100 YEARS OF SAHIWAL BREED CONSERVATION (1914-2014) COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP August 05, 2014 (2014-07)

Humped or Zebu cattle (Bosindicus) were domesticated 7000-8000 years ago in Indus valley present day Pakistan. Of the about 450 tropical breeds, the zebu is the main type in the subcontinent and Africa. One of the best known zebu breeds is the Sahiwal in Pakistan which developed on the Indus plain especially in the Ganji bar. The introduction of a canal irrigation system during 1914 changed the ecology and agriculture of the area from pastoral livestock production to intensive crop production. British Government leased out lands to conserve the Sahiwal cattle breed. First Conservation farm of its kind was approved on 30. 6.1914 at Jehangirabad near KachhaKhu Distt. Multan (now Khanewal) by leasing out 4190 acres of land to Sardar Jehangir Khan Wattu. Second farm for similar purpose was approved during 1917 at Allah Dad, Jehanian, Distt. Multan which was closed during 1977. Third farm was established near Montgomery during 1920 by leasing out land to Datar Singh which was closed during 1952. Later two farms contributed towards conservation efforts for the breed but for a shorter duration.

Efforts towards conservation of the breed continued at Jehangirabad Cattle farm till today being pioneers. This farm really changed the Sahiwal breed history through its contributions in the shape of breed development by issuing pedigreed bulls to the nation and even to the world. Motivation for the Sahiwal Cattle lovers and general public by participating in national Livestock shows in the country and even in Delhi before partition. Milk and beauty competitions inspired the general public for rebreeding the Sahiwal breed. This farm was nationalized during 1977 and its contributions continued in a novel way both at Government farm as well as at private original farm. During the period from 1915 to 1976, 4638 cows and heifers, 1770 bullocks and 8608 breeding bulls were supplied for further breeding and utilization from private farm and 1972 bulls and heifers were issued for further breeding from Government farm, a real contribution towards conservation of the breed. The Sahiwal breed here improved at such a prime level that it was exported to China, Australia, Kenya, Newzealand, Malysia, Bangladesh, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Sri Lanka and Kuwait etc. Animals of this farm won National beauty and dairy championships. Now it is found in more than twenty nine countries of the world. More than eight synthetic breeds have been evolved by utilizing Sahiwal breed in tropical countries. We being Pakistani are proud of our Sahiwal, a free gift of nature. The year 2014 is therefore, a year to celebrate the past and embrace the future.

Being the tick resistant, heat tolerant, high milk producing breed under harsh and low input farming systems, easy calver, reproductively efficient and economically sustainable, it is globally known breed. Sahiwal produce A2 type safe milk whereas Holstein Friesian (Boss taurus) produce A1 type milk which is associated as risk factor for fatal human diseases. Livestock is already playing its role in poverty alleviation in rural masses and its contribution in Agriculture GDP is increasing which is now 55.4%. According to International Farming Comparison Network (IFCN-2012), Pakistan is the 3rd largest milk producer (Energy corrected) in the world after India and USA. Being producer of safe milk, export of value added products can be increased to earn the foreign exchange.

Sahiwals are among the largest zebu cattle, with a mature weight from 500-900 and 360-400 kg in male and female respectively. The coat colour is usually reddish dun or sorrel, but brown is also common. The cows have large, sometimes pendulous udders with big teats. The bulls have a large hump, which often leans to one side, and a pendulous sheath. The dewlap is also large. The horns are small and commonly loose in the female. Male calves are being utilized for routine utilization as beef after fattening and especially for sacrificial purposes.

Historical efforts for its conservation continued at private and government level. A postage stamp was launched during 1949 by the Mamlikat-e-Khuda Dad Bahawalpur on the eve of Silver Jubilee celebration (1924-1949) depicting the Sahiwal bull.

According to Pakistan Livestock Census 2006, 2.75 million heads of Sahiwal cattle are available in the country. Due to its global importance and unique characteristics, efforts for its conservation on scientific lines continued and Government of the Punjab established separate Research centre (RCCSC) for its conservation during 2003-04, Breeding programme of RCCSC has been recognized by FAO. As a first effort, during 1914, inspite of great pressure of crossbreeding since 1970, its conservation continued. For its further promotion at global level, a memorial postage stamp should be issued on completing its 100 years during 2014.

