PAKISTAN AND BELARUS JOINT ISSUE. October 5, 2016 (2016-09)

SAIFUL MULUK NATIONAL PARK-PAKISTAN:-

Pakistan is a unique country having wide range of ecosystems, habitat types and biological diversity due to its geographical and climatic conditions. There are snow covered peaks, permanent snowfields, lush green as well as barren mountains, thick forests, vast irrigated plains, sand dunes, deserts and long coastal lines in Pakistan. For the conservation of such natural assets, Government has declared some specific areas as the 'protected areas where the ecosystems, flora and fauna are protected and maintained under the natural conditions. Saiful Muluk National Park is one of the protected areas.

Saiful Muluk National Park is located in Kaghan-Naran Valley in Mansehra District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, in northern Pakistan. Kaghan Valley is nestled in the heart of mountainous Himalayas, of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Here you find unforgettable natural wonders like glaciers, waterfalls, and enchanting lakes including the Saiful Maluk Lake. Naran is a medium sized town in upper Kaghan Valley in Mansehra. District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is located 119 kilometers (74 mi) from Mansehra city at the altitude of 8,202 feet (2,500 m).

The Saiful Muluk National Park was created in 2003 with an area of 880 sq km (340 sq mi). The world wide renowned lake for its scenic beauty Saif ul Muluk Lake is located in the park. The lake Saiful Muluk is one of the highest lakes of Pakistan with an altitude of 3,224 m. or 10,578 ft. above the sea level. The lake is located near the tourist resorts in Naran town. The weather remains pleasant in the summer.

The lake with majestic and mesmerizing natural beauty, pleasant atmosphere and associated tale and history, attracts thousands of tourists each year from all around the country during the summer. The lake is also famous for being habitat of large size Brown Trout fish, which weigh up to 7 kilograms.

Flora and fauna:-

The flora of the Park includes the trees, shrubs, perennials, and herbs of the Himalayan subalpine conifer forests and higher elevation Western Himalayan alpine shrubs, meadows and ecoregions. Some of the Park's fauna includes the snow Leopard, Bear, Marmot, Weasel, Eurasian, Indian Leopard, Himalayan snow cork, and the snow partridge. The Park's lakes and wetland habitats are of significant ecological importance for resident fauna and migratory water fowl. The lake is rich in eco-divesity and holds multiple species of the fish. The famous fish of the lake is trout fish.

Region:-

Adjacent to Saiful Muluk National Park is located the Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park, with Lulusar Lake and Dudipatsar Lake. Together the parks have protected 88,000 hectares (220,000 acres) of the area.

NARACHANSKI NATIONAL PARK - BELARUS:-

An amazing forest and lake region Narachanski is located in the north-western part of the Republic of Belarus, in the territory of Belarusian Lakeland.

The National Park "Narachanski" is one of the five strictly protected natural territories of Belarus. Its area is over 87.000 hectares. It was founded on July 28, 1999 near the lake Narach, mainly in the territory of Myadel district, Minsk region. The National Park is an environmental protection agency, whose task is to take appropriate measures on conservation of landscapes and valuable natural complexes, on maintenance of biological diversity and genetic fund of flora and fauna.

Thanks to the variety of landforms, unique and rich botanical complexes appeared in the region. The flora of the region has various kinds of higher plants, mosses, lichens, algae and fungi, numbering more than 2500 species including rare and protected ones.

The fauna of the region is very rich. The network of water bodies in the National Park creates the conditions for the existence of a rich complex of aquatic animals; fish and coastal terrestrial vertebrates. It allows the concentration of a variety of water birds during the seasonal migrations.

The distinctive feature and uniqueness of the National Park is the biggest resort and wellness area in Belarus. It is the main health center of the country; every year more than 100 thousand people relax here, improve their health and get vivid impressions.

The stamp depicts the Blue Lakes a group of lakes in the territory ofMyadel district (Minsk region) and Postavy district (Vitebsk region) of Belarus. They belong to the pool of the river Stracha which is a tributary of the Vilija river.

On Pakistan and Belarus Joint Issue, the commemorative postage stamp of Rs.20/- denomination (each design) is being issued by Pakistan Post on October 5, 2016.

PLATINUM JUBILEE HABIB BANK LIMITED (1941-2016) September 23, 2016 (2016-08)

The history of HBL is tantamount to the history of the banking industry in Pakistan. HBL was the first commercial bank to be established for the Muslims of the Indo-Pak subcontinent in 1941 and today, it is the largest global bank in the country. HBL's inception has been inextricably linked with the story of Pakistan and consequently, it has always been an institution that has played a significant role in the nation's economic progress.

