ON THE OCCASION OF GOLDEN JUBILEE-PAKISTAN NAVY SUBMARINE FORCE GOLDEN JUBILE. JUNE 1, 2014 (2014-05)

The year 2014 marks the Golden Jubilee-Pakistan Navy Submarine Force, thus a glorious landmark is achieved in a journey paved with sacrifices, valour, commitment and professionalism of highest order. Pakistan Navy's submarine arm has maintained great fighting tradition and created a name for itself in the combat.

Pakistan Navy made a very modest beginning in 1947 when only a few old ships were transferred to it from Royal Indian Navy. Soon it was realized that in order to have an effective deterrence capability against any potential aggressor, the Navy should acquire a submarine arm. It was on 1st June 1964 that the Navy acquired the first submarine "PNS/M GHAZI" (ex-US Navy "Fleet" class submarine of World War II vintage). The presence of Ghazi in Indian Ocean kept the Indian Navy confined to its harbour during 1965 war. Due to this heroic action by PNS/M GHAZI and fully realizing the immense deterrence potential that a submarine possesses, PN decided to build a full-fledged Submarine Force. Pakistan Navy acquired three "Daphne" class submarines from France and these Submarines joined PN Fleet in 1669-70. These submarines were named HANGOR, SHUSHUK & MANGRO.

These submarines proved their worth during the 1971 war, when PNS/M HANGOR sank the Indian Navy Frigate INS KHUKRI and damaged another. That was the first occasion after the Second World War when a submarine sank a warship. Later on, one more "Daphne" class submarine named GHAZI joined PN Fleet in 1977.

These exploits of submarine in action propelled the need for further expansion of submarine squadron. Pakistan Navy purchased two "Agosta 70" class submarines in 1978 and subsequently they were commissioned as HASHMAT and HURMAT in 1979 and 1980 respectively. The contract of three Agosta 90B Submarines was signed in 1994. First submarine (KHALID) was built in France and commissioned in 1999, second (SAAD) was constructed in Pakistan and commissioned in 2003. The third submarine (HAMZA) and the first with MESMA AIP was constructed in Pakistan and commissioned in 2008.

Presently, PN Submarine Force is well equipped with state of the art weapons, sensors and machinery; comprises men of exceptional talent, competence and commitment to defend our Motherland. PN Submarine Force has always been the potent arm of Pakistan Navy since its inception and will continue to be so in the years to come.

On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee-Pakistan Navy Submarine Force, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 10/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on June 1, 2014.

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