Thursday, October 2, 2025

Hazrat Syedna Pir Mehr Ali Shah (R.A) (1859 to 1937) July 20, 2013 (2013-19)

Hazrat Syedna Pir Mehr Ali Shah of Golra Sharif holds a prominent position among the eminent scholars of Islam and Pakistan, who, in the wake of the demise of the Muslims, instilled in their hearts the feelings of monotheism, love for the beloved Prophet, acceptable wealth, and adherence to the Shariat of Islam, and paved the way for the establishment of an independent and dignified autonomous Islamic state. He fought every anti-Islamic individual and movement with great courage and perseverance and convinced the people of Islam that the nation of the Prophet Hashemite is special in its composition.

He was the greatest preserver and proponent of the two-nation theory in the Indian subcontinent. Pir Mehar Ali Shah Mohalla, Sadat Qadir of Golz town and tehsil of Pochohar and Rawalpindi district were the eyes and lamps of Gilani. In 1859, when the ominous shadow of British imperialism was gradually enveloping the entire subcontinent, the sun of knowledge and guidance rose in the town of Golra Sharif, under the rule of the Sikhs, whose bright and shining rays spread the light of the true teachings of Roman Islam not only to the subcontinent but also to the entire Arab countries, Turkestan and the African continent.

His early education and training were under the supervision of teachers from Khanqah Khushiya in Golra. Later, he studied under Maulana Muhammad Shafi in Bhoi, Hassan Abdal area and Maulana Hafiz Sultan Mahmud in Anga Sharif, Son Saksar area and left for India to complete his studies in the field of rational sciences. During the Qiyaam Anga Sharif, he accompanied his respected teacher to Sial Sharif, District Sargodha, and also took allegiance from him in the Chishtia Nizamia order. In the Alia Qadri order, he

His father's maternal uncle, Hazrat Pir Syed Fazal Din, also known as Bade Pir Sahib, was already a beneficiary. In India, he first went to Hazrat Maulana Ahmed Hassan Kanpuri, a Muhaddith, but he was about to leave for Hajj, so he was not able to visit him.

After being excused, he went to Aligarh and joined the teachings of Maulana Lutfullah Ali Garhi. He stayed there for two and a half years and completed his religious studies. Later, he visited Maulana Ahmad Ali Saharanpuri to specialize in Hadith. There, he also benefited from the blessings of Hadith and the Sahib of Hadith for about two and a half years. In 187, he obtained the degree of Syed and reached the well-known homeland on the orders of his perfect teacher and continued his teaching and teaching. At the same time, he was satisfied through physical exercises and struggles and his spiritual progress also continued. With the blessings and blessings of his teachers, he was also granted the values ​​of Caliphate and permission.

His residence in Gwara Sharif, his perfect mastery of the rational and the immaterial, and his effective style of eloquence and reasoning in teaching soon made him a source of inspiration. His fame and influence expanded day by day, and in addition to many great scholars and sheikhs, a large number of the common people recognized his excellences, form, and content and became filled with the spirit of eloquence. His most prominent characteristics included his complete knowledge of the true Sharia and the Quran, his compassionate and compassionate attitude towards the rights of God, and his truthfulness and boldness in all situations, whose friends were Friends and foes were also recognized.

Hazrat Pir Mehr Ali Shah was not only a master in external and internal sciences but also held a very prominent position as a eloquent poet, an authentic scholar and a practical scholar and a great thinker and administrator. During his blessed life, he not only neutralized all the anti-Islamic forces but also, through his scholarly knowledge and religious understanding, uprooted those false ideas and ideologies whose aim was to destroy the Islamic nation by changing the intellectual dimension and worldly attitudes of the Wahid Muslim Ummah.

In that era, Islamic principles and teachings were being attacked from all directions without mercy and without mercy. Atheism, naturalism, distortion and discord, denial of Hadith and Quran were being promoted. The established beliefs of Islam were being targeted and the pillars of religion were being used as a training ground by the agents of British imperialism in various guises. The British government, in order to eradicate Islam and Muslims, had used the most effective arrow of its quiver, the denial of the finality of the Prophethood and the creation of a native prophet, in the form of a self-proclaimed prophet, and had understood that now Islamic unity would be shattered and the force that had kept the Islamic world united would be destroyed. In this era, there was a dire need for a mosque, religion and nation to protect and correct the authentic and established beliefs of Islam, which Allah, the Almighty, fulfilled in the form of Hazrat Pir Mehr Ali Shah.