HBL has unceasingly pushed the limit and as a result, played an active role in shaping Pakistan's future. HBL is a part of the nation's fabric and a brief look at its past illustrates the significant contributions made by the Bank to the economy of Pakistan. Over the years, HBL has grown its branch network and become the largest private sector bank with over 1,700 branches and more than 1,900 ATMs while servicing a customer base that exceeds 8.5 million relationships. It currently operates in over 25 countries spanning across four continents.

HBL's key areas of operation encompass product offerings and services in Retail Banking, Investment Banking, Commercial and Corporate Banking; of which HBL has the largest portfolio in Pakistan. SME and Agriculture lending programmes and banking services are also offered across urban and rural centers. The large scale of HBL's operations is a testament to its reach in every part of the country and its aim to serve the nation.

From being a Bank that was instrumental in aiding the nation's independence in 1947 to being Pakistan's largest global bank in 2016, HBL has progressed leaps and bounds from where it started. Today, HBL in the first and the only bank in the country to cross the PKR 100 billion mark in revenues. The market leadership and the success that the Bank enjoys today is a result of the trust placed in HBL by its customers and the support extended by the Government of Pakistan. Needless to say, it is the hard work and perseverance of its employees that has alleviated HBL to this position. With over 15,000 employees, HBL is one of the country's largest institutions and prides itself for being an equal opportunity employer.

In 1947, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaquat Ali Khan expressed the importance of the role HBL would play in the industrial and commercial life of Pakistan. As a Bank that has always played an integral role in the economic advancement of the nation, HBL truly understands the role it can play in financial empowerment of the unbanked segments. With the launch of a women banking platform HBL Nisa in 2016, it has taken one step further in realizing its aim to bring banking to everyone, while staying true to its resolve to pursue financial inclusion with vigour.

HBL'sremarkable growth is reflected in the results it delivers year after year. With a profit before tax of PKR 60.3 billion in 2015, a 25% increase over the last year along with a PKR 2.2 trillion asset base and PKR 1.2 trillion deposit base, HBL is truly a force to be reckoned with. Alongside its phenomenal growth, the Bank continues to gain recognition for its excellence, both locally and internationally. Recently, HBL has been presented the esteemed 'Best Bank Award' by the Asian Banker. It also recevied the 'Best Investment Banking Award' by the Global Finance Awards for its outstanding financial services. The Bank was also declared the "Brand of the Year in Pakistan" in 2015 at the prestigious World Branding Awards upholding HBL's strength as one of the strongest brands in the country. For its achievements in providing technologically advanced financial solutions, HBL was awarded the "Model Bank, Cash Management & Trade Finance" accolade at the Celent Model Bank Awards, 2016.

With a rich legacy over 75years, HBL is now looking towards an even brighter future with boundless opportunities. It aims to continue to serve the nation and all of the markets where it operates with a focus on the needs of its customers and the resolve to inspire them to dream and do more.

This year, in order to celebrate HBL's 75th anniversary, the Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative stamp for this auspicious occasion. With this stamp, we continue the tradition of issuing commemorative stamps for every milestone anniversary for HBL after the Pakistan Post issued stamps for HBL's Silver and Golden Jubilees.

On 75th Anniversary of HBL, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on September 23, 2016.

ON CENTENARY OF THE D.G.T.R. HOUSE (OLD CUSTOM HOUSE) BUILDING KARACHI. September 6, 2016 (2016-07)

The Imperial Custom House building dates back to the British Raj and is a blend of British, Hindu and Gothic architectural style. It was designed by Mr. George Wittet, a Scottish consultant architect working for the Government of Bombay. Mr. Wittet was also the architect of the Prince of Wales Museum and the Gateway of India. On 17th February, 1902, the Bombay Presidency allocated land to the Customs and Port Authority opposite Qamar House, Eduljee Dinshaw Road. The construction work started soon thereafter, and a semi circular Victorian style structure comprising 1400 square meters was completed in 1915 under the supervision of the Engineering Department, KPT, and the cost incurred for its completion was approximately Rs.9,74,990/-.

The main construction material used was stone of sepia color. The other classic features of the building include its arched doors and windows made of teak wood. Exterior and interior of the building are simple with high roofs, giving a majestic look.