It is proposed that on completing 100 years of Sahiwal dairy cattle improvement, a commemorative postage stamp be issued to mark the centenary of the globally known Sahiwal breed, honouring the Sahiwal cattle breeders and lovers the world over.

On completing 100 Years of Sahiwal Breed Conservation 1914-2014, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/-denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on August 05, 2014.

100 YEARS OF FRONTIER CONSTABULARY. July 11, 2014 (2014-06)

The name of Frontier Constabulary cannot be separated. from bravery, valour, courage and determination. FC is known worldwide for its unmatchable skills to fight against the odds of the worst kind. The name of FC is written with golden words in the annals of the law enforcement in Pakistan. From fight against militancy to general law and order, FC has always been a front force in the line of action.

Year 2013 marked hundred years of establishment of Frontier Constabulary. Created in 1913, by the amalgamation of Border Military Police (BMP) and Samana Rifles (SR), it was envisaged to protect the settled districts of the then North-West Frontier Province, modern day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from any incursion of desperate bands of looters from the adjoining tribal belt. Frontier Constabulary, governed under the Frontier Constabulary Act of 1915 and N-WFC rules 1958, is headed by a Commandant, a Basic Pay Scale (BPS) 21 officer, and is considered one of the most prestigious and revered posting in Police Service of Pakistan. From R.C. Boyle, the first Commandant of FC, to the incumbent Abdul Majeed Marwat, some of the finest Police Officers have led this force.

The command structure of FC revolves around its basic unit called FC District. Each FC district is under the command of a District Officer (DO). The first district of FC was established in 1913 while the most recent one is the Corps Head Quarters (CHQ) Peshawar raised as a district in 2004. Today, FC has seventeen districts stretching across the length and breadth of the country. Frontier Constabulary is a tribal based force and almost all the major clans of Pathans have a representation in FC. The basic structure of FC is a "Platoon" and one FC platoon comprises of forty three men.

FC has five hundred and forty seven platoons and performing functions beyond its initially visualized role as a border police. More than seventy platoons of FC are assisting KP Police in maintaining law and order throughout the province. One hundred and thirty three platoons are helping Pakistan Army in combating militancy in Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) and KP. Forty five platoons of FC are serving with Sindh Government and providing security to vital installations. The security of major prisons in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur is entrusted to FC. Basides, FC platoons are deployed in Islamabad to protect the diplomatic enclave and other key buildings in the capital. More than forty platoons of FC are deployed with the multi-national companies (MNCs) and hydro power projects. Six platoons of FC are deployed in Gilgit Baltistan. Apart from assisting the GB government in maintaining law and order, FC has a key role in security of Kara Kurram Highway (KKH). FC helped the government in peaceful conduct of 2013 general elections. More than two thousand FC personnel have provided security to polio workers in the polio eradication campaign in Peshawar and FATA.

Frontier Constabulary has been a front line force in the battle against terrorists. It has proved its mettle on a number of occasions. Be it the operation 'Spring Cleaning' in Pastawana in FR Peshawar or 'Operation Kala Dhaka' in KP, FC has stood second to none when it comes to defending the country against the non-state elements. In its endeavor to protect the mother land, FC is not behind any other law enforcement agency in the country and has so far lost three hundred & thirty six (336) officers and jawans, Mr. E.C. Handy Side, the second Commandant of FC from 1921 to 1926, was martyred while fighting a band of dacoits. Safwat Ghayour was one of the most inspiring and courageous Police officer the country has ever seen. Safwat Ghayour was the commandant of FC when his vehicle was hit by a suicide bomber in 2010. He embraced Shahadat and the country lost a brave son and FC an adorable General.

Frontier Constabulary is a time tested force and proved its mettle in the most challenging battlefields. The soldiers of FC, being brought up in the most rugged terrains of the world, are ideal fighters on their own turf. The gloabl terrorist network is in one way or the other linked to the western border region of Pakistan. Personnel of FC, tendered by nature, are the most efficient force in this area. It is need of the hour to modernize FC and equip it with the state of the art gadgetry to make it more dynamic and professional force. Rudyard Kipling described FC in his words, "a force ready to take the field at ten minutes' notice". But today it is a force willing to take the enemy at one minute notice.

On the occasion of 100 years of Frontier Constabulary a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on July 11, 2014.

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.