150TH ANNIVERSARY OF FORMAN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE. MAY 14, 2014 (2014-04)

Forman Christian College (FCC), now in its 150th year, might be old in age and traditions, but it is young in ideas and innovation. Founded as the first English-medium school in the Punjab shortly after its annexation in December 1849, the pioneering fathers of the College, Dr Charles W Forman and Dr John Newton-two dedicated American Presbyterian Missionaries-upgraded the High School by adding a college section in 1864. Initially housed in the imposing Rang Mahal, the college moved to the Mall in 1889 where its campus was inaugurated by the Viceroy and Governor General of India, Lord Lansdowne. A pioneer in the residential college system, the college moved to a purpose-built campus in 1940 on the Lahore canal, where it still stands.

Over the last hundred and fifty years, FCC has led the way in modern education. The College was the first to admit women. on an equal footing in 1902, established a Graduates Association in 1896, opened the first Biology Department in 1898, started the Technical Chemistry department in 1919, and initiated Geography classes in 1924.

FCC has also made its mark in the world through its illustrious alumni. Not only was the first Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Sir Abdul Rashid, an FCC graduate-he administered the oath of office to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on 15 August 1947-the present Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Tassadaq HussainJillani, is also a Formanite. FCC also has the honour of being the college of choice for President Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari, President Pervez Musharraf, Indian Prime Minister Gulzarilal Nanda, Indian Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral, Pakistani Punjab Chief Minister Pervez Elahi, and the current Indian Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal. Several literary figures have also attended FCC, including Eqbal Ahmed, Krishen Chandar and Jamila Hashmi. FCC graduates have also served the country in the armed forces, bureaucracy, and in the fields of medicine, engineering and education. Future leaders, opinion makers, literary figures and others are still studying at Forman today.

FCC's history is not only tied to education, but also critical to service in the region. Since its inception the importance of service has been central to the life and mission of the college. The college motto, 'By Love Serve One Another,' exemplifies this higher calling. Dr JCR Ewing-the first non-British national to have received the title of Knight Commander of the Indian Empire-was the chairman of the Kangra Valley Earthquake Commission in 1905. FC College converted two of its hostels into a field hospital during the Second World War and then again in 1947 which later developed into the famed United Christian Hospital. In recent times, Formanites have volunteered for relief work after the 2005 earthquake and the rehabilitation work after the 2010 floods. Enthused with the spirit of service, scores of Formanites have, and still continue to, serve their communities in unknown yet significant ways.

Currently FCC is divided in two sections, the university and the college (Intermediate). The university provides 4-year Baccalaureate Honours degrees (BS/BA) in 21 majors. There are also nine postgraduate programmes. All university level programs are co-educational. The college section has an all-male student body and runs programs according to the requirements of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Lahore.

Today FCC provides an environment where students can flourish. A model of interfaith harmony and equal opportunity, FCC has students from all backgrounds and regions of Pakistan. Need-based financial aid is given regardless of religion, ethnicity, domicile or gender. Female students make up 34% of the university body. Students interested in extra-curricular activities can choose from over thirty student societies where they can develop their leadership skills and spirit of service. Facilities for more than twenty sports provide further extra-curricular activities. Seven hostels cater for male and female students who live outside Lahore. In academics, students can choose their major, opt for a minor, and set their own timetables, FCC's programmes teach students how to think, solve problems, communicate effectively and be lifelong learners.

To commemorate the great achievements of FCC, in its 150th year, Pakistan Post is issuing a stamp which depicts Sinclair Hall, constructed to mark the centenary of FCC and completed in 1971. Named after a devoted principal, Dr EJ Sinclair, who served FCC for over fifty years as a faculty member and from 1962-1968 as Principal, the building was designed by architect Nasreddin Murat Khan who also designed the Minar-e-Pakistan. One of the most recognisable buildings on campus, the depiction is by watercolour artist Anjum Zaheer. As FCC celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2014, it is proud of the legacy it has inherited and aware of the responsibility this places on it as educators of the youth of Pakistan, and indeed the region.