Lord Willingdone, the Governor of Bombay, inaugurated this Building on 5th of January, 1916. The first meeting of the Board of Trustees and Customs was held in the premises on 12th January, 1916. During the First World War, this building was converted into a 500 bed military hospital for British soldiers engaged in the First World War, and as a transit camp for three years, from 1916 to 1919. It was named No.1 Indian General Hospital. From architectural viewpoint, it foreshadows the blending of the local and exotic elements embolic with stone-based yellowish color and a central curve encompassing a large dome canvassed beautifully and placed on top of it, reflecting features of Roman Architecture. The other classic features of the building are its arched doors and windows. Rooms are spacious with high ceilings adding a rich value to its adornment.

This building again served as Imperial Custom House and later on as Custom House till Custom House was shifted to the newly constructed building beside it in 1986. Since then, this building has housed the Directorate General of Training and Research (Customs) DGTR, which has been relentlessly supporting FBR in its initiative of capacity building of its employees, working closely with other stakeholders, conducting seminars; workshops and designing training courses etc. The role of DGTR is to support the FBR's Field formations to become more efficient, focused and dynamic through extensive professional training and capacity-building of workforce through human resource development.

Recently, the building has been refurbished, while preserving its originality. Besides this, a new hostel building for the newly inducted probationary officers of Pakistan Customs Service has been built within the premises of this building. This new on- campus residential facility, "La Maison", is a three storey-facility with fifteen double bedrooms along with bathrooms. All rooms have individual PCs, Wi-Fi and other related facilities.

State of the art computer labs, Auditorium and International Seminar Halls have also been built so that this institute can to stay up-to-speed with other modern training institutions of the region. The Kamil Museum of Customs is another new addition to the Imperial Custom House. It is an embodiment of the evolution of Customs in Pakistan, and a testament to its vital role in the national economy. It brings together the history of Customs in the country from 1878 onwards, which witnessed the creation of the Collectorate of Customs at Karachi, down to the modern times. The Museum houses photographs, artifacts, original as well as recreated, to relive the history of Pakistan Customs in its social as well as administrative contexts.

The library in the Directorate General was established since the very beginning and has a substantial number of books encompassing a wide variety of subjects. The main emphasis is on the acquisition of professional books, relevant to Customs practices, international trade, economy and law. IT and internet facilities are also available in the library. The library has been named after Syed Ali Rizvi, who had a life-long association with the Directorate General, and whose passion and commitment were behind its evolution into the present, forward-looking institution.

As the academic activities reach their zenith in the footsteps of the sun, Cafe Douane provides the trainees a pleasant and enjoyable break, with afternoon lunch in its magnanimous airy hall, redesigned in the Victorian style, with its wooden ceiling providing a taste of history. The walls are adorned with posters and photographs, unveiling the history of the World Customs, and its evolutionary significance from antiquity to modern times. It instills a sense of great pride and ownership among the Customs fraternity.

This building was declared as "Protected Heritage" by the Sindh Government under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Prevention) Act, 1994, on September 7, 1995.

On Centenary of D.G.T.R. House (Old Custom House) building, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination each (Set of 03) is being issued by Pakistan Post on September 6, 2016.

ABDUL SATTAR EDHI PHILANTHROPIST (1928-2016) August 14, 2016 (2016-06)

Abdul Sattar Edhi was a prominent Pakistani philanthropist, social activist, ascetic, and humanitarian. He was the founder and head of the Edhi Foundation in Pakistan and ran the organization for the better part of more than six decades. He was known as Angel of Mercy and was considered Pakistan's "most respected" and legendary figure. In 2013, The Huffington Post said that he might be "the world's greatest living humanitarian". Edhi created a charitable empire out of nothing. He masterminded Pakistan's largest welfare organization almost single-handedly, entirely with private company and donations.

Edhi was born in 1928 (according to NIC) in Bantva in the Gujarat, British India after partition, his mother became paralyzed from a stroke and she died 1954. His personal experiences and care for his mother during her illness caused him to develop a system of services for old, mentally ill and challenged people. The partition of India led Edhi and his family to migrate to Pakistan in 1947. He then shifted to Karachi to work in a market at a wholesale shop. (His mother would give him 1 paisa for his meals and another to give to a beggar during Childhood). He initially started as a peddler, and later became a commission agent selling cloth in the wholesale market in Karachi. After a few years in 1951, he established a free dispensary with help from his community.