Pir Sahib defeated every anti-Islamic movement and ideology with his divine worthiness, passion for love of Mustafa and the finger of faith, making the truth of other Islamic beliefs clear and strengthened the Islamic nation's faith and belief in the Quran and Sunnah. He stopped the path of distortion in the religion in the name of renewal of religion and reform of beliefs and by beautifully interpreting and explaining Islamic teachings in the light of the Prophet's instructions, he not only stopped the growing storm of atheism but also steadied the wavering steps of the people of Islam with such acceptance that today, almost eighty years after his passing, the infidel powers have not found any refuge to fulfill their evil intentions. Hazrat Pir Mehr Ali Shah's greatest achievement was exposing the false claims of the British self-made false prophet and ending the sedition.

He used to oppose the prophethood. Through his works "Shams-ul-Ilaha", he clarified the lies and slander of Mirza Qadiani and proved the correctness and truthfulness of the true teachings and beliefs of Islam, thus preventing the spread of this fitna not only in the Indian subcontinent but also in the entire Islamic world, which would have further divided the Muslims into merely regional human and national groups instead of members of the Islamic nation. In the 19th century, when the Muslim world had not yet come into existence and when the flag of British tyranny was flying in full glory across the subcontinent,

The country was flourishing with splendor and Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam were still in their student days. Hazrat Pir Mehr Ali Shah was the only one who was fully trusted by all the sects and groups of the Islamic nation, namely Sunnis, Shiites, Deobandi, Barelvi, Hadith and Quran. As the unified and most trusted leader of the Islamic nation, he stood in front of a large crowd of scholars, scholars and the public in the Badshahi Mosque of Lahore to refute Mirza Qadiani's claim to prophethood. At that time, if Hazrat Sahib's help had not been grateful, the identity of the Muslims as a nation would have been lost and the struggle for freedom and the achievement of Pakistan would not have been successful in this match, as a result of which the ranks of British imperialism were thrown out of the subcontinent and the establishment of Pakistan was made possible. In this sense, he must be counted among the real founders of Pakistan.

The existence of Hazrat Pir Mehr Ali Shah was a systematic amalgamation of divine blessings, divine harvest and the gifts of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) for the Saudi Islamic subcontinent. He was certainly a unique individual who was capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the Caliphate of the Prophet. His works "A'la-e-Kalimath-ul-Allah Takhchi-e-Haqq" Shamsul-Hidayah Saif Chishti, Hadiyat-ur-Rasul, Al-Futuhat-ul-Muhammadiya and Tasfiyya Mabin Sunni Shia, in addition to his collection of letters Maktoobat-e-Mehr, this collection of sayings, Malfuzat-e-Mehriya and various religious and jurisprudential. Selection of Fatwas, Fatadi-e-Mehr, he was still committed to the path of moderation and moderation in accordance with the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) for guidance in every aspect of life for the Muslim Ummah and the scholars of Islam and was against extremism and takfir. Similarly, he was also opposed to fabricated interpretations and renewal and definition in Islamic Sharia. It was only through the writing, speech and knowledge of the great man to prevent the promotion of fanatical attitudes and thoughts and beliefs by different sects and groups and to promote harmony and unity among Islamic sects that it was possible for the Muslims of the subcontinent to establish and maintain their national and ethnic identity.

Hazrat Pir Mehr Ali Shah, by giving political guidance to the Muslims of the subcontinent, promoted correct religious ideas by opposing the path of the people who were facing destruction as a nation. He also opposed their joining the Congress and saved them from being divided and destroyed, especially from the harmful effects of anti-Muslim movements like the Migration Movement and the Hindu-Muslim Unity, which were aimed at eliminating Muslims as a nation from the subcontinent. Apart from this, another great and valuable service of his was that in that era when there were vigorous efforts to eradicate Islam, Muslims and Islamic teachings, he established centers for teaching Tafseer, Hadith and Fiqh through madrasas and khanqahs in various parts of the subcontinent for the full and comprehensive dissemination of Islamic beliefs and Islamic teachings.

Hazrat Pir Mehr Ali Shah is a very mature, righteous and comprehensive personality, about whom there is not much that can be said and written. In short, it can be said that he is a benefactor of the Islamic subcontinent who bravely fought against the infidel, apostate, irreligious and tyrant forces, who defeated the ungodly in the struggle of the nation and led them towards their goal, and lit such lamps of knowledge, wisdom and action, by whose light Pakistan is still shining today.

The Imam of Muslims, the reformer of religion and nation, Hazrat Syed Na Pir Mehr Ali Shah (may Allah have mercy on him), is issuing a commemorative stamp of Rs. 8 on July 30, 2013.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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.

Monday, September 29, 2025

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.

Friday, September 26, 2025

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


Thursday, September 25, 2025

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.