Birds of Pakistan Series Red Vented Bulbul, July 01, 2013 (2013-18)

RED VENTED BULBUL:- The Red Vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) is a member of the bulbul family of passerines. It is resident breeder across the Subcontinent, including Pakistan, Sri lanka extending east to Burma and parts of Tibet. It has been introduced in many other parts of the world and has established itself in the wild on several Pacific islands including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Hawaii. It has also established itself in parts of Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand. It is included in the list of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species.

The Red-vented Bulbul was originally described by Linneaus in 1766. Several populations of this widespread species have been named as subspecies (or races). The nominate race is found in Pakistan and India, also found in Kashmir and Kohat down to the Salt Range along Hamalayas.

The Red-vented Bulbul is easily indentified by its short crest giving the head a squarish appearance. The body is dark brown with scaly pattern while the head is darker or black. The rump is white while the vent is red. The black tail is tipped in white. The Himalayan races have a more prominent crest and are more streaked on the underside.

Sexes are similar in plumage, but young birds are duller than adults. The typical call has been transcribed as ginger beer but a number of sharp single note calls likened as pick are also produced. Their alarm calls are usually respond to and heeded by many other species of bird.

Habitat and distribution

This is a bird of dry scrub, open forest, plains and cultivated lands. In this native range it is rarely found in mature forest. A study based of 54 localities in Pakistan and India concluded that vegetation is the single most important factor that determines the distribution of the species.

Behavior and ecology:- Red-vented bulbuls feed on fruits, petals of flowers, nectar, insects and occasionally geckos. They have also been seen feeding on the leaves of Medicago sativa.

Red-vented bulbuls build their nests in bushes at a height of around 7 to 10 ft. Two or three eggs is a typical clutch. Nests are occasionally built inside houses or in a hole or in mud bank. In one instance, a nest was found on a floating mat of Water hyacinth leaves and nests in tree cavities have also been noted.

They breed from June to September. The eggs are pale-pinkish with spots of darker red more dense at the broad end. They are capable of having multiple clutches in a year. Nests are small flat cups made of small twigs but sometimes making use of metal wires. The eggs hatch after about 14 days. Both parents feed the chicks and on feeding trips wait for the young to excrete, swallowing the faecal produced.

In culture:- In Pakistan these birds were frequently kept as cage pets and for fighting especially in the Carnatic region. They would be held on the finger with a thread attached and when they fought they would seize the red feathers of the opponents.

They are frequently tamed and carry it about the bazaars, tied with a string to the finger or to a little crutched perch, which is often made of precious metals.

On Birds of Pakistan Series-Red vented Bulbul, Pakistan Post is issuing a Definitive postage stamp of Rs.8/-denomination on July 1, 2013.

60 Years of All Pakistan News Paper Society (APNS) June 20, 2013 (2013-17)

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society is a premier body of newspaper publishers, which has been headed by such august personalities as Mr. Hamid Nizami, Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman, Mian Iftekharuddin, Mr. Fakhre Matri, Mr. Hamid Mahmood, Mr. Yousuf Haroon, Mr. Mahmood Haroon, Mr. Majid Nizami, Kazi Mohammad Akber, Mr. Hameed Haroon, Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman, Mr. K.Μ. Hamid Ullah and Mr. Anwarul Islam of Pakistan Observer Dacca.

The Pakistan Newspapers Society, a precursor to the APNS, was established in 1950, primarily due to the efforts of the late Messrs Hameed Nizami and Hamid Mahmood. It functioned for a number of years but could not receive much support or recognition either from the publishers and advertising agencies in general and the authorities in power in particular. Publishers' organizations also functioned in East Pakistan and Karachi but these provincial bodies could not effectively represent the interests of the newspaper industry.

In the year 1953, it was decided to form the All Pakistan Newspapers Society, merging all the existing groups of publishers. It was also decided to establish the headquarters of this organization at Karachi, as at that time the majority of the major publications originated from there. It took some time to be organized on a professional basis. A rented premises for the office was obtained in Farid Chambers, from where it continued to function till the end of 2011 when a beautiful and huge building was constructed at Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi.

The formation of an organization of publishers was critically required to facilitate the exchange of their views on matters of common interest among newspaper owners. The APNS successfully afforded to newspaper owners the means to watch over, protect, preserve and promote the rights and interests of the newspaper industry on matters directly or indirectly affecting their rights and interests. The APNS remained very active in handling the problems faced by its members vis-a-vis the provincial and central governments relating to advertisements, clearance of dues, taxes and duties and newsprint. It became a force to be reckoned with in the publishing and advertising world and laid down rules of conduct for member publications as well as the advertising agencies.

The significance of this organization is duly reflected in the fact that it provides a bridge between the governments, newspapers and the advertising agencies. The Society also endeavored to encourage, promote and develop the science and art of journalism and newspaper industry and in this connection, in 1981, the APNS instituted advertising awards in various categories to promote advertising, particularly designing and copy writing. giving a big fillip to advertising profession in Pakistan. Subsequently the Journalist Awards were launched in 1982. The awards ceremonies are being regularly held since 1981 and so far, 22 annual award ceremonies have been held.

The APNS has extended its protective umbrella to publications from small towns and also to the regional language press that had enhanced the representative character of the Society. Over the years the APNS has grown into a true representative body of newspapers and magazines all over the country. In 1971 there were 41 publications on the role of the Society whereas by the end of 2012, the number rose to 393.

The APNS, throughout its history has originated and promoted improvements in the press laws and supported or opposed alterations therein, The Society had launched a protracted struggle against the PPO along with organizations of editors and journalists. The struggle resulted in the quashing of this anti-press law and the introduction of relatively better law in the form of the RPPO. In 1999, the APNS had prepared a set of press laws including the Draft for the formation of Press Council in Pakistan, Registration of Printing Presses, Newspapers Ordinance and a draft Freedom of Information Act. After thorough discussions among the APNS, CPNE and the Ministry of Information, the draft on the Press Council and the Registration of Presses and Newspapers were finalized and enacted in 2002.

The member publications are rapidly adopting modern techniques and facilities and trained manpower in all fields to cope with the challenges ahead especially due to the growth of the electronic media. It is heartening that many newspapers and magazines brought out in Pakistan maintain journalistic and publishing standards in line with the international press and are enjoying the facilities offered by information technology.

The APNS is recognized by international newspapers fraternity and was accepted as member by the World Association of Newspapers in 2009.

On 60 Years of All Pakistan News Papers Society (APNS). Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/-denomination on June 20, 2013.

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