinagar to Jammu came to halt from 13th to 26th July. Since then, the day is observed as Kashmir Martyr's Day.

4. It was the result of the above episode that Kashmiri leadership realized the need to form a political party i.e. Muslim Conference (MC) with a view to wage struggle for their freedom. Later in 1934, State's first elections were held and Muslim Conference won 16 out of 21 seats and after two years in 1936 it succeeded in getting 19 out of 21 seats. Indian Congress was upset with this result and tried to create division in the ranks of Kashmiri leadership. On 19th July 1947, MC after considering geographical proximity, Majority of Muslim population (80%) religion, language and cultural relations, passed a resolution to merge Kashmir with Pakistan.

5. It's heart-moving to observe that despite a period of 80 years, the Kashmiris are still struggling and sacrificing to achieve their alienable right under UNSC resolutions for the plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir Valley is one of the most heavily militarized regions in the world with 7 Lakh armed security forces, who indulge in indiscriminate killing, forced disappearances, rapes and maiming innocent youth and women. The present history is witness to continued inhuman tactics of India to suppress Kashmiris.

6. Indian savage and ruthless forces left no stone unturned to crush their popular struggle and martyred thousands of Kashmiris during last 27 years. These brutal troops have victimized Kashmiri masses irrespective of their age and gender. They let loose reign of terror and applied Chankian tactics of curfew, cordon off, crackdowns, siege and search operations. Indiscriminate firing, fake encounters, murder, mass killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, illegal detention, abduction, disappearances, extra-judicial killings. custodial deaths, molestation, victimization of school going children and arson were the main characteristics of Indian State terrorism.

7. Indian cruel, inhuman, ruthless, merciless and brutal troops killed, tortured, kidnapped, molested, and disgraced thousands of innocent Kashmiri women. Even innocent female children are not spared. They are tortured, orphaned maimed, handicapped, deprived of their fathers and brothers and left wailing for their near and dear ones with ocean of tears.

8. Indiscriminate firing on women folk, baton charge, tear gas and pepper gas shelling. use of lethal weapons, pellet shelling and pepper gun grenade throwing have become the daily routine of Indian malicious forces. Thousands of women are arrested and jailed. Thousands of them martyred, thousands half widowed, thousands widowed, thousands molested, thousands left unsafe/ shelter less, and almost every women of kashmir mentally tortured and deprived of their sons and brothers.

9. Indian evil forces have butchered, martyred, tortured, disabled and abducted the Kashmiri youngsters. These ruthless forces kidnapped them from their homes or streets and then threw their bullet riddled bodies in rivers and open localities. These brutal troops equipped with heavy weapons kill these Kashmiri youth anywhere and anytime in a bid to suppress the popular struggle of Kashmiris.

10. 94888 Kashmiris have been martyred by Indian security forces in custody, extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances and these human right violations are carried out by Indian security forces under total impunity. Indian occupation forces martyred thousands of Kashmiris in various massacres.

11. In Jammu Massacre on 6th November 1947, the Maharaja Hari Singh's army, Hindu terrorist organization RSS activists martyred nearly 500'000 Muslims in jammu and forced more than 1 million to migrate to Pakistan. It is a horrendous, unforgivable and unacceptable crime against humanity; and a dark blot on the history of mankind.

12. Gawakadal Massacre. On 21 January 1990, 51 civilians were killed by CRPF troopers during protests against earlier raids in which wanton arrests and molestation of women were conducted by CRPF troops.

13. Handwara Massacre. On January 25, 1990, two BSF patrolling parties in Handwara indiscriminately fired at peaceful protesters and killed 25 people. Many people were injured.

14. Zakoora and Tengpora Massacre, Indian forces killed 33 protesters and injured 47 on 1 March 1990 at Zakoora Crossing and Tengpora Bypass Road in Srinagar. The killers were not punished.

15. Hawal Massacre. At the funeral of Mirwaiz Muhammad Farooq on May 21, 1990 over 60 civilians were killed by paramilitary forces and hundreds injured in the indiscriminate firing on the funeral procession.

16. Sopore Massacre. On 6 January 1993 Indian troops killed 55 civilians in the town of Sopore and set fire to many homes and buildings.

17. Bijbehara Massacre. On 22 October 1993 the Indian Army killed 51 civilians during protests over the siege of the Hazratbal Mosque, 25 of those killed were students None of the accused were punished.

18. Kupwara Massacre. On 27 January 1994 the Indian Army fired at and killed 27 civilians, mainly traders, in Kupwara district. Survivors say that the soldiers carried out the massacre to punish people for observing shutdown on January 26.

19. Chattisinghpora Massacre. On 20 March 2000, 15-17 gunmen, entered the village of Chattisinghpora. They ordered all of the Sikhs to assemble at the village Gurdawara and systematically shot and killed 34 of them.

