100th Anniversary of Insulin Discovery (1921-2021) (2021-4)

 

Insulin 100-A life-saving discovery turns 100 years but more remains to be done

Diabetes a chronic condition requiring constant management-

Diabetes is a serious, potentially debilitating and life-threatening non- communicable disease that can impose a heavy impact on individuals and their families, as well as on healthcare systems and national economies. This is particularly the case in low and middle-income countries, home to almost four in five (79%) of all people currently living with diabetes. Pakistan is the 4th largest country in the world in terms of people living with Diabetes. The 2nd National Diabetes Survey of Pakistan (2016-17) was a population based survey of adults aged 20 years, and above which defines that 27.4 million people aged 20 and above are living with diabetes in Pakistan which means 1 in 4 people have diabetes in Pakistan. Many of whom already have complications at the time of diagnosis. These and many underlying societal and individual challenges necessitate more focus on diabetes.

The past 100 years have been marked by significant innovations and achievements in diabetes care. However, people with diabetes continue to face significant challenges every day in managing their condition. When people with type 2 diabetes go untreated or are not sufficiently supported, they are at risk of serious and life-threatening complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and lower-limb amputation. Many will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes because they enter a clinical environment with a significant pre-existing problem, unaware that the problem will have been caused by diabetes. Tragically and avoidably, some will be diagnosed post-mortem.

More must be done to prevent type 2 diabetes in people at high risk of developing the condition and greater effort must be made to diagnose all forms of diabetes early and prevent its complications. Action to address

the diabetes pandemic should include access to affordable and uninterrupted care for every person living with diabetes, regardless of where they live or their economic circumstances.

Insulin: the start of a journey towards saving and improving lives One hundred years ago, in 1921 a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes meant certain death for children. The discovery of insulin marks a medical breakthrough for people with diabetes and lays the foundation for a century of innovation across several areas.

Following the discovery of insulin, the average life expectancy of a person diagnosed with diabetes improved dramatically. Although people with type 1 diabetes must still take insulin every day, the management of type 2 diabetes has changed significantly since the late 1950s.Reducing complications is possible and necessary to improve lives and reduce costs. This is because all the complications of diabetes, both acute and long term, contribute significantly to the overall economic impact of the

condition.

It is important to remind ourselves that insulin still remains beyond the reach of many who need it We are living extraordinarily difficult times in which people with diabetes

are facing an additional major health threat. Regretfully, we have seen that people living with diabetes can be more susceptible to the worst complications of Covid-19. The evidence suggests fatalities are markedly higher among people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes. 

The current situation may lead to an increase in diabetes complications over the coming years. Moreover, we should worry that the legacy of the pandemic will see resources and attention focused on infectious diseases to the detriment of all non-communicable diseases, including diabetes.

In the current climate, the global diabetes community needs to come together and raise its voice to make sure diabetes, a leading cause of global disability and mortality, receives the attention required.

If ever there were a time to focus attention on diabetes that time is now. A century of innovation in diabetes care Year 2021 marks 100 years since the discovery of insulin, which is also linked with 100-year journey of research and clinical achievement in diabetes. The innovations in insulin over the past century have saved and improved the lives of millions of people around the world. In line with this life saving discovery and to commemorate this occasion nationwide, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and Ministry of Communication is issuing a commemorative postage stamp marking the 100 year of anniversary of insulin - A life-

saving discovery.

In 1921, a team of Canadian researchers discovered the molecule insulin and ignited a century of ground-breaking innovations in diabetes care that have since saved countless lives. The researchers namely Frederick Grant Banting and Charles F. Best, who are featured on the stamp design. The design further features an older version of an insulin injection along with a vial, both of which have been seen further innovation over the past 100 years in order to make the best treatment options possible for people living with diabetes and to meet their unmet needs. Today, we are fortunate to have better medicines than ever, yet the number of people living with diabetes continues to grow at an alarming rate, placing a substantial burden on individuals, families and societies.

What's next? Vision towards a better future Building on the discovery of insulin 100 years ago, all aspects of diabetes care with and without insulin - have advanced significantly, leading to substantial improvements in outcomes and quality of life for people with diabetes. But the journey is not over. People with diabetes continue to have significant unmet needs. Despite being the 4th largest country in the world in terms of people of diabetes, Pakistan has a low level of awareness about diabetes and this commemorative stamp can play a pivotal role in increasing awareness amongst the public about this disease and the treatment options available for the people living with diabetes, who can contribute their role in the economy by maintaining a quality and healthy life.

