Eve of 75th Year of Shahadat Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed (1st Nishan-E-Haider) (2023-10)

 Captain Muhammad Sarwar was the first Nishan-e-Haider in the history of our great nation. He was born in village Singhori, Rawalpindi in 1910. His father, Raja Muhammad Hayat Khan served in the British Indian Army and rose to rank of Havildar. He served with distinction during World War-I and was awarded with a war medal. Along with the medal, the British Government also awarded him with three squares of agricultural land in Chak 229, Tehsil Samundri. After his retirement from the British Indian Army, Raja Muhammad Hayat Khan was also appointed as the "numberdar" of his village. He passed away on February 23, 1932.

Since his childhood, Raja Muhammad Sarwar was fond of reading and he acquired extensive religious knowledge. The people of his village named him "Sakhi (generous) Sarwar". The chief characteristic of his nature was piety and devotion. His other hobbies were horse riding, hunting, and playing football.

He started his military career in the ranks as a Sepoy. He was a self-made man who finally rose to be a commissioned officer.

He joined as a recruit in Baloch Regiment on April 15, 1929 and got his initial training from the old Baloch Centre at Karachi. He served there until April 30, 1941. On April 27, 1944, he passed out as a Commissioned Officer from Indian Military Academy Dehradun and took part in World War II, where he was awarded the Burma Star.

After independence, Captain Muhammad Sarwar joined the Punjab Regiment of Pakistan Army. Captain Muhammad Sarwar was serving as a Company Commander in the Uri Sector in Kashmir when he was tasked by his Battalion Commander to undertake a very important operation that involved a pre-emptive attack on a well defended Indian position that was to serve as a base for further operations by his battalion. Indian Army had landed in Srinagar on October 27, 1947 and since then advanced upto Uri. Indians had plans to capture the remaining Kashmir. There was a need to stop Indian advance and save innocent Kashmiris. Young Captain Sarwar decided to volunteer for noble cause of defending Kashmir.

The strength of the Indian Army was more than eight Brigades in Uri Sector and they were supported by tanks and engineers. What made the task more challenging was the fact that the Indian posts were located on an uphill position and had many LMG positions and tanks in this area.

The Commanding Officer asked for a volunteer who can silence enemy tanks and guns by 'surprise attack'. Captain Muhammad Sarwar said, "Sir, I will perform this duty". Capt. Muhammad Sarwar thus planned his attack with diminutive details and the essence of his success depended upon the charge with an element of surprise. This called for highest level of leadership to lead his company by example, which he did by leading the charge himself.

By attacking a strongly fortified enemy position under heavy machine gun, grenade, and mortar fire, he not only led his Company bravely but inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. Having achieved this initial foothold, he held it against several repeated counter-attacks and finally secured it as a base of future operations. In order to provide a safe passage to his battalion, he volunteered to make way for the rest of his battalion.

On the night of July 27, 1948 at 0300 hours, he took along six men, crawled out of his bunker to cut the enemy's barbed wire barrier to make way for his battalion to move through this gap for further operations. He moved stealthily and bravely, closed up to the defensive position of the Indians and was able to cut the barbed wire for his battalion to pass through. While he was waiting to guide his comrades, he was picked up by the Indians, when he was still perched up near the gap in the barbed wire, he received a direct burst of enemy's heavy machine gun fire, and was wounded badly. He however, continued guiding his battalion despite being badly wounded and eventually embraced shahadat on the spot. By that time, the battalion was able to pass through, assemble and complete its task successfully.

In recognition for his courage, selflessness, and bravery that was beyond the call of duty, he was posthumously awarded with the first Nishan-e-Haider.

On the eve of 75th year of Shahadat Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed (1st Nishan-e-Haider), Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.75/- denomination on July 27th, 2023.

Celebrate of the Decade of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) (2023-9)

 July 5, 2023, marks the successful completion of 10 years of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is a strategic principal component of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), focuses on regional integration and Socio-economic cooperation between China and Pakistan.

First Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of CPEC has been signed on 5th July 2013 by the then Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal and Chairman, National Development Reform Commission (NDRC) of People's Republic of China.

Over the decade, the two countries have developed strong bonds in diverse fields and call themselves "Iron Brothers'. CPEC effectively helped Pakistan in improving its energy security as well as transport networks from north to south and laid foundation for a resilient infrastructure including ports, airports, roads, optical fibre, and railway. In the subsequent phase both countries have strong resolve to advance cooperation in the areas of industrial development, agriculture modernization, science & information.

technologies, Socio-economic development, and people to people connectivity. To celebrate the decade of CPEC, several activities have been planned. One of the salient activity is the issuance of this 'Commemorative Postage Stamp' at the occasion of Decade of CPEC (2013-2023). The Stamp would serve as a tangible and enduring tribute to the accomplishments made through CPEC. Moreover, this Stamp will symbolize the enduring friendship and collaboration between 'Iron Brothers".

The design of the Commemorative Postage Stamp feature elements such as the flags of China and Pakistan, iconic landmarks projects (Gwadar Port, Motorway, Power Plant) along the CPEC route, and symbolize the key sectors that have thrived under this project.

The stamps aesthetic appeal and symbolic representation would capture the essence.

of the successful partnership for economic cooperation between the two countries.

The commemorative stamp would serve as a reminder to reaffirm our commitment to strive together to make a community of shared future.

On the occasion of Decade of CPEC Celebrations, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 20/- denomination on 5th July, 2023.

7th Population & Housing Census First-Ever Digital Census in Pakistan (2023-8)

 Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) is the National Statistics Office mandated for the collection & compilation and dissemination of data for informed decision making by conducting Censuses & Surveys. PBS has undergone Digital Transformation and shifted from Manual to Electronic data collection through tablets for its regular surveys with online monitoring linked with Geographic Information System (GIS). PBS is adopting standard statistical procedures and adopting new technologies for meeting the future demand of potential users.

CENSUS IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan has so far conducted six population censuses since independence i.e... 1951,1961.1972,1981, 1998, and 2017.The Government of Pakistan constitutes a census Advisory Committee comprising of renowned demographers and experts, for recommendation and adoption of the best practices for upcoming Population Census with the mandate to review the census process, data collection and field operation methodologies used for census-2017.

7TH POPULATION & HOUSING CENSUS. "FIRST-EVER DIGITAL CENSUS IN

PAKISTAN"

7th Population and Housing Census will be the first Digital Census in Pakistan. This Census will be carried out by using De-Jure method of population counting. A "de-jure" census tallies people according to their regular or legal residence, and it is completed, normally, in one to two weeks' period. After conducting this census Pakistan will become first country in South Asia that go for a Digital Census.

FEATURES OF DIGITAL CENSUS

Swift Data collection through Tablets Central Monitoring & Management System Census Support Centers at tehsil levels

⚫ Geotagging to all structures

Data reliability

Real Time Monitoring of the field work through online Dashboard

Rapid availability of census results

ENUMERATION PROCEDURES

The following processes will be applied in the 7th Digital Census

Self-Enumeration Process

For the first time this method has been introduce in Pakistan in the Census process.

A user friendly web portal will be launched 15 days prior to the Census day.

This will allow people for the first time to submit their census information within given time using a computer or any other Web-based Devices.

⚫ This will provide an opportunity to the well informed household member to submit the census information without being interviewed.

Census through Enumerators

This process will follow after the completion of the 15 days self-enumeration process

• The census data will be collected on the tabs.

• Enumerator will complete household listing in the initial three days.

In the next 10 days, census data will be collected.

While the data of leftover and homeless persons will be collected in the last two

days.

ABOUT THE DIGITAL CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRES AND INDICATORS

7th Population and Housing Census Questionnaires will cover the following indicators:

• Demographic characteristics

• Gender

• Literacy

Educational attainments

Employment status

Internal and International Migration

• Disabilities

• Housing

Enumerator's Responsibilities

Attend all 5 days training.