20. Nadimarg Massacre. On night of 23 March 2003 the terrorists entered at Nadimarg village near Shopian and dragged the Hindus out from their homes, lined them and shot them by automatic weapons. At least 24 Hindus including 11 women and 2 children were killed. The killers disfigured the bodies of the victims, looted their houses and took away the ornaments from bodies of the dead women.

21. Torture in Custody. Indian occupation forces torture innocent Kashmiris to suppress their demand for freedom. There are thousands of torture cases in Kashmir. The entire Kashmir is at risk of arbitrary detention, torture or even death. Indian forces are used to torture Kashmiris during crack down, search operation and raids on homes.

22. Rape as a weapon of war. Rape is an active strategy of the security forces to humiliate and intimidate the Kashmiri population, Rape is used as a weapon of war by India soldiers, 11036 women are molested by Indian occupation forces.

23. Custodial Killing. The custodial killings are a routine in Kashmir. According to human rights defenders around 7099 Kashmiris are martyred in custody during the past twenty-seven years.

24. Enforced Disappearance. Indian occupation forces are involved in forced disappearances of thousands of Kashmiris. The extent of male disappearances has been so large that a new term half widows has been created for their wives who end up with no information of their husbands' whereabouts. Human right activists estimate the number of disappeared to be over 10000, last seen in government detention.

25. Arson and Destruction. India occupation forces have used every type of brutal tactic to suppress the freedom struggle of Kashmiris. These ruthless forces have set ablaze the residential houses, go downs and crops of Kashmiris. Property worth billions of US dollars have been destroyed, 108,596 structures are arsoned.

26. Victimization of Children. Indian troops did not spare even innocent children of Kashmir. Their parents are martyred; even the children are tortured and martyred. 107676 children are orphaned.

27. Killings of Youth. Indian evil forces have butchered, martyred, tortured, disabled and abducted Kashmiri youngsters. These ruthless forces kidnapped them from their homes or streets and then threw their bullet riddled bodies in rivers and open localities. These brutal troops equipped with heavy weapons kill these Kashmiri youth anywhere and anytime in a bid to suppress the popular struggle of Kashmiris. According to confirmed sources 56000 Kashmiri youth have been abducted by Indian army and paramilitary forces and only some of them returned home alive. And those who were lucky to survive are living miserable life with mental and physical disorder.

28. Fake Encounters. To crush the popular struggle of Kashmiris and to target Kashmiri youth, fake encounter is one of the techniques of Indian state terrorism. A fake encounter is an unlawful execution with a dramatic component. Indian ruthless forces stage these dramas for gallantry or cash awards or for professional advancement that is out of tum promotions. Out of 94888 Kashmiris more than 8000 are killed in fake encounters.

29. From July 8, 2016 after the martyrdom of Burhan Wani, India used pellet gun which was meant to kill animals on innocent Kashmiris. Due to Indian pellet shelling 8353 have been injured, 73 youth lost complete eye-sight, 207 lost one eye sight,974 are at the verge of losing eye sight, 1863 youth are those whose eyesight is partially damaged.

30. According to reliable sources from January 1989 to 31th December 2017, 94,888 Kashmiris are martyred 7099 are martyred in custody, 143,048 Kashmiris arrested, 108,596 structures arsoned, 22.862 women widowed, 107676 children orphaned, 11036 women molested.

31. Indian used every type of brutal tactics to suppress popular struggle of Kashmir by force. Even after losing their precious lives these Kashmiri have moral advantage upon Indian ruthless forces. Their demand is crystal clear and that is right of self-determination. They are not ready to compromise their freedom though at the cost of their lives. It is time for International community, Human rights activists and peace loving nation to be a part of suppressed people and pressurize oppressors to stop genocide, otherwise history never forgives any one.

32. The date on atrocities by Indian security forces from January 1989 to 30 April 2018 is as under:-

a. Total killings                                                                   94,874

b. Custodial killings                                                          7,099

C. Arrests                                                                            142,851

d. Structures destroyed/damaged                           108,471

e. Women widowed                                                       22.862

f. Children orphaned                                                      107,674

g. Women gang-raped/molested                             11,026

On Kashmir Martyr's Day (atrocities in 10K), the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/-each

60th ANNIVERSARY OF URDU DICTIONARY BOARD, June 14, 2018 (2018-5)

 

Urdu Dictionary Board (Formerly Urdu Development Board) was established in 1958. It was created through a Resolution of the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan, dated 14th of June, 1958, which stated that Urdu Development Board would compile and publish a comprehensive dictionary of Urdu on historical principles, on the pattern of Greater Oxford Dictionary. The Board was also asked to undertake a number of other tasks for the development of Urdu.