To Mark 100th Anniversary of Insulin Discovery (1921-2021), Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on June 24, 2021.

World Environment Day Pakistan (2021-3)

 

Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan is hosting the World Environment Day (WED) in partnership with the United Nations Environment: Programme (UNEP). World Environment Day is observed each year on 5th June.

The event being held annually since 1974 is the United Nations' principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Major corporations, non-governmental organizations, communities, governments and celebrities from across the world adopt the WED brand to champion environmental causes.

2. This year's observance of WED will be on the theme of 'Ecosystem Restoration' and focuses on resetting our relation with nature. It will also mark the formal launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030. The UN Decade is intended to massively scale up the restoration of degraded and destroyed ecosystems to fight the climate crisis, prevent the loss of a million species and enhance food security water supply and livelihoods.

3. The event requires a high level coverage and commemoration nationally as well as globally. The role of Pakistan Post in this regard is essential as postage stamps are circulated both nationally and at the international level and will have far reaching impact regarding Pakistan's efforts towards nature conservation and restoration. The Ministry therefore plans to issue a series commemorative stamps on the occasion to reaffirm its commitment aiming at clean, green and environmentally responsible Pakistan.

4. Pakistan has responded a well articulated climate change agenda which consists of following flagship initiatives:-

1. 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Project

10BTT Project is built on highly successful initiative of KPK's Billion Trees Afforestation Project (BTAP). The outcomes of BTAP have been duly acknowledged by World Economic Forum, United Nations Environment Programme, Bonn Challenge and other international bodies and fora. Following the success and confirmation by the independent monitors, Government of Pakistan decided to set a goal of 10 Billion Tree Plantation across the country. This wider project is expected to deliver dividend in preserving atmospheric health, reducing greenhouse gas effects, lowering cases of random floods, lowering rains, droughts and enhancing other biodiversity supportive actions.

2. Eco-system Restoration Initiative

Government of Pakistan has launched the Eco-system Restoration Initiative (ESRI) for (1) facilitating transition towards environmentally resilient Pakistan by main streaming adaptation and mitigation through ecologically targeted initiatives covering afforestation, biodiversity conservation, enabling and enhancing policy environment consistent with the objectives outlined in Pakistan's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC); and (ii) attaining Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by restoring at least 30% of degraded forest, 5% of degraded cropland, 6% of degraded grassland (rangeland) and 10% of degraded wetlands in Pakistan by 2030 to generate eco-system services and provide additional support to mitigation of GHG in Pakistan. The initiative also seeks to establish an independent, transparent and comprehensive financial mechanism in Pakistan called "Eco- system Restoration Fund (ESRF)" to finance the projects and programmes under the initiative.

3. Recharge Pakistan

Pakistan is a country without a choice on climate adaptation as it is facing up to the impacts at ground "zero". Our climate adaptation needs are between $7 to $14 billion per annum and this is all forced adaptation. This, subsequently, makes climate compatible development an inevitable direction to take and building resilience of our vulnerable communities as well as our infrastructure, an undeniable option.Pakistan is launching this new initiative titled; "Recharge Pakistan through Integrated Flood Risk Management and Building Resilience to Climate Change through Ecosystem-based Adaptation". The components of the project are;

a) Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Integrated Flood Risk and Water Resources Management, b) Enhancing Resilience of Vulnerable Communities to Climate Change, c) Enabling a Paradigm Shift towards Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Pakistan. The project would impact around 10 million vulnerable people at reduced risk from floods and benefit from climate-adapted livelihoods by year 2030.

4. National Electric Vehicle Policy

In order to mitigate the negative impacts of automobile sector on environment and giving a boost to the economy, Government of Pakistan has approved its National Electric Vehicle Policy targeting a 30% shift to electric by 2030. In addition, world's first "zero emissions" metro line project has been launched in the city of Karachi. Most recently, Government of Pakistan has announced shifting to Euro-V petrol from 1st September 2020.

5. Clean Green Pakistan Movement

"Clean Green Pakistan Movement" has been launched with a vision to drive at nationwide movement by the people of Pakistan for the clean and green environment for all citizens of the country. A "Clean-Green Cities Index" has been initiated in 20 cities to trigger a shift towards improved waste management and sanitation. Concurrently, Pakistan has decided to get out of its plastic addiction by banning the single use plastic bags which is now being enforced across the country.