H. M. HABIB THE BANKER. APRIL 6, 2014 (2014-03)

Habib, reverently known as H.M., was the prodigy of Mohamedali Habib, the philanthropist, who founded Habib Bank Ltd in 1941.

H.M was born on April 6th 1936. A financial wizard, he followed in the footsteps of his father to build on the Habib Empire in banking, with branches worldwide.

He had 60 years of banking experience and was known for his razor sharp business acumen.He was considered the main Architect of Habib Bank AG Zurich.

In 1974, post nationalization of Banks in Pakistan, he, along with his elder brother and cousin, started building Habib Bank AG Zurich, which was founded in Switzerland in the year 1967.

During the last four decades, under the leadership of H.M., Habib Bank AG Zurich has grown to a substantial sized bank; According to the "Banker" magazine of Financial Times, England (July 2013 Issue). Habib Bank A.G Zurich is ranked as the 129th soundest bank of the world and enjoys a ranking of 573rd amongst the top 1000 banks in the world. All this could only be possible with the grace of Allah. Through H.M's relentless and uncanny ability to "run" with opportunity, the bank attained the growth and reputation it has. Very few people can achieve what H.M. achieved in his lifetime. A beacon of light, a pillar of support for the Habib Family, he was larger than life. A generous, patient, humble and benevolent individual; His generosity earned him the title of "Raja Seth" among his employees. He was father not only to his children, but also to other poor families in Pakistan and overseas. Like his father, he championed social causes; his charitable works included education (abroad and local), marriages, feeding and building houses for the poor.

He loved flying planes and founded the All Pakistan Aero Modeling Association of Pakistan in 1959, of which he was the President. The latter was recognized by the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI) in 1961. His Association was upgraded as an "Active Member" in 1999 by the FAI.

In 1959, he secured the first position in World championship of A2 Model Gilders (along with his younger brother), putting Pakistan on the map. His glider was called "Raza".

A passionate man, with a zest for living and well known for his generosity of spirit among his colleagues and friends. He was sought by one and all for his sincere and genuine advice in all aspects of life.

He passed away suddenly on 4th September 2013 in London. He was 77 years old. He always wanted to "go" in his shoes and it seems Allah granted his wish.

On H. M. Habib the Banker, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/-denomination on April 6, 2014.

RECIPIENT OF SITARA-E-JURAT AIR COMMODORE (R) M. M. ALAM SJ (with bar) MARCH 20, 2014 (2014-02)

The chronicles on the World's Aviation Hall of Fame and the accomplishments of Pakistan Air Force will remain incomplete without mentioning of Air Commodore (Retd) Muhammad Mahmood Alam (Late), popularly known as "M. M. Alam"- A daring fighter pilot, Top Gun of his own class, war hero, a committed professional, scholar par excellence, a patriotic Pakistani and, an icon and a role model not only for the PAF airmen but for aviators across the globe.

M. M. Alam, nick named as Little Dragon, was born on 06 July 1935 in a well-educated family of Calcutta, then in British India. At that time his father, Muhammad Masood Alam, a senior Civil Servant was posted in the province of Bihar. Alam was the eldest amongst five brothers and six sisters - a family which has the distinct honour of producing four PhDs (three brothers and one sister) for Pakistan. In 1971, after emergence of Bangladesh, despite his family was settled there, Alam decided to settle in Pakistan which is a manifestation of his profound patriotism and loyalty to Pakistan. The family ultimately migrated to Pakistan after 1971, when Alam was a Wing Commander and posted at Air Headquarters.

Like any youth, joining the Armed Forces of Pakistan to attain martyrdom was Alam's passion. His desire found its way forward through "Shaheen Air Scouts" established by former Royal Pakistan Air Force Chief, the late Air Vice Marshal Atcherly in 1950s with the objective to inspire and motivate young students to join RPAF. After completing secondary education from Government High School, Dhaka, in 1951, M. M. Alam joined RPAF in 1952 and was granted commission on 2nd of October, 1953.

