65th ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND CHINA. May 21, 2016 (2016-05)

Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China were established on May 21, 1951. Pakistan was among the first countries to end diplomatic relations with Taiwan and recognize People's Republic of China. Since then, both countries have placed considerable importance on the maintenance of a close and supportive relationship. The two countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits and entered into various agreements. The PRC has provided economic, military and technical assistance to Pakistan and is a strategic ally.

Bilateral relations which are mooted in the will of the people of both the countries have evolved from an initial Chinese policy of neutrality to a partnership with Pakistan. Pakistan has also served as China's main bridge with Muslim countries. It has also played an important role in bridging the communication gap between China and the West by facilitating the 1972 President Nixon's visit to China. A strategic alliance was established with China in 1972 and economic co-operation began in 1979. China is one of Pakistan's largest supplier of arms and trading partner. Recently, both nations have decided to cooperate in the civil nuclear program

Chinese cooperation with Pakistan is reflected in its commitment through substantial Chinese investment in Pakistan infrastructural expansion, including the Pakistani deep-water port at Gwadar. Both countries have an ongoing free trade agreement.

The relations between Pakistan and China have been described as higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, stronger than steel, dearer than eyesight, sweeter than honey and Iron brothers.

The relations between the two countries reached new heights when President Xi Jinping during his visit to Pakistan in April 2015, signed agreements of over $46 billion which reflects the abiding interest of People's Republic of China in the prosperity and progress of the people of Pakistan.

To Celebrate the Establishment of 65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and China, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on May 21, 2016.

AN IMPORTANT PERSONALITY IN THE HISTORY OF PAKISTAN. DEWAN BAHADUR S.P SINGHA. April 26, 2016 (2016-04)

Dewan S.P. Singha is an important personality in the history of Pakistan. He was born on April 26, 1893 in Pasroor, Punjab. He belonged to a royal Rajput family of Pasroor (Distric Sialkot) but settled in Lahore, where they had good property and businesses. His family was known by the title of Dewan and SP Singha also enjoyed the title of Dewan Bahadur. His father was a school teacher. He passed intermediate examination from F.C. College, Lahore and graduated from St. Stephen's College in Delhi. In 1936, he became a leader of All India Christian Association.

Punjab Assembly, in this connection has also certified that Dewan Bahadur Sataya Prakash Singha (S.P. Singha) remained Member, Punjab Legislative Council from 5th April 1937 to 16th March, 1945. He was again elected as Member, Punjab Legislative Assembly and served as Speaker from 21st March, 1946 to 4th July, 1947. He has the honour to preside over a special meeting held on 23rd June, 1947 of the western Section to decide whether or not the province of the Punjab be partitioned. Wherein, after voting on both sides i.e., western section and eastern section, the mumber of votes in favour of existing constituent Assembly remained 77, while votes in favour of separate constituent Assembly were 91. As a result of voting held on 23rd June, 1947 the Assembly stood divided and named as "West Punjab Legislative Assembly and the East Punjab Legislative Assembly. Dewan Bahadur Sataya Prakash Singha continued to be the Member of West Punjab Legislative Assembly till 25th January, 1949.

He is also recommended for his contribution in the field of education and social welfare of his community. He also served as Registrar in the Punjab University and worked for the improvement of examination system which won him many admirer and he was made a Dewan Bahadur. He died on October 22, 1949. He is buried in the Christian Graveyard (Gora Qabristan) Jail Road, Lahore

On Recognizing the Services of Dewan Bahadar S.P. Singha, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 10/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on April 26, 2016.

NATIONAL BOOK DAY. April 22, 2016 (2016-03)

Read, said the Angel to Mohammad (S.AW.W), This was Almighty's first command to his Apostle, making him the Messenger and Ambassador of his Book to all mankind. His task from that day onwards would be to spread His word to the four corners of the earth so that all human beings may read and know what was written in the Quran, the Book of divine wisdom for all time to come.

From the conception of an idea to its preservation and from the antiquity to the modern day life of scientific and technological advancement, books have been playing the most pivotal role in the growth of human mind and civilization. A good book invigorates spirit, fires imagination and instills the capacity to experience the aesthetics life. As a trusted companion book instills peace inside the reader and helps him make a rewarding journey into the realms of knowledge.

Books also have a vital role to play in promoting moral and social awareness as well as intellectual and moral development of human being. Book has retained its place in present global knowledge economy despite proliferation and expansion of knowledge, technology, in numerous forms.

National Book Day is celebrated on 22nd April every year with the aim to promote books, book culture and reading habits in the public.

The observance of National Book Day every year on 22nd April's not only provides an opportunity to the book lovers to buy the book of their choice at handsome discounted price but it also provides opportunity to meet and exchange views with legendary writers, poets, performers, intellectuals and educationists, etc.

On National Book Day, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/-denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on April 22, 2016.