6. Protected Area Initiative

The Protected Areas Initiative, has been launched during the COVID-19 era aims to enhance the national coverage of protected areas from 12% to 15% of land area while preserving Pakistan's unique and valuable biodiversity and has already increased the number of National Parks from 30 to 45 in just one year. All of these are also creating nature based jobs while creating opportunities for eco- tourism and climate change adaptation at the same time.

7. Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF-II)

Ministry of Climate Change to reduce the impacts to Climate Change implemented Glacial Lake Outburst Flood GLOF risk reduction in Northern Pakistan. The objective of the project is to strengthen resilience of communities that are likely to be effected by GLOF. MOCC has initiated US$ 37 million project funded by GCF for GLOF II for 12 valleys in 15 districts of KPK and GB from 2018 to 2023. Initial assessment for 15 small scale infrastructure projects (Flood Protection Walls, Check dams, others) in KPK has been done. Initial assessment for 15 water efficient irrigation systems in GB and KP has also been completed and activities under work plan for 2020-21 are underway.

8. Climate Resilient Agriculture

US$ 35 million GCF grant was signed with FAO for 8 districts in Punjab and Sindh for transforming the indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and water management targeted to provide nature solutions to small and subsistence farmers.

9. Green Economic Stimulus (Green Jobs)

Based on the priorities of the Government of Pakistan for creating greater job opportunities during and post COVID 19; Green Economic Stimulus initiative is being implemented. For 2019-20; the 10BTTP has generated a minimum of 65,000 jobs which were planned to be scaled- up to 200,000 by December 2020. Green Stimulus is helping Pakistan to build back green while creating value chains and providing many jobs for spurring economy in post pandemic down turn.

On World Environment Day Pakistan 2021, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination each on June 5, 2021.

70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and China (2021-2)

 

Gwadar Port:- Gwadar Port is a deep sea port located at the shores of the Arabian Sea in the estern Province of Balochistan. It is known for its scenic beauty and serenity.

2. As a part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gwadar Port has a huge commercial, trading, and logistical potential. Various development projects are underway in Gwadar. Some of these projects include East-bay Expressway, new Gwadar International Airport and 300-MW Gwadar Power Plant. Completion of these projects will lead to creation of economic dividends not only for Pakistan but the entire

region. Some important project relating to socio- economic development are also being executed in the port city which will produce lucrative dividends for the local economy.

3. Due to its unique geographical location, Gwadar Port also provides shortest link to Central Asian States, China, Afghanistan and Russia. It has been transshipment port for Afghanistan since October, 2019.

Zhuhai Port:- Zhuhai Port is one of the twenty-four main hubports along the coast in China and the five major ports in Guangdong Province. Adjacent to Hong Kong and Macao, and located at the main estuary of Xijiang River, it boasts a main course of 150,000 DWT at the highest level in the Pearl River Delta, and a comprehensive logistics system combining river, sea, land, railway and air transportations.

Port and Shipping Logistics:- ZPH is mainly engaged in port investment and operation, cargo transportation by ships, highways, railways, and multimodal transport. It also operates the supply chain of bulk goods, railway station business, general and bonded warehousing, cross- border and cold chain logistics, information technology support, port and shipping supporting services and supporting facilities construction of port area, providing customers with professional and efficient throughout- process logistics services and logistics park management services.

The terminals under the management of ZPH are located in Gaolan Port, the main port area, and Hongwan Port Area, and also along Xijiang River and the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, with the total handling capacity of nearly 150 million tons.

The International lines cover a large number of countries in Africa, South America, East Asia and Southeast Asia; the coastal trunk lines directly extend to the northeast, north, east, and south of China; Xijiang barge express network links all the main ports

along the river. The self-owned capacity of transportation is 200,000 tons and the controlled capacity of transportation is more than 1 million tons in total.

On Occassion of 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamps (Set of 2) of Rs 20/- denomination each on May 21, 2021

10 Years Of Karnal Sher Khan Cadet College Swabi (2011-2021) (2021-1)

Evolution of Cadet Colleges. The history of boarding colleges dates back tothe 18th century in Europe where these were first introduced in France by Napoleonand by Bismarck in Germany. The Military and Royal aristocracy used to send their children / wards for education as well as preliminary training for a career in theRoyal Army. The concept of military Cadet Colleges in British India, was introducedin 1922, with the start of Prince of Wales Royal India Military College, to serve as feeder institution and nursery to the Military. It was Rashtria College in India and Military College Jhelum (Sarai Alamgir) in Pakistan. Later Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan, established Cadet College at Hasan Abdal, Kohat and Petaro. Karnal Sher Khan Cadet College is the 22nd such institution and aspires to be one of theleading Colleges of Pakistan and an icon in pedagogy.