Edhi resolved to dedicate his life to aiding the poor, and over the next sixty years, he single handedly changed the face of welfare in Pakistan. Edhi founded the Edhi Foundation. Additionally, he established a welfare trust, named the Edhi Trust with an initial sum of five thousand rupees which was later renamed as Bilqis Edhi Trust. Regarded as a guardian for the poor, Edhi began receiving numerous donations, which allowed him to expand his services. Edhi Foundation is currently the largest welfare organization in Pakistan. Since its inception, the Edhi Foundation has rescued over 20,000 (Normal & Abnormal) abandoned infants, rehabilitated over 50,000 orphans and has trained over 1,000 midwives. It also runs more than 330 welfare centres in rural and urban Pakistan which operate as food kitchens, rehabilitation homes, shelters for abandoned women and children and clinics for the mentally handicapped.

The Edhi Foundation, founded by Edhi, runs the world's largest ambulance service (operating 1,500 of them) and offers 24-hour emergency services. It also operates free nursing homes, orphanages, clinics, women's shelters, and rehab centre's for drug addicts and mentally ill individuals. It has run relief operations in Africa, Middle East, the Caucasus region, eastern Europe and United States where it provided aid following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. On 1 January 2014, Edhi was voted the 2013 Person of the Year by the readers of The Express Tribune. He was recommended for a Nobel Peace prize by the Prime Minister of Pakistan with more than 30,000 signing a petition by Ziauddin Yousafzai, the father of Malala Yousafzai for his nomination.

Edhi was married in 1965 to Bilquis, a nurse who worked at the Edhi dispensary. Bilquis runs the free maternity home at the headquarters in Karachi and organizes the adoption of unwanted or abandoned babies. Edhi was known for his ascetic lifestyle, owning only two pairs of clothes, never taking a salary from his organisation and living in an Single room next to his organization's office.

On 25 June 2013, Edhi's kidneys failed; it was announced that he would be on dialysis for the rest of his life, kidney could not be replaced due to old age and other illness. Edhi died on 8 July 2016 at the age of 88 due to kidney failure after having been placed on a ventilator. His last wishes included the request that his organs were to be donated but due to his ill health, only his corneas were suitable. Reactions to his death came from several high-ranking Pakistani officials. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said "We have lost a great servant of humanity. He was the real manifestation of love for those who were socially vulnerable, impoverished, helpless and poor. The country's head of the Army, Raheel Sharif, called him a "true humanitarian".

Prime Minister Nawaz declared national mourning on the following day. According to ISPR state honour was given to Edhi by guard of honour and 19-gun-salute. He was only the third Pakistani to receive the historical gun carriage funeral (after Quaid e Azam and Zia ul Haq). President of Pakistan, Chairman Senate, Provincial Gover nors, Chief Ministers, Chief of Army along with Chief of Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force participated in funeral prayers of Edhi at National Stadum, Karachi.

He was laid to rest at the Edhi Village Karachi on 9-7-2016.

International Awards:

1. Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service (1986).

2. Lenin Peace Prize (1988) (For services in Armenian Earthquake).

3. Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International (1993).

4. Hamdan Award for volunteers in Humanitarian Medical Services (2000), UAE.

5. International Balzan Prize (2000) for Humanity, Peace and Brotherhood, Italy.

6. Peace and Harmony Award (2001), Delhi.

7. Peace Award (2004), Mumbai.

8. Peace Award (2005), Hyderabad Deccan.

9. Gandhi Peace Award (2007), Delhi.

10. Peace Award (2008), Seoul.

11. UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize (2009).

12. Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize (2010).

National Awards:

Silver Jubilee Shield by the College of Physicians and Surgeons (1962-1987). In September 2010, Edhi was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the

Ø  University of Bedfordshire. The Social Worker of Sub-Continent by Government of Sindh (1989).

Ø  Nishan-e-Imtiaz, civil decoration from the Government of Pakistan (1989).

Ø  Recognition of meritorious services to oppressed humanity during the 1980's by

Ø  Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Government of Pakistan (1989).

Ø  Shield of Honor by Pakistan Army (E & C).

Ø  Khidmat Award by the Pakistan Academy of Medical Sciences.

Ø  Bacha Khan Aman (Peace) Award in 1991.

Ø  In 2006, Institute of Business Administration Pakistan conferred an honoris causa degree of Doctor of Social Service Management for his services.

Ø  Pakistan Civic Award from the Pakistan Civic Society (1992).

Ø  Moiz ur Rehman Award (2015).

Ø  In 2004 Greenwich University, degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

On Abdul Sattar Edhi, Philanthropist (1928-2016) a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on August 14, 2016.

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.