Men of Letter Series Ibn-e-Insha. June 15, 2013. (2013-16)

Sher Muhammad Khan with Pen-name Ibn-e-Insha was born in Phillaur Teshil of Jalandhar District, Punjab India on 15th June, 1927. He received his B.A. Degree from Punjab University Lahore in 1946, and did his Masters from University of Karachi in 1953. Ibn-e-Insha remained associated with various Government Services including,

·         Radio Pakistan

·         Ministry of Culture and

·         National Book Centre of Pakistan

He also served in United Nations for some time. He was a renowned poet, humorist, travelogue-writers, Journalist, Broadcaster and translator.

He died of Cancer (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) at the age of about 50 years on January 11, 1978 in London and was buried in Karachi.

Literary Profile- in Detail

1. Ibn-e-Insha as a Poet:- Ibn-e-Insha was recognized as one of the most talented and versatile poets of his generation. His poetry has a unique elocution that is usually heard in the natural pronunciation of Hindi Urdu complex of languages. His articulation and poetic style has an influence on generation of young poet. Three (03) collections of his poetry have. been published. His famous ghazal "Insha Ji Utho", sung by Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, is a modern day classic.

Poetry Books

·         Is Basti Key Ik Koochey Main

·         Chand Nagar

·         Dil-e-Wehshi

2. As Travelogue Writer:- He has written several books of travelogues. As Insha served for UN for some time, so he visited many countries during this period and wrote some travelogues. The countries which he traveled were Japan, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey France, UK and United States. He wrote his travel experiences in an excellent and unique style. A remarkable common feature of his travelogues is that they have been written with a distinguished touch of humor.

His Travelogues

·         Awara Gard Ki Diary

·         Dunya Gol Hey

·         Ibn Battuta did not drink his

·         If you are naughty then move your head

·         Nagri Nagri Phira Musafar

3. As Humorist:- Besides his fame as a poet, Ibn-e-Insha was regarded as one of the best humorists of Urdu language. He wrote four (04) books of humorous prose. "Urdu Ki Akhri Kitab" was his masterpiece and one of the finest examples of satire in Urdu poking fun at everyone including politicians, historians, media etc. His book Urdu Ki Akhri Kitab and Khumar-e-Gandum are the master pieces of Urdu humor. The first edition of "Urdu Ki Akhri Kitab" was published in July, 1971 and till 2003, its 33 more editions were published. "Khat Insha Jee Kay" is a collection of his letters written from time to time to his friends. In his letters, his style is quite simple and natural having a touch of humor and freshness. It has natural flow and is without any affection. These letters are regarded as self portrait of him as he unveils his personality time and again in these letters.

Book of humor:

·         what do you cover up

·         Khumar and Gandum

·         The last book of Urdu

·         Khat Insha Jee Kay (Collection of letters)

4. As Journalist:- After 1947, Insha migrated from India to Pakistan and chose journalism as his profession. He wrote columns in daily Imroze, Karachi under the pen-name of "Khana-Badosh". In daily Jang, he wrote columns with the caption of Harf-o-Hikayat. His writings were also published in "Akhbaar-e-Khawateen". Some of his other famous columns were published under the captions of Baqalam Khud, Baatein Inshajee Ki, and Dakhal dar Ma'qoolaat.

5. As Translator:- Ibn-e-Insha translated many great short stories of the world. For example he translated some famous works of Edgar Allan Poe under the following captions, "Saans Ki Phaansi", "Wo Beizvi Tasveer", "Attr Farosh Dosheeza Ke Qatal ka Mua'ma", "Andha Kunwaan", etc. He translated works of the famous American writer O'Henry as "Lakhon Ka Shehar". He also translated some work of John Steinbeek as "Shehar-e-Panah" and the works of famous Russain writer Chekov as "Majboor". Insha also translated a collection of Chinese poems in Urdu in 1960.

On Men of Letters Series Ibn-e-Insha Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on June 15, 2013

100th anniversary of Shamsul Ulama Altaf Hussain Hali (1914-2014) December 31, 2014 (2014-14)

Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali was a renowned Urdu writer and poet. He was born in Panipat in 1837. He received his early education in Panipat. He learned Persian and Arabic there. He got married in 1854. In the same year, he reached Delhi and studied at the renowned Madrasa Hussain Bakhsh, a renowned school of Oriental studies. During his stay in Delhi, he became a student of the renowned poet Mirza Ghalib. Then he was appointed tutor to the children of the famous poet Nawab Mustafa Khan Shifta. Hali benefited greatly from the company of the late Nawab. After Shifta's death, Hali moved to Lahore. His arrival in Lahore and his four-year stay there represent a major revolution in his life. It was here that he became well acquainted with English literature and criticism through translations. Together with the renowned writer Muhammad Hussain Azad, he laid the foundation of modern poetry in Lahore in 1874 and wrote Masnavis in the new style. Hali returned to Delhi in 1888. During this time, he kept meeting Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a renowned leader of the continent, an unparalleled writer and a great benefactor of Muslims who founded Aligarh College, which resulted in a great intellectual revolution within him. It was here that, on the advice and request of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, he wrote the unparalleled Urdu Masad, which is known in Urdu literature as Maduzzar Islam or Masad Hali. This poem is still very popular among the Muslims of the continent. This long poem presents an exemplary picture of the great past and present decline of the Muslims and creates a desire for a fresh life among the Muslims. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan had said a very beautiful thing about this poem. His It was said that if I were asked on the Day of Judgment what was the most righteous deed I did in my life, I would say that I had Hali write a Masad. In 1904, Maulana Hali was given the title of Shams al-Ulama in recognition of his scholarly and literary services.