ON WATER CONSERVATION (WAPDA) March 22, 2016 (2016-02)

Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is a federal autonomous body that came into existence through an Act of parliament in 1958. The Authority comprises of a Chairman, three Members / MD (Water / Power & Finance) and a Secretary. The Government of Pakistan had assigned WAPDA the responsibility for optimal utilization of Water and Power Resources in the country. Simultaneously, it was also given the task of planning of Hydel Generation, Designing, Construction and installation of transmission and distribution Line. In 2007, through an Ordinance WAPDA was restructured / bifurcated into two separate entities l.e. WAPDA and PEPCO. The functions of Hydro Power and Water Sector Construction, Generation, Operation and Maintenance of Power Houses remained with WAPDA whereas the distribution (DISCOS) Generation of Thermal Power (GENCOs) and transmission of electricity (NTDC) were placed at disposal of PEPCO.

WAPDA appreciates the collaborated efforts, collective wisdom and support, provided by the various organization and other agencies of Provisional / Federal Government as well as the Donor Agencies i.e. IDB, World Bank, ADB, AFD, KFW. CIDA, Kuwait Fund, OPEC, SFD, Chinese Government, China Exim Bank Korean Investment Bank, USAID etc.

Wapda Hydel Power Stations produced 31,306 Million kWh Net Energy during the FY 2013-14 which is 34% of the total Hydel / Thermal Generation Mix of the Power System. Up-gradation & Refurbishment of Mangla Power Station has been started with the assistance of USAID. Feasibility Study and detail design for rehabilitation, up-gradation and modernization of Warsak Power Station has been completed which will ensure the running of the plant at its full capacity of 243 MW while. feasibility study of new Warsak Power House 300MW is under finalization. Planning work for up-gradation of Renala and Chitral Hydol Power Station is under progress which envisages enhancing their capacity from 01 MW to 04 MW and 01 MW to 05 MW respectively. Besides, Special Repair and Maintenance of Terbela Power Station is also being carried out under FARA/USAID.

Water Wing of WAPDA is responsible for planning, Designining and execution of Water Resources Development Projects in the Sector of Irrigation, drainage, and Hydro Power. Inter provincial major surface Water Projects including large dams are also operated and maintained by Water Wing, WAPDA

Indus Basin Projects (05 Barages, 08 Inter River Link Canal 1965-70, Mangla (1967) and Terbela Dam (1976) have already been completed by WAPDA Water wing and are contributing substantially, towards national economy.

Chashma Hydel Power Project having a generation capacity of 184MW of electricity has been operating since 2001. Ghazi Brotha Hydro Power Project with a generation capacity of 1450 MW of electricity has been functioning since 2003. National Drainage programe in four provinces has been completed since 2007.

More recently, Sabakzai Dam Project and Greater Thal Canal acres (Phase-1) have been completed in 2009 which are cultivating 6875 and 355,000 respectively. Mirani Dam Project has been completed and is in operation. Mangla Dam Raising Project has been completed in December 2009 and the project also in operation.

Commercial Operation of Khan Khawar HPP (72MW) started in November 2010. Satpara Dam has also started commercial operation 02 units in October 2007 and December 2008 and remaining two units in June 2013. Allai Khwar HPP (121MW) and Jinnah HPP (96MW) are also in commercial operation since March 2013 and October 2013 respectively. Duber Khwar HPP (130 MW) is also substantially completed and will start commercial operation within a month.

Gomal Zam Dam component has been completed, while work on irrigation. Component is in progress. Work on Rainee Canal (Phase-I), Kachhi Canal (Phase-1) and on drainage schemes RBOD-I & III in Sindh and Balochistan in progress. The infrastructure construction work of Diamer Bhasha Dam (4500 MW) is under progress. The other Dams namely Kurram Tangi Dam (83.4 MW), Akhori Dam (600 MW) & Mohmand Dam Hydro Power Project (740 MW) are also under Tendering and Design Stage.

Neelum Jhelum 969 MW, Golan Gol (106 MW) & Tarbela 4th Extension 1410 MW HPPs are under construction. Lower Palas Valley 665 MW and lower Spat Gah 496 MW are being constructed on Public Private Partnership Mode.

All study of Dasu HPP 4320 MW being financed by World Bank are complete and tendering is expected to be under taken soon. Feasibility Study of Thakot 2800 MW, Basho 40 MW, Harpo 34.5 MW and Patan 2800 MW is in progress.

In addition WAPDA has initiated construction work on 12 small medium Dams, these projects are located in provinces of Pakistan. Balochistan, Sindh, KPK and Punjab.

WAPDA has taken up linning of Muzaffargarh Canal to control Water Logging due to Muzaffargarh and T.P Link Canal. WAPDA has also carried out a detailed study of a pilot project on lining of main Canal (Dadu, Rice Rohari at Upper reach).