Founded by Baba-e-Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq who was the first Chief Editor of the organization, it was honored over the years by close and active association of great scholars and litterateurs of their times such as Josh Malihabadi, Begum Shaista Ikramullah, Dr. Abdul Lais Siddiqui, Mr. Mumtaz Hasan (Governor State Bank of Pakistan); Shaukat Subzwari, Dr. G. Allana and many others. One of the oldest scholarly institutions of Pakistan, it has a prestige that has no rival.

UDB has a library comprising of rare books and manuscripts, a large number of which was rescued and brought to Karachi in trunks by Maulvi Abdul Haq from the office of Anjuman-e-Taraqui-e-Urdu in Delhi after it was ransacked in communal riots in 1947.

Through a Resolution of Ministry of Education dated 27th of March, 1982 the Board was re-named as Urdu Dictionary Board and was assigned the task of compiling and publishing a comprehensive dictionary of Urdu keeping in view the standard of Greater Oxford Dictionary. It was also given the task of preparing an abridged /concise Edition as well as other dictionaries of technical & scientific terms. The Board was asked to perform such other functions too, as assigned to it by the Government from time to time.

In 1986 another Resolution dated 31st March 1986, was passed by the Ministry of Education but the main function of the Board remained almost unchanged and it continued preparing and publishing the Lughat as its main task.

Federal Education Minister governs the affairs of the Board while the Chief Editor supervises working of the Board. The Chief Editor who has all the administrative and financial powers.

Urdu Dictionary Board was declared Sub-Ordinate office of the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan in November 2007. After the devolution of Ministry of Education, Urdu Dictionary Board was placed under control of the Cabinet Division, Government of Pakistan after that it became the sub-ordinate office of Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, and w.e.f. 5th January 2016 it is working under National History and Literary Heritage Division, Ministry of IB & NH, Government of Pakistan.

The basic objective of the organization has been to prepare dictionaries. This entity has prepared Greater Urdu Lughat (from volume 1 to 22) comprising 22000 pages and 264000 entries at the pattern of Greater Oxford Dictionary. This greater Lughat was completed in 2010 after the great efforts of 52 years.

Because of this greater Lughat, Urdu has been accepted the third language of the world who has made dictionary at philological principle. Before this, same nature of work has been done by United Kingdom and Germany.

Recently Urdu Dictionary Board has completed a project regarding "Computerization of Urdu Dictionary, Software Development for Mobile Phone, Web Hosting and establishment of Server Room" in this project Urdu Dictionary Board has computerized (volume No.1 to 22) that are available at website www.udb.gov.pk moreover mobile apps are also available to get utility from this greater dictionary.

After completion of greater Lughat, Urdu Dictionary Board Karachi has been preparing concise and children's dictionaries, these dictionaries are going to be completed soon and it will be ready for publication.

On 60th Anniversary of Urdu Dictionary Board, the commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on June 14, 2018.

USTAD ASLAM ROODA. MAY 16, 2025 (2025-15)

 

Ustad Aslam Rodda:- A Legendary Hockey Coach and Master Builder of Champions

Ustad Aslam Roda left an indelible mark on Pakistani hockey, etching his name in the annals of the sport's history. His remarkable journey, dedicated to hockey from his youth until his last breath, transformed the lives of countless individuals and elevated Gojra to unprecedented heights.

In the history of sports, no other small town has produced as many players as Gojra, a testament to Roda's tireless efforts and dedication. Born on October 1, 1945, in Amritsar, Roda's family migrated to Pakistan and settled in Gojra.

Roda was himself a Pakistani international hockey player before becoming a renowned coach who brought about transformative change. His playing experience and expertise laid the foundation for his future success as a coach.

Roda's coaching legacy began with a passion to give back to his community. His contributions to hockey are unparalleled, producing over 100 international and national players.

Notable players include Tahir Zaman, Shahbaz Ahmed Jr., and Irfan Mehmood, all Pride of Performance Award winners, 1994 World Cup winners, and Olympic medalists.

Through hockey Roda transformed the lives of over 350 families living below the poverty line and empowering them to achieve economic stability and prosperity. Through his coaching, he provided opportunities for young players to secure scholarships, jobs, and international recognition.

A pioneer for women's hockey, Roda established and trained Gojra's first women's hockey team. It is still another example of his paving the way for female athletes in the region and producing several international players. This groundbreaking initiative not only promoted gender equality but also challenged societal norms.

Under his guidance, Gojra earned the prestigious title of "Olympic Hockey Village," recognizing its impressive hockey record, as noted by the BBC. This distinction not only honored Roda's achievements but also put Gojra on the global sports map.

Roda's coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, hard work, and teamwork. He instilled in his players a strong sense of national pride, responsibility, and sportsmanship. His training methods, though unconventional, yielded remarkable results, earning him respect and admiration from peers and players alike. Roda's legacy extends beyond his coaching accomplishments. He played a crucial role in promoting hockey infrastructure development in Gojra, advocating for better facilities and resources for young players.