In 1954, Pilot Officer M. M. Alam started his career as a Squadron Pilot in No. 9 and then in No. 14 Squadrons flying the best aircraft then available with RPAF. Today, these squadrons take great pride in being associated with M. M. Alam.

In 1963, he was appointed as Air Gunnery & Tactical Instructor at Fighter Leader School. Later on, M. M. Alam commanded No. 11. No. 5 and No. 26 Squadrons of PAF. At Air Headquarters some of his prestigious appointments were Director Operation Research. Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Flight Safety) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans). He also remained on deputation in Syria.

Year 1965 was unquestionably the peak point of the Pakistan Air Force's history as it brought into focus the fundamental character of this relentless Air Force when faced, for the first time, with a full scale confrontation with its number one enemy, the Indian Air Force. During this aerial battle, Squadron Leader M. M. Alam, who was Commanding No. 11 Squadron at Sargodha, emerged as Pakistan's top-scoring fighter ace. On 7th September 1965, Alam shot down 05 Hawker Hunter Fighters of Indian Air Force, in air-to-air combat. On that Alam's day, in less than sixty seconds, the first four metallic birds were made rubbles within a span of 30 seconds only. His feat is still an unbroken world record and a dream for any claimant of Top Gun. Amazing it was, indeed, for many that how Squadron Leader Alam did that. Alam had an answer for this, and he said: "We were fighting with a passion founded on faith..... (Battle for Pakistan By John Friker p. 20). For his exceptional flying skills and valour, he was awarded Sitarai Juraat and Bar'. The Govt of Pakistan also paid him a befitting tribute by naming one of the prominent roads in Gulberg, Lahore after this living legend's name.

During 1971 Indo-Pak war, Wing Commander M. M. Alam was assigned the important duty of planning strategic aerial strikes on enemy's assets and supporting the friendly forces. He was one of the masterminds, planning strikes on ground. Very few know that his name was often used by his junior PAF pilots using his call sign while impersonating as if "Alam is actually" in Air, resultantly winning the half of the likely Air Battle before it actually took place.

In 80's, M. M. Alam being a member of the PAF selection team that visited different countries selected American F-16s to meet PAF's future requirements. It was certainly Alam's foresight and wisdom that till date the F-16s are a terror in the sky for the enemy and a source of pride for every Pakistani.

In 1982, "the man who married the sky", retired from Pakistan Air Force as an Air Commodore and took up residence in Karachi Alam led a simple life with little more than a pile of books stacked around him. It is believed that Alam not only advised and inspired the Afghan Mujahideen in their operations against the Soviet invasion but also gave all his savings in the cause of Jihad

National heroes like Air Commodore M. M. Alam (Retd) are a source of inspiration for the posterity. He was an individual who drew strength from his Faith in Almighty Allah and proved himself worthy of the revered greatness which very few achieve in their life. He will always remain alive in the hearts of the nation. His deeds conveyed the massage that the ultimate aim of life is to fulfil our duty towards the Supreme Power, Allah, and our fellow beings.

To commemorate the recipient of Sitara-e-Jurat Air Commodore (R) M. M. Alam SJ (with bar), Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/-denomination on March 20, 2014.

MEN OF LETTERS SERIES HABIB JALIB (1928-1993) MARCH 12, 2014 (2014-01)

Habib Jalib (Real name: Habib Ahmed) was a renowned revolutionary poet of Pakistan who, throughout of his life, resisted against tyranny and injustice in his poetry. He was a political activist and a staunch democrat too.

He was born on March 24, 1928 in District Hoshiarpur, East Punjab, India. His father's name was Sufi Inayat Ullah Khan. He got early education in Miani Afghana (his native town) and Delhi. After partition, Habib Jalib migrated to Pakistan and got admission in Government High School, Jacob Lines Karachi. In Karachi, he started working as a proof reader in daily "Imroz".