Maulana Hali wrote many high-quality books in poetry and prose. In addition to the Masdas Hali in poetry, his Diwan, consisting of ghazals and poems, has been published under the name Kaliyat, Kaliyat Nazm Hali. In 1893, he wrote his controversial critical book "Mu'aye Shar-e-Shaari" which was later published separately several times. Based on this book, Hali is considered the first prominent critic of Urdu. Among his other scholarly works are Hayat Javed (Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's Hayat and Kaname), Yadgar Ghalib, Hayat Saadi and Maqalikat Hali.

The fact is that Maulana Hali is the architect of modern Urdu literature. He not only laid the foundation of higher criticism in Urdu but also accomplished unparalleled feats in the field of biography. His services for the renaissance of the Muslims of the continent are very valuable. He is counted among the benefactors of the Islamic nation. Our national poet Allama Iqbal was a great admirer and devotee of Hali. Hali's academic services have been written in a comprehensive book and many excellent PhD level papers have been written on him. Hali died on December 31, 1914. He was buried in Panipat. On December 31, 2014, it will be a full hundred years since Hali's death. It is hoped that his centenary will be celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The Postal Department is issuing a commemorative stamp of Rs 8 on December 31, 2014, to mark the centenary of Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali.

Monuments of Ancient Cultures Joint Issue with Ukrain. December 25, 2014 (2014-13)

Mohenjo Daro (Pakistan) The city of Dead; Moen-jo-Daro; is located on the right bank of River Indus about 400 Kilometers North of Karachi in Larkana District. The remarkable discovery of Moen-jo-Daro took place in 1922 during archaeological survey of British India by Sir John Marshal. Subsequent excavations established that a civilization possessing a high standard of art and craftsmanship and a well-developed system of pictographic writing had existed about 2250 B.C. in the Indus Valley for a considerable period before the arrival of Indo-Aryans and excavated ruins covers an area of 100 hectors. It was a model of well designed city far ahead of ancient world, and economy of city Moen-jo-Daro was based upon the fertile Valleys of the major rivers of the Indus Basin and the easy means of communication and transportation which these rivers afforded. As such, agriculture was the main occupation of the people with evidence to cultivate wheat, barley, seas mum, dates and cotton. The architecture of the Moen-jo-Daro period is plain and utilitarian, which made life of the dwellers comfortable rather than luxurious. The cause of ruining of this ancient city is believed to be progressive desiccation or growing danger of floods, Now-a-days, ruins of this marvelous ancient city are endangered by water-logging and salinity. Measure to save Moen-jo-Daro has been devised by the Government of Pakistan with the help of UNESCO experts as apart of an international appeal for assistance to preserve Moen-jo-Daro.

The Pakistan Post Office, in collaboration with the Authority for the Preservation of Mone-jo-Daro (Pakistan), had arranged to bring out a series of special stamps for public motivation.

Trypillia (Ukraine) Trypillian culture is one of the brightest phenomena of Encolithic Period in South Eastern Europe of 5-7 thousand years B.C. The monuments representing it are situated on the waste territory from Rumanian Muntenia and Transylvania till Dnieper from west to east and from North Black Sea region till Carpathians from south to north. The culture was named after the settlement explored on the outskirts of Trypillian village.

Bright, exquisite ceramics painted in numerous colour, clay sculptures picturing human being animals birds, models of the buildings, boats sleight and a lot of other products is a unique contribution into world's heritage of antiquities.

Modern archeological research certifies that some elements of Trypilian culture (economic system, topography of locations, artistic painting of building motives of Ornament and ceramics etc) became integral part of modern Ukrainian culture.

Postage Stamps Issue History

The first issue of the "Save Moen-jo-Daro" series consisting of a set of five stamps in se-tenant was brought out on 29th February 1976. This was followed by a 20-Paisa stamp issued on 31st May 1976 and a 65-Paisa stamp issued on 31st August 1976. Earlier on 16th September 1963, a set of four stamps was issued on Archaeological Series, out of which one 13-Paisa stamp depicted Moen-jo-Daro. In addition on December 31 1984, two special postage stamps of the denomination of Rs.2/ each were issued on Moen-jo-Daro, in the "World Heritage monument" series, as a part of "Save Moen-jo-Daro Campaign".

Now Pakistan Post takes pride is issuing special joint postage stamps in set of 02 for Rs.20/- denomination of each on Moen-jo-Daro (Pakistan) and trypillia (Ukraine) with a special Souvenir Sheet for Rs.50/-.