Ustad Aslam Roda passed away on January 21, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service. His demise was mourned by the entire nation, with tributes pouring in from the hockey community and beyond.

Today, Roda's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the hockey academy he founded. His story serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that dedication, passion, and selflessness can transform communities and shape the future of sports.

The town of Gojra remains eternally grateful to Ustad Aslam Roda, who transformed its sports landscape and put Pakistan on the global hockey map. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of sports to unite, inspire, and uplift communities. He was a legend.

In recognition of the out standing contributions of Ustad Aslam Roda to the development of hockey in Pakistan, both as a distinguished player and a dedicated coach, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 50/- denomination on 16th May 2025. His efforts in nurturing talent and promoting the national sport have left a lasting legacy in the history of Pakistani hockey.

40 YEARS OF ISLAMABAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY. MAY 15, 2025 (2025-14)

 

Mission Statement:- As the premier Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Northern Region, with national and international linkages, ICCI aims to enhance its leadership role by being proactive and delivering quality services to its members. The Chamber acts as a catalyst for rapid economic development through the promotion of trade, industry, service sectors, youth entrepreneurship, and women's economic empowerment.

Vision Statement:- To establish ICCI as a leading trade organization and a national role model by initiating growth-oriented projects and adopting international best practices for the promotion of trade, industry, and service sectors.

Profile the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), established in 1984, operates under the Companies Act VII of 1913 as a Limited Company by Guarantee. Based in Islamabad, ICCI's jurisdiction covers the Federal Capital Area (urban and rural). It is affiliated with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and is a member of international Chambers of Commerce.

ICCI's governance is overseen by an elected Executive Committee led by the President, supported by two Vice Presidents, with administrative matters managed by the Secretary General. Various sub-committees focus on trade promotion, industrial and SME development, taxation, energy efficiency, tourism, and economic empowerment. The Chamber serves over 10,000 members from industry and trade sectors, contributing significantly to the region's GDP. An inclusive structure includes a President, Senior Vice President, Vice President, 32 Executive Committee members, and numerous standing committees.

Forum for Interaction:- ICCI provides a platform for collaboration and dialogue among industry representatives, trade officials, and service providers.Key activities include:

·         Regular interactions with foreign diplomats, senior government officials, and provincial representatives.

·         Recommendations to the government on trade and investment policies.

·         Highlighting business community issues through media and engaging government for policy reforms.

·         Organizing B2B meetings, international trade delegations, and participation in global exhibitions.

·         Consistent engagement with foreign missions to promote bilateral trade.

·         Hosting training programs, seminars, conferences, and workshops for skill development.

·         Promoting youth entrepreneurship and women's economic empowerment.

ICCI Achievements:- ICCI's accomplishments reflect its commitment to economic development:

·         Organized significant events such as the All Pakistan Chambers Presidents Conference.

·         Business Opportunities Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

·         International Business Conference in Dubai.

·         Contributed to social responsibility initiatives, including water filtration plants and medical camps.

·         Recognized with awards, such as the National Youth Award 2009, for contributions to entrepreneurship and women's excellence.

·         Established strategic advisory councils integrating senior and junior members for effective policy-making.

·         Developed modern facilities, including two landmark buildings on Srinagar Highway, symbolizing ICCI's prominence.

·         Organizes two tourism conferences in Skrdu which were attended by a number of ambassadors and diplomats.

·         It has two big majestic buildings on the prime Mauve Area in G8/1.

·         It has state of the art auditorium with about 375 people capacity.

·         Introduced Enterprise Resource System (ERP). Free ambulance system.

·         FM radio of Islamabad Chamber

Representation and Services:- ICCI has representation on key government advisory boards, committees, and academic platforms, ensuring advocacy for trade, industry, and service sectors. Value-added service desks for members include:

1. RARE

2. Police Verification

3. Federal Ombudsman

4. IESCO

5. TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan)

6. Arbitration council

7. Upcoming desk for Pakistan Post Office

The Chamber also partners with restaurants, hospitals, and schools to provide affordable services to its members.

Future Aspirations ICCI aims to:

·         Enhance its leadership role as a proactive trade organization.

·         To make the Chamber the best support organization by introducing the modern governance.

·         Advocate for favorable business environments through strategic policy recommendations.

·         Foster economic growth by promoting trade, industry, and entrepreneurship.

·         Support local businesses and strengthen international trade relationships through innovation and collaboration.

·         To set up an Industrial Estate in Islamabad.

·         To set up a TV channel.

ICCI remains committed to being a beacon of economic development, empowering businesses, and inspiring confidence in Pakistan's future prosperity.

On the Occasion of 40th Anniversary of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamps, of Rs. 40/-denomination on 15th May, 2025.