History of the Hero. Cadet College is dedicated to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider (NH). He was born on 1st January 1970. He wascommissioned in the Army on 14 October 1994. In 1999 Captain Karnal Sher Khanemerged as the symbol of mettle and courage during the Kargil conflict on the Line of Control. He set personal examples of bravery and inflicted heavy losses on the

enemy. He defended the five strategic posts, which he established with his men at the height of 17,000 feet at Gultary, and repulsed many Indian attacks. After many abortive attempts, the Indians on 5 July 1999 ringed the posts of Captain Karnal Sher Khan with the help of two battalions and unleashed heavy mortar fire and managed to capture some part of one of his posts. Despite facing all odds, he led a counter-attack and re-captured the lost parts of his post. But during the course, he was hit by the machine-gun fire and embraced 'SHAHADAT' at the same post. He was awarded the highest gallantry military award Nishan-e-Haider (NH) for his great courage.

Initial Establishment. In 2003, Commander 11 Corps Lt Gen Ali Muhammad Jan Orakzai, was designated as the Chairman Board of Governors (BOGS) and Commander Peshawar Logistic Area Brigadier Zafar Ullah Khan was appointed asthe Principal of the Cadet College. The composition of BOGS was notified through Government Khyber Pakhtunkhwa notification No. CPO/PO (SE) 3-43/2000/CC Swabi dated 8 May 2003:-

a. Comd 11 Corps Chairman

b. AOC PAF Academy Risalpur Member

C. Secy Schools & Literacy Dept KPK Member

d. Secy Fin Dept KPK Member

e.Distt Nazim Swabi Member

f. DCO Swabi Member

g.Joint Edn Adviser Min of Edn, Islamabad Member

h. Dir Army Edn GHQ, Rwp Member

i. Chairman B.I.S.E Mardan Member

j. Principal Karnal Sher Kahn Member/Secretary

Cadet College Swabi

Dream to Reality. In February 2011, after the completion of Phase I, it was decided to have separate College administration and make the College functional. Accordingly, the new administration took over in April 2011 and the academic activity commenced. At Karnal Sher Khan Cadet College Swabi cadets are taught by experienced teachers, dedicated to teaching. Many of them are not only highly qualified but they have had experience of teaching in various institutions as well. With a broad vision and understanding they are motivated by the desire to impart knowledge for no reward other than what they get for shaping the destiny of those who are given into their charge. The small scale of the College stimulates dynamic relationship between the cadets and members of the teaching staff; it promotes an education that goes on both inside and outside the classroom, and fosters an atmosphere where academic work is respected and ideas appreciated.

Academic Excellence

Board Positions

SSC Exam BISE Mardan

a. 2nd Best Institution in 2020.

b. Best Institution, 13 Positions in Top 20 including 1st Position in 2019.

c. Best Institution, 25 Positions in Top 20 including 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th

Positions in 2018.

d. 2nd Best Institution in 2017.

e. Best Institution in 2016.

f. Best Institution, 15 Positions in Top 20 in 2015.

g. Best Institution, 6 Positions in Top 20 in 2014.

HSSC Exam BISE Mardan

a. Best Institution, overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in 2020.

b. 2nd Best Institution, 6 positions in Top 10.

c. Best Institution, 11 Positions in Top 20 and overall 3rd Position in 2018.

d. 2nd Best Insitution, 4 Positions in Top 20 in 2017.

e. Best Institution, 14 Positions in Top 20 including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th

Positions in 2016.

f. 6 Positions in Top 20 in 2015.

9. 6 Positions in Top 20 in 2014.

Armed Forces Induction

a. 12 x Cadets inducted in 2013.

b. 15 x Cadets inducted in 2014.

c. 7 x Cadets inducted in 2015.

d. 14 x Cadets inducted in 2016.

e. 7x Cadets inducted in 2017.

f. 12 x Cadets inducted in 2018.

9. 13 x Cadets inducted in 2019.