In addition to this special research has been initiated on Glacial Monitoring in the wake of global warming and future strategy to store / conserve the additional water from the melting of Glaciers.

WAPDA has initiated work on inland Water Ways Transportation System PC-II has been submitted to Govt of Pakistan to obtain official permission undertake the feasibility study. WAPDA is also dealing studies on the potential of storing water in underground shells during Floods and near hill Torrents.

WAPDA Sports Board was established in 1960 for promotion of sports in Wapda with the ultimate goal of increasing the organizations participation at the national level. It obtained affiliation with the Pakistan Olympic Association in 1984. WAPDA has shown noteworthy achievements in the field of sports by wining 137medals. (Gold, Bronze and Silver) in the national games.

WAPDA earnest endeavors are reflecting of its commitment to support the national economy and help in poverty alleviation through improved Hydel Thermal Mix of Power generation, provision of electricity at affordable rates and above all perspective planning and timely execution of projects to meet Water and Power demands of the growing population.

On Water Conservation" (WAPDA), a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/-denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on March 22, 2016.

50 YEARS OF SAFE OPERATION OF 1ST NUCLEAR REASEARCH REACTOR IN PAKISTAN (PINSTECH ISLAMABAD -1965-2015) February 10, 2016 (2016-01)

The year 2015 marks 50 glorious years of Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) preeminence and excellence in scientific and technical achievements. PINSTECH is a research institute of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). Pakistan in its early days faced a challenge of lack of qualified scientific manpower and technology infrastructure. Right from the beginning, PAEC had full realization of these facts and had a clear vision of the requirements in terms of trained manpower and technical infrastructure for pursuing an indigenous nuclear power programme. PINSTECH as an institute of international stature was conceived by late Dr. I. H. Usmani, former chairman PAEC and Dr. Abdus Salam, a Nobel Laureate and was unveiled in 1965. Dr. Usmani very esthetically selected the site about 20 kilometers south east of Islamabad at Nilore. Agreement for its design that blends eastern elegance with modern technology of the West in neo-Mughal splendor was signed with Edward Durrel Stone, famous American architect. In 1966 the architect won American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Professional Award for PINSTECH project. PINSTECH houses the Pakistan's first research reactor called Pakistan Research Reactor-1 (PARR-1). On 21st December 2015 PARR-1, the first nuclear research reactor in the whole Muslim World, is also completing 50 years of its safe operation.

Over last five decades PINSTECH has matured as premier research institution of the country and an internationally recognized center for research in multidisciplinary fields which includes chemistry, physics, computational physics, material science, metallurgy, health & environmental safety, radioisotope production/applications, nuclear engineering, reactor fuel development, electronics, information technology, computer science and human resource development. The institute has some of the most advanced operational research facilities with wide ranging sophisticated equipment and highly qualified and skilled scientists and engineers. It has rendered technical support to industry, research institutes, medical and agricultural centers in areas such as radiation and isotope applications, radiation monitoring, mechanical testing and failure analysis, water resource research, electronics and computers. It has not only made significant contributions to the peaceful applications of nuclear technology but has also helped upgrade the overall level of scientific research culture in the country.

Presently, apart from continuous R&D in major disciplines of science & technology, PINSTECH is pursuing some very important applied projects like Production of Radioisotopes and Radiopharmaceuticals, fuel fabrication for PARR-1, development of linear accelerator for medical use, services related to radiological safety & protection, material synthesis & characterization and applied work in hydrology. industry and environment. The efforts in all these activities are supported with up to-date facilities for quality control, analytical services and extensive reservoir of scientific information. Different analytical laboratories equipped with high tech instruments and its skilled manpower are providing services to PAEC, public and private sector organizations. The production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals for use in the nuclear medical centers and for other applications, has been a unique feature of the institute. PINSTECH is catering the needs of 36 private and public medical centers all over Pakistan for radiopharmaceuticals and radioisotopes. The institute has an inimitable library that was declared as the National Library of Physical Sciences by Ministry of Science and Technology in 2002.

PINSTECH for its outstanding contribution to the advancement of science and technology in Pakistan was declared a winner of the Islamic Development Bank award in Science and Technology in 2002 and was declared "the best S&T institution" in the Islamic world. Various scientific and technological developments at PINSTECH have shaped the scientific and technological landscape of the country. The Institute has a very strong interaction with the international and national scientific community. The research and supporting facilities of the Institute are utilized by students and faculty members of different national universities. Many scientists of the Institutes have also been awarded Ph.D. degrees by local universities on the basis of their research work. PINSTECH has very strong collaboration with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has actively taken part in the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) among 21 countries of the South East Asia and the Pacific region for over four decades. Numerous scientists associated with the Institute have also won national and international awards as recognition of their work.

On Completion of 50 Years of Safe Operation of First Nuclear Research Reactor in Pakistan, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8-denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on February 10, 2016.