100 YEARS CELEBRATION OF THE ROTARY FOUNDATION. November 20, 2016 (2016-11)

On the auspicious occasion of the Centennial Celebration of the Rotary Foundation, Rotary District Governor 2016-17 Mir Arif Ali called for a extra special recognition commemorating the occasion. The idea of a Postage stamp that would go down in history and remain one of the high points of The Rotary Foundation Centennial Celebration Year.

THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL AND THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

Rotary International is an international service organization whose stated human rights purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. It is a secular organization open to all people regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, or political preference. There are over 35,000 member clubs worldwide. 1.2 million individuals called Rotarians have joined these clubs in over 200 Countries and geographical regions.

OUR ONGOING COMMITMENT

Rotarians have not only been present for major events in history - we've been a part of them. From the beginning, three key traits have remained strong throughout Rotary:

We're truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today we're working together from around the globe both digitally and in-person to solve some of our world's most challenging problems.

What is ROTARACT ?

Rotaract is a club for adults ages 18-30 that meets twice a month to exchange ideas, plan activities and projects, and socialize. While Rotary clubs serve as sponsors, Rotaract clubs decide how to organize and run their club and what projects and activities to carry out.

What is INTERACT?

Interact is a club for young people ages 12-18 who want to join together to tackle the issues in their community that they care most about. Through Interact, you can:

Ø  Carry out hands-on service projects

Ø  Make international connections

Ø  Develop leadership skills

Ø  Have fun!

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION 100 YEARS OF DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD

At the 8th annual convention of the Rotary International held at Atlanta Georgia in June 1917, then President Arch C. Klumph proposed a Rotary endowment fund "for the purpose of doing good in the It is the Foundation that, in the words of Rotary International President John Germ. "turned Rotary from an organization of local clubs into an international force for good with the power to change the world". Thanks to Klumph's vision and staunch advocacy and the extraordinary generosity of Rotary members worldwide, the fund has become one of the world's leading humanitarian foundations, supportings the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding through international humanitarian and cultural exchange programs.

Programs:

Polio Eradication

The role that the Rotary Foundation has played in the eradication of Polio worldwide cannot be overstated. It is the leading success story in humanity's battle against a crippling and fatal disease. Since the Polio Plus program's inception in 1985, over 2 billion children received oral Polio vaccine and today only Pakistan and Afghanistan are to attain Polio-free status. Beside its mega success against the Polio menace, the foundation supports disaster recovery program, program to improve health, alleviate hunger, and promote human development.

The Rotary foundation runs the world's largest non-governmental international scholarships program, now funded by district and global grants offered directly through Rotary clubs. Through the Rotary Peace fellowships program, up to 100 fellows are selected annually in a globally competitive process to earn a master's level degree or a professional level certificate in peace and conflict studies at one of six Rotary Peace Centre at leading universities in Australia, Britain, Sweden, Japan, the U.S and Thailand.

AREAS OF FOCUS

We have identified specific causes to target to maximize our local and global impact. At the same time, we understand that each community has its own unique needs and concerns.

Through global grants and other resources, we help clubs focus their service efforts in the following areas.

PROMOTING PEACE

Today, 65 million people are displaced by armed conflict or persecution. Through our partnerships with several leading universities, Rotary Peace Fellows develop the skills to strengthen peace efforts, train local leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and support long-term peace building in areas affected by conflict. We provide up to 100 peace fellowships per year at Rotary Peace Centres.

FIGHTING DISEASE

More than 100 million people are pushed into poverty each year because of medical costs. We aim to improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in underdeveloped areas. Our members educate and mobilize communities to help prevent the spread of major diseases such as polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. Many of our projects ensure that medical training facilities are located where the workforce lives. world". This was the acorn from which grew the great oak of the Rotary Foundation whose century a grateful world celebrates in 2017.

PROVIDING CLEAN WATER

More than 2.5 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation facilities. At least 3,000 children die each day from diarrheal diseases caused by unsafe water. Our projects give communities the ability to develop and maintain sustainable water and sanitation systems and support studies related to water and sanitation.

SAVING MOTHERS AND CHILDREN

At least 7 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. To help reduce this rate, we provide immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improve access to essential medical services, and support trained health care providers for mothers and their children. Our projects ensure sustainability by empowering the local community to take ownership of health care training programs.

SUPPORTING EDUCATION

Sixty-seven million children worldwide have no access to education and more than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.

GROWING LOCAL ECONOMIES

Nearly. 1.4 billion employed people live on less than $1.25 a day. We carry out service project that enhance economic and community development and develop opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We also help strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.