Habib Jalib started poetry in 1942. In the beginning, his poetry was dominated by sentiments of romance and admirations for the natural landscape. But gradually, bitterness crept in his poetry in response of social injustice, tyranny and other irritating factors. As a poet, he showed equal command on 'Ghazal' and 'Nazm', Jalib adopted simple style and diction in his poetry and focused common people and their issues.

He believed in freedom of individuals. His poetry reflects his love for mankind and sympathy for his countrymen. He was quite sensitive to his fellow beings and their grief and miseries were very ably reflected in his poetry.

His first collection of poetry, "Barg-e-Awara", was published in 1957 in which the tone of his ghazal was mild but, with the passage of time, it had gone vociferous.

His distinct, lively and lyrical style of recitation of poetry became very popular with the people. He was able to stir the audience with the emotional waves generated by his words and style of recitation. Gradually, he started to be recognized as 'Shaayer-e-Awaam' (Poet of masses).

He was imprisoned many times due to his criticism on policies of different governments, but he never compromised on his principles.

In poetry, some of his magnum opus are "Musheer", "Dastoor", Raqs Zanjeer Pehen Kar", "Main ne Us se", 'Awaaz-e-Dost', "Maan kay paon talay jannat hai", "Farangi ka Jo May Darban Hota", "Main ne us se ye kaha", "Aye moon yahaan na nikla kar", etc.

Some of his popular verses are:

1. "This is the reward of the beauty of pride, wherever you go, you steal the past"

2. "I don't like such a dastoor, morning dawn, I don't know it"

3. "Hey moon, don't come out from here and see dreams without name..."

Habib Jalib also wrote songs for the film industry of Pakistan. Some of the renowned movies for which he wrote songs were "Bharosa", "Do Raasay", "Musiqaar", "Zarqa", "Samaaj", "Naag Muni", "Maan, Bahu Aur Beta" and "Ye Aman"

He died on March 12, 1993 at Lahore.

On 23 March 2009, President of Pakistan gave the highest civil award to Habib Jalib, after his death, which was received by his daughter.

Books of Habib Jalib:

Ø  Barg-e-Awara

Ø  Sir-e-Maqtal

Ø  Ahd-e-Sitam

Ø  Mention of the flowing blood

Ø  Goshay main frame kay

Ø  Ahd-e-Saza

Ø  Harf-e-Haq

Ø  Is shehar-e-kharabi main

Ø  Jalib Name

Ø  Harf-e-Sar-e-Daar

Ø  "Kuliyaat-e-Habib Jalib" was published after his death.

The list of books written on Habib Jalib:

Ø  Someone please come out with a lamp (Mujahib Barelvi)

Ø  Beyaad-e-Jalib ((Mujahib Barelvi)

Ø  Habib Jalib - Fan and power (Nand Kishor Vikram, published from Delhi)

Ø  Jalib Beeti (Jang publishers)

Ø  Click Download to save Beesvin Sadi Ka Awami Shair mp3 youtube com

Ø  Jalib Jalib (Jamal Ehsaani)

Ø  Jalib, Insaaf Ka Taalib (Zia Sajid)

Ø  Testimony of Habib Jalib's house (Saeed Pervez)

Ø  Habib Jalib - Shair-e-Shola Nava (Saeed Pervez)

Ø  Memoir of Pakistani Etiquette Habib Jalib Fan and Person (Saeed Pervez)

Ø  Habib Jalib I am in deep sleep (Saeed Pervez)

Ø  Habib Jalib - Roodad-e-Wafa (Nasir Jalib)

On Men of Letters Series Habib Jalib Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.15/- denomination on March 12, 2014

ASIAN PACIFIC POSTAL UNION (APPU) EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING AT ISLAMABAD. March 24, 2015 (2015-01)

Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU) is the Regional Postal Union formed in 1961 under Article 8 of the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). Any sovereign country which is member of the Universal Postal Union and whose entire territory is situated in Asia, Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia or Polynesia may accede to APPU.

