On the 100th Birthday Anniversary of Norman E. Borlaug Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. December 04, 2014 (2014-09)

Norman Borlaug's approach to increasing global food production resulted in the saving of as many as one billion people worldwide from famine, starvation and death and earned him the title "Father of the Green Revolution."

Born of Norwegian descent on March 25, 1914, Dr. Borlaug was raised in Cresco lowa USA. He obtained his initial education in a one-room rural school house. After graduating in 1937 with a BS in Forestry, he went to work for the United States Forest Service, initially in Idaho and later in Massachusetts and Connecticut. He returned to graduate school at the University of Minnesota, and took up the study of plant pathology. receiving his Ph.D in 1942.

In 1944, Dr. Borlaug participated in the Rockefeller Foundation's pioneering technical assistance program in Mexico, where he was a research scientist in charge of wheat improvement. For the next sixteen years, he worked to solve a series of wheat production problems that were limiting wheat cultivation in Mexico and to help train a whole generation of young Mexican scientists.

The work in Mexico not only had a profound impact on Dr. Borlaug's life and philosophy of agriculture research and development, but also on agricultural production, first in Mexico and later in many parts of the world. It was on the research stations and farmers' fields of Mexico that Dr. Borlaug developed successive generations of wheat varieties with broad and stable disease resistance, broad adaptation to growing conditions across many degrees of latitude, and with exceedingly high yield potential. These new wheat varieties and improved crop management practices transformed agricultural production in Mexico during the 1940's and 1950's and later in Asia and Latin America, sparking what today is known as the "Green Revolution."

He also served as Consultant for Food and Agriculture Organization of UN (FAO) in North Africa and Asia during 1960. It was that time when Norman E. Borlaug visited Pakistan for the first time as a member of a FAO-Rockefeller Foundation team studying wheat production problems. As a result of recommendation of this expert team, a group of promising young researchers visited Mexico during 1961-63 where they were exposed to new and practical methods for improving wheat production. This paved the paths for introducing seeds of high yielding varieties in Pakistan and brought the "Green Revolution" in Pakistan. Based on his contributions the Government of Pakistan awarded him with Sitara-I-Imtiaz in 1968 and The Hilal-I-Imtiaz Award in 1978. His contributions were also recognized by the civilizations around the globe and were honored by many prestigious awards by the governments of various countries like the Presidential Medal of Freedom (USA), the Congressional Gold Medal (USA), the Padma Vibhushan (India).

He was awarded honorary degrees of doctorates in the field of science, agriculture & agricultural sciences, humane letters and law from more than fifty world renowned institutions including honorary degree of Doctor of Science in 1978 by Punjab Agricultural University (Pakistan). He was also designated as Honorary Consultant to Punjab Agricultural University of Lyallpur (Pakistan) and awarded a Recognition Award by Punjab Agricultural Research Institute (Pakistan) in 1971. In 1984, Pakistan Academy of Sciences opt him as Foreign Honorary Member.

In 1970 Norman E. Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for a lifetime of work to feed a hungry world. One of Dr. Borlaug's most lasting contributions was the creation ofWorld Food Prize in 1986 to recognize exceptional achievements in the field of agriculture or efforts to counter poverty and hunger.

He died at the age of 95, on September 12, 2009, in his Dallas home. United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) described Borlaug as "... a towering scientist whose work rivals that of the 20th century's other great scientific benefactors of humankind".

On 100th Birthday Anniversary of Norman E. Borlaug, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 4, 2014

PAKISTAN 2025, ONE NATION-ONE VISION. August 11, 2014 (2014-08)

The Vision 2025 aims to serve four functions. First, it will be a compilation of the consensus views of national and internal stakeholders regarding the future direction of the country. Second, therefore, it will be an inspirational document setting out future goals and expectations, to be translated into a concrete road map and coherent strategy for balanced human, social, and economic development. Third, it will provide a conceptual platform or the revival of sustainable and inclusive growth, benefiting all citizens of Pakistan strengthening of the development foundation and enabling the country to achieve internal development goals within their respective time frames, and achieving the high level of human development and national autonomy associated with a high-income status before the centennial anniversary of the creation of Pakistan. Finally, it will provide the indigenous conception and approach for meeting all globally agreed targets, including the Millennium Development Goals and any new goals to be endorsed by Pakistan in the international arena.

Vision 2025 builds upon the urgent measures already undertaken by the government to address short term challenges. As a result of these measures, inflation has begun to decelerate, the fiscal deficit has shrunk, growing foreign exchange reserves have reassured traders as well as the international markets, the stock market has revived, and international capital markets have expressed their confidence by oversubscription of the Eurobond. In the real sector likewise, the urgent measures have contributed to the resumption of healthy growth in large-scale manufacturing (unprecedented for the last 8 years), and respectable agricultural growth. The vision will also build upon the positive trends in the political domain, including a national consensus on democratic governance, strengthening of the parliament as well as the judiciary, and the emergence of vibrant civil society and print and electronic media.

Vision 2025 divides its challenges and goals into a set of seven pillars identified as the key drivers of growth which will transform Pakistan into a vibrant and prosperous nation by 2025. In addition to these seven pillars, Vision 2025 identifies five key enablers, which are critical for success of the plan, namely

a) Shared vision

b) Political stability

c) Peace and security

d) Rule of law and

e) Social justice

The objective of Pakistan Vision 2025 is to awaken, co-ordinate and direct the people's efforts, minds and our national resources towards seven key pillars that will enable us to attain our development goals and withstand the expected intensive economic competition ahead of us. In the past, growth spurts have been exogenously driven. It is now time for the people of Pakistan to take control of their own destiny. As outlined earlier Pakistan Vision 2025 was developed through a non-partisan process to create a national consensus on our shared destination. At its core the Vision is people-designed and people centered. The Vision is for the people, by the people and of the people; setting and defining the parameters of political, economic and social development for building a prosperous, peaceful and unified nation. A nation envisioned where citizens share a strong sense of nationalism and community, and government partnership in pursuit of national development goals.

Vision 2025 is a shared, inspirational destination that will serve as a guide post for the development of an effective strategy and road map to enable Pakistan to reach its national goals. The Vision will be realized through strategies and programmes defined in associated five-year and annual plans.

Vision 2025 seeks to recreate and build upon the Pakistani Dream, which our founding fathers had so inspirationally constructed at the inception of our nationhood and it aims to engage the people of Pakistan, unite them behind a shared destination, and inspire hope in Pakistan's future.

Pakistan Post is issuing two Postage stamps of Rs. 8/- and Rs. 10/- denominations each, on August 11, 2014 to commemorate the launching of the long-run road map of a progressive Pakistan in the shape of Pakistan Vision 2025.

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.