Read and fully understand the contents of the training manual.

Prior to listing visit assigned block/blocks.

• Obtain information on the location and boundaries of the assigned block/blocks.

• Establish contact with the Head of the Household or a responsible person.

• Ensure complete enumeration of entire assigned area.

• Ensure that filled in data is submitted on daily basis.

Contact Supervisor to resolve any matter of concern.

Must abstain from entering into political and/or religious discussions.

General Statistics Act-2011, the enumerator have to ensure complete confidentiality.

CENSUS FIELD OPERATIONS

Census Field Operation and its overall conduct/monitoring is the responsibility and mandate of the Provincial Governments and the Role of District Administration is critical for successful census preparation. Basic responsibilities of Provincial/District governments included the following:

Provision of Field Staff

• Provision of space for Census Support Center

• Provision of staff for training at tehsil level

• Provision of Training Venues at tehsil level

• Monitoring the process of census field operation

Formation of Vigilance Committee

Area Frame Verification

Holding of meetings with all stakeholders

• Maintenance of proper record of census fund

•Assurance of certification of complete coverage and data quality.

PURPOSE OF DATA COLLECTION

The data collected through Census is used for Informed Policy making and Planning.

On occasion of the 7th Population & Housing Census "First-ever digital census in Pakistan", Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.50/- denomination

25 Years of Excellence of Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited (2023-7)

Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited (CDC) is considered as the backbone of Pakistan's Capital market by serving as an integral infrastructure institution for the book-keeping of securities and settlement of trades executed in the Stock Market. CDC started its operations in 1997 under the Regulatory ambit of an exclusive Act passed by the Parliament of Pakistan titled as "Central Depositories Act 1997". CDC started off as the custodial service provider for the Stock Market, and now 25 years later, CDC is providing efficient and trust worthy custodial services with assets worth almost PKR 5 trillion in its custody as the Central Depository of Securities. CDC stands tall as an infrastructure entity giving the economy the innovation to progress and utility to function by being the trusted custodian partner and operating one of the largest databases in the country's economy in a safe and secure manner using the highest standards of information security. Business Diversification

Besides being the sole depository of book-entry securities in Pakistan Capital Market, Central Depository of Pakistan has also been playing the important roles of facilitator, infrastructure architect and information sharing hub for Pakistan's financial eco-system. Today, CDC has successfully diversified its businesses in line with its vision to achieve sustainability and greater relevance through diversification and digitization and is now providing services to almost every segment of Pakistan's financial system including Mutual Funds, Insurance, Real estate, etc. In addition to its core function of being the Central Depository of securities, CDC's businesses include the following:

Investor Account Services (IAS): In 1999, CDC started offering Investor Account Services (IAS) that allows retail investors to directly open and maintain accounts in the Central Depository System (CDS) for safe custody and electronic settlement of book entry securities. Investor Accounts are under complete control of CDC and are operated on direct written instructions of the Investor Account Holders. Today, the total market capitalization of securities being maintained through IAS is worth more than PKR 3 trillion. CDC is among the very few depositories of the world who are offering this novel service.

Trustee & Custodial services for the Asset Management Industry: CDC is also the trusted custodial service partner of the Asset Management Industry with more than 96% of assets under its custody.

Share Registrar Services: Additionally, CDC has been successfully providing

Share Registrar Services through its subsidiary and is the number 1 Registrar

Service Provider in the Capital Market.

BPO Services: CDC is providing back office outsourcing services of fund accounting and administration to the asset management industry through its subsidiary ITMinds Limited.

Solutions for the Insurance Industry: CDC has been providing novel solutions to the Insurance Industry for Cross-Industry Information sharing to enhance risk mitigation and improve underwriting.

Digitization for Ease of Doing Business:

As part of its digitization initiatives and to help increase investor convenience, CDC has a full-fledged Customer Service Portal (CSP) CDC Access which includes consolidated portfolio tracking, digital account opening, online transactions, eDividend Repository with details of dividends and corporate, elPO facility for online subscriptions and payments for securities offered via the Initial Public Offering (IPOs), Investor Portfolio Services (IPS) facilities for investment in Government Securities, etc.