The Commemorative Postage Stamps and Souvenir Sheets on joint issue Pakistan and Ukraine Pakistan Post is issuing Postage Stamps, of Rs.20/- each design and Special Souvenir Sheet of Rs. 50/- on 25-12-2014

Celebrating Pakistan’s Space Achievements 2024-2025. 16 September 2025 (2025-19)

1-      Pakistan's National Space Program, spearheaded by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has been pivotal in advancing the country's scientific and technological capabilities. Established in 1961, SUPARCO has laid the foundation for Pakistan's ventures into space, focusing on satellite development, space research, and strengthening international collaborations. Over the decades, the program has achieved significant milestones, including the launch of various communication and remote sensing satellites, contributing to national security, disaster management, and socio-economic development. The program emphasizes building indigenous capacity, promoting education in space sciences, and integrating space technology into various sectors of the economy.

2-      On 03 May 2024, Pakistan launched ICUBE-QAMAR for lunar research, followed by communication satellite PAKSAT-MM1 on 30 May 2024, and the indigenous Electro-Optical Satellite (EO-1) for Earth observation on 17 January 2025 from China. To commemorate these significant achievements in Pakistan's space program, a special series of three commemorative stamps is being issued.

3-      ICUBE-Qamar Pakistan's first lunar cube satellite, was launched as part of China's Chang'E 6 mission. Designed and developed with academic collaboration and support from Pakistan's national space agency, its primary mission was to validate the satellite's operation in lunar orbit according to design parameters and to capture images of the lunar surface and the Sun, contributing valuable data for lunar research efforts. ICUBE-Qamar marked a significant milestone in Pakistan's educational and space exploration initiatives in collaboration with China.

4-      PAKSAT-MM1 represents a leap forward in Pakistan's communications capabilities. This advanced geostationary satellite is designed to enhance telecommunications, broadcasting, and internet services across the region. By providing reliable and high-quality connectivity, PAKSAT-MM1 aims to support socio-economic development, bridging the digital divide and encouraging progress in remote and underserved areas.

5-      Continuing this momentum, Pakistan launched its first Electro-Optical Satellite (EO-1). This cutting-edge remote sensing satellite is designed to capture imagery for applications in agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

6-      These three satellite launches mark a transformative chapter in Pakistan's space program, showcasing the nation's evolving capabilities and commitment to leveraging space technology for socio-economic growth. By advancing lunar research, enhancing telecommunications, and improving Earth observation, these satellites will have a significant impact on scientific progress, connectivity, and sustainable development.

7-      7-On the occasion of Pakistan's recent achievements in space, Pakistan Post is issuing a series of three commemorative postage stamps, each with a denomination of Rs. 30/-, on 16 September 2025. These stamps honor the launches of ICUBE-Qamar, PAKSAT-MM1, and EO-1, celebrating historic milestones and recognizing Pakistan's progress in space exploration.

14th National SCOUT JAMBOREE. 23 December 2014 (2014-12)

14th National & 2nd Saanso Scouts Jamboree Logo

1. Jamboree:

Jamboree is a big gathering of Scouts organized at National / Regional & World level after every 04 years. Due to unavoidable circumstances & security reasons Pakistan Boy Scouts Association, after a gap of 10 years is organizing 14th National Scouts Jamboree at Khairpur Mirs, Sindh from 16-23 December, 2014. This Jamboree be considered an important and exclusive event on the following grounds:-

a. Saanso Jamboree:

South Asian Associations of National Scout Organizations (SAANSO) is a recognized body of he SAARC countries and Pakistan is now leading the SAANSO. The 14th National Jamboree has been clubbed with 2nd SAANSO Scouts Jamboree in which Scouts from all the SAARC countries and other from Asia Pacific Regions have been invited to participate.

b. 100 Years Celebrations of Khairpur Mirs Scouting:

Scouting was established at Khairpur Mirs in 1914 and now it is completing its 100 Years. To celebrate the 100 years Scouting of Khairpur Mirs during the Jamboree is one of the major features.

2. Logo of the Jamboree:

The border of the Jamboree logo reflect the title and place of the Jamboree. The symbols inside the logo are explained below:-

a. Border Colours:-  The three sides colours shows Pakistan colour while the red colour shows Adults Support for the Boy Scouts participating in the Jamboree.

b. Fleur-de-lis:- National symbol of Pakistan Boy Scouts Association in which crescent & star symbolizes Pakistan.

C. Date Tree:- Date Tree is a symbol of Khairpur Mirs.

d. Dove Bird:- Dove bird carrying branch of olive tree, is an International Symbol of Peace being used by the Youth on the initiatives of World Scouts Foundation. The wings of the bird showing 14 رسل اسلام means Messengers of Peace (MOP).

e. peace:- The motto of the Jamboree is Peace and Urdu version has been reflected in the monogram.

On 14th National Scout Jamboree, Pakistan post is being issued a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 8/= denomination on December 23,2014.