2. The idea behind its formation was to create a single postal territory amongst the member-countries, to improve the Postal Services in the region and to institute developing a large degree of cooperation between them. Pakistan joined this organization in 1977. Following 32 countries. are its members:-

1. Afghanistan                   2.  Japan               3. Papua New Guinea    4. Australia

5. Lao                    6. Philippines                     7. Bangladesh                    8. Korea Republic

9. Samoa              10. Bhutan                          11. Malaysia                       12. Singapore

13. Brunei Darussalam                   14. Maldives                       15. Solomon Islands

16. Cambodia                     17. China                              18. Mongolia                      19. Sri Lanka

20. Fiji                   21. Myanmar                     22. Thailand                        23.  Nauru

24. Tonga                             25. India                               26. Nepal                             27.  Vanuatu

28. Indonesia                     29. New Zealand                              30. Vietnam        31. Iran

32. Pakistan

3 The Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU) performs its functions through the following permanent organs:-

(a) Congress

This is the supreme organ of the Union. It is composed of plenipotentiary representatives of member-countries and is empowered to amend Constitution and General Regulations of the Union. It meets every four-year at a pre-selected place.

(b) Executive Council

To ensure the continuity of the work of the Union in the intervals between Congresses, the Executive Council meets, in principle once each year, unless the majority of member-countries decide otherwise. All member-countries are required to participate in its meetings.

(c) Office

Ø  The Bureau serves as a medium of liaison, information, inquiry and training for the member-countries of the Union.

Ø  The Bureau is composed of the administrative section and the training section

Ø  The host country of the Bureau shall be determined by Congress, or in exceptional circumstances by the Executive Council. In principle, that country shall remain as the host of the Bureau for at least five years.

4. There are following other organizations associated with the Asian-Pacific Postal Union for organizing an efficient postal service within the Asian-Pacific Region:-

(i) The Asian-Pacific Postal College

This institution, based in Bangkok, Thailand is imparting training to postal officers of the member-countries. Pakistan has always benefited from the courses offered by this institution. Officers of Pakistan Post are also being regularly deputed to this institution to carry out tutorial activities.

(ii) Asian-Pacific Post Cooperative

The Asia-Pacific Post cooperative is based in Singapore. Its main tasks are (i) To maintain and improve the quality of express Mail Service for handling time-sensitive services offered by postal administrations of member-countries, (ii) to carry out quality of Service Tests to remove bottle-necks with the aim to improve it, (iii) Management of Track & Trace system for EMS products, and (iv) to study questions of immediate interest to member-countries to make the postal products attractive to commercial users.

5. Pakistan attaches great importance to this organization, Pakistan has been availing following advantages by maintaining its membership in the Asian-Pacific Postal Union and by participating in its meeting:-

Ø  Excellent training facilities are offered by the College run by the Union in certain specialized fields. Each year three free fellowships are offered to Pakistan Post.

Ø  Seminars & workshops are regularly conducted on various important postal operations including Direct Mail Marketing, Parcel Post marketing, ISP Marketing, terminal dues, Postal Financial services etc. and the member countries can be benefited much by attending these forums.

Ø  Close cooperation in providing economical, speedier and reliable means of communications to develop socio-economic relations between peoples in the region.

Ø  Smooth exchange of postal mails keeping the operating costs as low as possible in the region

Ø  Adoption of coordinated approach over the issues of interest in the Asian Pacific Region within the Universal Postal Union

Ø  Coordination in implementing the five-yearly Postal Strategic Plans chalked out by the Universal Postal Union within the region.

Ø  Development in technical cooperation to modernize the postal services

Ø  Sharing ideas and exchange of information for improvement in the postal services.

Ø  Reliance on the technical support of the Asian Pacific Post cooperative

Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU) Executive Council Meeting at Islamabad, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 10/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on March 24, 2015.