Additionally, CDC has introduced many novel solutions for effecting ease of doing business, including eVoting, eMeeting & eProxy solutions for issuers and shareholders, Zakat Repository for centralized access of Zakat affidavits and Emlaak Financials which is a unique digital aggregator platform for mutual funds with digital account opening in AMCs, online transaction and consolidated portfolio tracking across the entire mutual fund industry of Pakistan.

CDC has also been the trusted implementation partner of State Bank for important national level projects. CDC plays a pivotal role in channelizing investments in Stock market by overseas Pakistanis through RDA by acting as the information. hub between Banks and Stock Market participants for the Roshan Equity Investment project, CDC was also SBP's first implementation partner for Raast micro-payment gateway in CDC's use case of Dividend Disbursement. CDC has recently successfully executed the Shared KYC Project by facilitating information sharing among banking institutions and capital market entities for Stock Market account- opening.

Number of Shares in CDS

Value of Shares in CDS

Total Number of Sub-Accounts (Individual & Corporate)

Total Number of IAS Accounts (Individual, RDA & Corporate)

No of Securities

Value of Assets under Trusteeship

No. of companies for which CDC is performing Registrar function 250

Value of Assets with ITMinds

Number of Insurance policies in Insurance Repository

Key Strengths & Capabilities

180.54 billion

PKR 4.918 trillion

314,872

72,742

1,084

PKR 1.45 trillion

PKR 167 billion

3.5 million

IT Infrastructure: All of CDC's systems are backed by a highly advanced IT infrastructure which is established in accordance with global & industry best practices for security, scalability and ITGC (IT General Controls), as CDC systems have cross institutional users, such as retail investors, AMCs, banks, brokerage houses, registrars/transfer agents, share issuing companies and insurance companies. Information Security: All businesses of CDC are certified against the globally accepted ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standard, demonstrating its commitment and focus to safeguard the information critical to the functioning of Pakistan Capital Market. CDC's enterprise wide security policy includes regular risk assessments, continuous: IT audits and drills, awareness sessions, real-time SOC monitoring, secure SDLC, regular penetration testing and regular compliance audits for certifications. Business Continuity Management/Disaster Recovery: CDC holds the unique privilege to be among the very few organizations across the globe, few international depositories and the very first organization in Pakistan to achieve the ISO/IEC 22301:2012 for its Business Continuity Program. BCP at CDC is benchmarked with the best practices taken from across the globe like maintaining two back-up sites / data centers, regular BCP drills, etc.

Implementation of ERM Framework: CDC has implemented an Enterprise-wide Risk Management framework based on the internationally accepted COSO framework to ensure risk identification, mitigation and management of related systems and internal controls to safeguard assets, resources, reputation and interests of the company and shareholders.

International affiliations:

Asia-Pacific Central Securities Depository Group (ACG): CDC is a member of ACG, which is an international organization facilitating the exchange of information, promoting mutual assistance among member securities depositories and clearing organizations in the Asia Pacific region. In 2013, Mr. Muhammad Hanif Jakhura, CEO-CDC was elected as the Executive Committee Chairman of ACG for the term of 2014-2016. By virtue of this election, CDC was elected as the ACG Secretariat for the term of 2014-2016. Mr. Aftab Ahmed Diwan, CEO-CDC (2017-2018) served as the Vice Chairman of ACG Executive Committee. CDC hosted ACG's 10th Annual General Meeting in 2006 in Karachi, Pakistan, which was attended by around 60 delegates from 18 regional countries.

CDC has also introduced the "Risk and Recovery Management Task Force" in ACG whose objective is to promote Risk Management culture among ACG members and to develop an effective Risk Management Framework. CDC was elected as the convener of the same.