Sword of Honours and other High Achievers

a. Cadet Muhammad Imran, Sword of Honour 2014 (Pakistan Navy).

b. Cadet Syed Moez Ahmed, CJCSC Gold Medal 2015 (Pakistan Navy).

c. Cadet Wajid Ali Shah, Royal Military Academy Australia.

d. Cadet Ahmed Anwar, ETEA Medical 2019 2nd Position in Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa.

The College has a number of societies and clubs which provide opportunities to all the cadets to develop qualities of leadership and sportsmanship. Besides debating, the college has Computer Club which is equipped with smart boards where our cadets are taught with latest computer technology.

Karnal Sher Khan Cadet College Swabi is not behind in sports; special attention is given to the physical growth of the students. The early morningPT, followed by games in the afternoon enable our cadets not only to remain physically fit but also creates in them a spirit of sportsmanship. In victory and defeat the Sherians never lose their self-possession. They areknown for a balanced approach to life. You can easily tell a Sherian fromany other student.

Karnal Sher Khan Cadet College Swabi aims at teaching its cadets how to think, how to analyze and synthesis. Out of such intellectual and moral growth comes the kind of self-confidence, self reliance and sense of responsibility which one must have to become a good citizen.

On 10th Years of Karnal Sher Khan Cadet College Swabi (2011-2021). Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on April 4, 2021.

100 YEARS OF NOVO NORDISK A CENTURY OF INNOVATION IN MEDICINE (2023-14)

Novo Nordisk is the leading global healthcare Danish organization, founded in 1923. Main purpose of NOVO NORDISK is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as obesity, rare blood and endocrine disorders. From labs to factory floors, Novo Nordisk is discovering and developing innovative biological medicines and making them accessible to patients throughout the world. Diabetes places a great burden on health systems and Novo Nordisk is committed to work with health authorities and other partners to prevent and treat the disease.

Novo Nordisk is the leading producer of the world's insulin and 36.3 million people are sing Novo Nordisk diabetes care products across the Globe including Pakistan. Today, one in every ten people in the World has diabetes, a figure that is projected to rise to one in nine by 2045, if action is not taken. The cost and access to medical care can place a devastating burden on individuals, their families, and even whole societies. Long-term ambition of Novo Nordisk is to provide access to affordable diabetes care for vulnerable patients in every country, especially children living with type 1 diabetes, who face certain death in some parts of the world without care and medicine. Novo Nordisk aims at preventing more than 100 million people from getting type 2 diabetes by 2045.

Novo Nordisk partners with patients, policymakers, healthcare professionals and non-governmental organizations to build awareness, advance prevention and expand access to care. According to International Diabetes Federation, 33 million people are living with diabetes in Pakistan, making it the 3rd largest population in terms of number of diabetics after India and China. Novo Nordisk is committed to cure diabetes in Pakistan and in partnership with Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination through various initiatives, striving to improve the awareness on diabetes. treatment and care of people with Diabetes in Pakistan, ultimately preventing the debilitating complications of this disease. In 2022, Novo Nordisk reached to around 2.6 million people through diabetes awareness initiatives, trained 600 healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses and pharmacists on management of diabetes. Novo Nordisk also collaborated with Embassy of Denmark and Health Services Academy Islamabad to commemorate World Diabetes Day 2022 at President House Islamabad to bring Diabetes on National Agenda.

The Year 2023 marks a century of innovation in medicine for Novo Nordisk, a company founded by Nobel Laureate August Krogh and his wife Marie. One hundred years ago, a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes was a death sentence. In 1923, the founders

set out to change this reality. This determination has driven them ever since, relentlessly turning challenges into positive change for millions of people worldwide. As Novo Nordisk turns 100, it's time to renew the commitment to drive change for a healthy world today, and for generations to come.

The 100-year anniversary of Novo Nordisk is a landmark achievement in global healthcare to focus on unmet societal and individual challenges, innovation, and its value to people suffering with diabetes - including achievements over the past 100 years and a commitment to continue innovation for years to come.

Issuance of commemorative postage stamp on occasion of 100 years of Novo Nordisk is recognizing a century of innovation and service. This would highlight the burgeoning rise of Non- Communicable Diseases across the country. Saving lives must go together with improving health and wellbeing with the ultimate aspiration: a world free from the burden of disease. That is why there is a need to build awareness around these disease areas which can ultimately reduce the burden of disease and help people live healthier lives.

On 100 years of founding of Novo Nordisk, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp, titled "100 Years of NOVO NORDISK A CENTURY OF INNOVATION IN MEDICINE", of Rs.20/- denomination on 22nd September.2023.