The Rotary Foundation is grateful to the Prime Minister and the Pakistan Post, Government of Pakistan who in recognition of the good work Rotary has done in Pakistan and the World approved the idea of Publishing a commemorative stamp on the occasion of the completion of 100 Years of the Rotary Foundation.

On Celebration of 100 years of the Rotary Foundation, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on November 20, 2016.

50 YEARS OF ESTABLISHMENT DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS PAKISTAN & SINGAPORE JOINT ISSUE. October 18, 2016 (2016-10)

Pakistan and Singapore share a longstanding history of friendly and cordial relations. Bilaterial ties between the two countries have grown from strength to strength since the establishment of diplomatic relations in August, 1966. Both countries cooperate and work closely at the bilateral and multilateral levels in regional and international fora and understand the interests of each other. They share similar perceptions on most international and regional issues and also support each others' candidatures in international fora. Leaders and officials from both sides interact regularly to exchange views on issues of mutual interest. A number of high level visits from both sides have also been exchanged. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore, undertook memorable visits to Pakistan in 1988 and 1992. Former Singaporean Prime Minister Mr. Goh Chok Tong visited Pakistan in 2004. Leadership from Pakistan, including former President General Zia ul Haq, former Prime Ministers Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Mr. Shaukat Aziz also undertook visits to Singapore during their respective tenures. The prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Singapore during his earlier tenures in 1991, 1992, and 1999. All these visits have served to further strengthen the bilateral relations between two countries. On the economic front, a number of agreements, including Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, Investment Guarantee Agreement and Air Services Agreement have. been concluded for facilitation of trade and investment. Besides, a number of other Agreements/Memorandums of Understanding are also in place.

2. The flourishing commercial relations between Pakistan and Singapore are also manifested by growing bilateral trade and investment. During the past Singapore invested in a number of projects in Pakistan. Business from both sides continue to identify opportunities for mutual collaboration. People to people contacts are also growing. The Pakistani community living in Singapore has contributed significantly to the social and economic progress of the country. Singapore provides training to Pakistani public servants under Singapore Cooperation Programme. The visits by Pakistani officials to Singapore constitute valuable pillar of people to people interactions and promote better understanding of each other.

3. Pakistan and Singapore share a common desire to expand their bilateral cooperation and deepen their ties. The 50th anniversary celebrations are the practical demonstration of the resolve of the two sides to make positive strides in their relations.

To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Singapore, Pakistan High Commision in Singapore suggested that Pakistan Post may issue a commemorative stamp on the occasion.

Singapore Post proposed that theme of the stamp, to be issued on the completion of the 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Singapore, may be National Flowers of both the countries, meaning that Pakistan Post may prepare a stamp design showing Jasmine, the national flower of Pakistan and Singapore Post's stamp show its national flower Vanda Miss Joaquim.

JASMINE:- Jasminum officinale, known as the common jasmine or simply jasmine, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae, The genus name jasmine is derived from the Persian Yasmeen meaning "The Gift from God", also known as Chambelli in local language.

Jasmine symbolizes attachments, represents amiability, modesty and motherhood therefore Jasmine named the National Flower of Pakistan.

Jasmine is a very unique and beautifull flower which demonstrates the uniqueness of the nature. The Jasmine flower has gleaming and shinny leaves and has pleasent and graceful fragnance as well. The flower grows in clusters and shrubs and the most preferred season is in summers, and for growth and grooming the lower it needs plenty of water, fertilizers and bright sunshine.

Vanda Miss Joaquim:- Vanda Miss Joaquim 'Agnes' (The Butterfly Miss Joaquim 'Agnes') (The Butterfly Teres x Papilionanthe Hookeriana)

This hybrid is hardy and free flowering. Described by the first director of the Gardens Mr. HN Ridley in 1893, this was the first orchid hybrid to be described from Singapore. Ridley named the plant after Agnes Joaquim in whose garden the hybrid originated. It was selected to be the National Flower of Singapore in 1981.

It was awarded first class Certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society in London, and was selected as Singapore's National flower for its vibrant colours, hardiness and resilience-qualities that reflect the Singapore spirit. A few varieties of Vanda Miss Joaquim exist and these are the results of the crossing of the different varieties or forms of the species parent. The original one that was described by Ridely was given the varietal name 'Agnes' by Holttum.

On 50 Years of Establishment Diplomatic Relations Pakistan and Singapore Joint Issue, the commemorative postage stamps of Rs.8/- denomination each design (set of 2) is being issued by Pakistan Post on October 18, 2016.

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.