World Forum of CSDs (WFC): Mr. Aftab Ahmed Diwan, CEO-CDC (2017-2018), while serving as the Vice Chairman of ACG Executive Committee, represented the Asia Pacific region on the board of World Forum of CSDS (WFC) which is a group of five regional CSD associations that include Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East, the Americas, Eurasia and Europe.

Association of National Numbering Agencies (ANNA):CDC, along with the depositories around the world, serves as a member to the Association of National

Numbering Agencies (ANNA), a global representative of numbering agencies operating around the world where member companies regulate identification of local securities for trading locally and internationally.

Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with International Depositories:CDC has also signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with international depositories to gain benefits of cross-border cooperation, explore avenues of mutual assistance and enhance coordination. Investor protection measures

CDC has been continuously implementing, reviewing and ensuring various measures for investor protection, including the following:

IVR/SMS/WEB ACCESS/E-ALERTS

eStatements for Sub-Accounts and IAS account holders

Unique Identification Number (UIN)

Pre-defined reason codes for execution of transaction in CDS

Transfer of securities against market trades directly from the respective

account of investors

Restriction on overnight parking of securities in Main Account

⚫ Limit on Assets under Custody

Daily Compliance

⚫ Periodic investor awareness session programs

⚫ Online portal

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

CDC has developed a carefully charted plan to establish itself as the champion of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) development in Pakistan and fully acknowledges its role as a good corporate citizen and strives for the betterment of society through CSR Funds to pave the way for ESG development in Pakistan.

Some important initiatives undertaken by CDC in this regard include programs aimed at protecting rights of minorities, environmental related projects like reduction. of carbon footprint, tree plantation drives, etc., collaborations with NGOS for various CSR related activities and contributions, supporting youth and startups, etc.

On the occasion of CDC's Silver Jubilee Anniversary marking 25 Years of Excellence by the Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited, the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on May 23rd, 2023.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Punjab Medical College Faisalabad (2023-6)

Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad (PMC) is a public sector Medical College established in 1973 with the mission of imparting professional education and training to produce medical graduates who would serve the society with commitment and dedication.

Prof. Dr. M. H. Toosi, Ex. Health Secretary Govt. of the Punjab was appointed as first Principal of this college. The classes of first batch started in the campus of Agriculture University. Faisalabad. In 1982 college shifted to a purpose built campus located on Sargodha Road, Faisalabad which is spread over an area of 158 acres. This is the most beautiful and well planned public sector medical college in whole of the Punjab.

In 2017 Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad (FMU) was established in the premises of PMC and subsequently this College was declared as its constituent Medical College. Since then medical students of PMC are registered and examined by FMU. It is worth mentioning that approximately 350 students of MBBS/BDS graduate from this institution every year, who go forth to provide Medical Healthcare Services all over Pakistan and abroad. Approximately 20,000 students have graduated from Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad since its inception. This institution is providing quality education to the undergraduate and postgraduate students in basic and clinical sciences. Faculty of this college is highly qualified, dedicated and posses excellent teaching and clinical abilities. Its laboratories are well established and well equipped. The College library is having a huge and diverse collection of references books on medical sciences. In addition a state of the art digital library is also available for the students.

A large number of foreign students from different countries like Turkiye, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Indian occupied

Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Jordan, Yemen, Uzbekistan & Azerbaijan have graduated from this institution and are providing healthcare services in their homelands. Punjab Medical College, has three affiliated teaching hospitals namely Allied, DHQ and Govt. General Hospital, Ghulam Muhammad Abad to provide 24 hours healthcare facilities to the poor and needy patients of not only District Faisalabad but also cater for the patients from other districts like Chiniot, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Gojra and Jaranwala. The aim of institution is to provide safe, cutting edge medical care services and higher level of medical education to masses motivated by human ethos. The faculty, Alumni and students of PMC are fortunate to celebrate the golden jubilee of this prestigious institution. In this regard various healthcare symposia, seminars, training workshops, Alumni moots are being organized to celebrate and commemorate this great landmark in the history of Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad.

On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Punjab Medical College Faisalabad (1973-2023), the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 50/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on May 16th, 2023.