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Recipients of Nishan-e-Haider & Hilal-e-Kashmir (2013-8)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:30:11 PDT

Commemorative Postage Stamps on Recipients of Nishan-E-Haider and Hilal-I-Kashmir April 2013:- Captain Karnal Sher Khan (Shaheed) Nishan-E-Haider 5 July 1999:- Captain Karnal Sher Khan was born on 1 January 1970 in Faujoon Abad, a small village of Nawan Kali district Swabi. His grandfather had a dream that Sher Khan would be an Army officer, so he used to call him ‘Karnal’ which later on became part of his name. He started his military career in 1987 as an Airman in Pakistan Air Force and served there for five years. He was commissioned in Pakistan Army in October 1994. After receiving training at Pakistan Military academy, Kakul, he was posted to 27 Sind Regiment. During his deputation to Northern Light Infantry (NLI) he volunteered for the defence of his motherland, therefore, he was posted to the Line of Control (LOC) for two years. Before ‘Kargil Operation’ he established military posts on the snow hidden peaks of Gultary, some 15,000-17,000 feet above sea level. The enemy attacked his post eight times and he inflicted severe casualties upon them every time. On 5 July 1999, the enemy launched a two pronged attack on his post and fired approximately 12,500 round of ammunition. Captain Karnal Sher Khan was not only a valiant soldier but also an intelligent commander. He created an impression of a Brigade’s presence by making use of small contingents of soldiers. He himself took an active part in the battle when enemy captured a part of his post. Despite sheer shortage of ammunition and men, Captain Karnal Sher Khan repulsed the enemy back to their territory. He was hit in the chest by a burst of enemy machine-gun and embraced ‘Shahadat’ in action. In recognition of his unbending determination and valour he was awarded Nishan-e-Haider posthumously.

Havildar Lalak Jan (Shaheed Nishan-e-Haider 7 July 1999:- Havildar Lalak Jan was born at village Hindur in Yasin Valley of Gilgit in 1967. He joined Northern Light Infantry (NLI) as a Sepoy. Lalak Jan set an example of gallantry and unwavering determination during Kargil crises. In May 1999 the enemy was preparing for a major ground attack. At that time Lalak Jan, while serving in the NLI Headquarters, volunteered to fight on the front. During the last week of June 1999 enemy launched a powerful battalion size night attack on his post. During fighting he displayed extremely brave behavior thus raising the morale of his colleagues. The action forced the enemy to retreat leaving behind heaps of carcasses. The next night, the enemy again attacked but was made ineffective. On 7 July 1999 the enemy kept on firing with artillery throughout the day and launched a three pronged attack at night on his post. He along with his colleagues withstood this attack despite sustaining severe injuries and repulsed it. Finally he embraced ‘Shahadat’ while fighting on his post. In recognition of his exemplary gallantry and passion for ‘Shahadat’ he was awarded Nishan-e-Haider posthumously.

Naik Saif Ali Janjua (Shaheed) Hilal-I-Kashmir 26 October 1948:- Number 68275 Naik Saif Ali Janjua was born in 1922 at Village Khandar, Post Office Nakyal, Kashmir. He was enrolled in the army on 18 March 1941. Naik Saif Ali Janjua was commanding an isolated platoon of 18 Azad Kashmir at Pir Kaleva (Mendhar Sector) on 26 October 1948 and was holding a vital position. The enemy put in an attack with approximately one Infantry Brigade supported by tanks, artillery and air force. This brave Non Commissioned Officer with his handful of men held the position against very heavy fire power with outstanding and dauntless courage. Despite being isolated, he was determined to fight till last man and last bullet. His personal example and personality kept the other men clining to the position till he was finally blown to pieces by a direct shell from the enemy artillery. Naik Saif Ali Shaheed was awarded Hilal-i-Kashmir (highest Azad Jammu and Kashmir operational award) posthumously on 2 March 1949. The same was equated with Nishan-e-Haider by Government of Pakistan vide gazette notification No. 1/18/D/25/91 of 30 Nov 1995.

To Commemorate the recipients of Nishan-e-Haider and Hilal-i-Kashmir, Pakistan Post is issuing Three Commemorative Postage Stamps each of Rs. 8/- denomination on April 30, 2013.

Inauguration of Pak Army Museum. (2013-7)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:29:38 PDT

Inauguration of Pak Army Museum: Commemorative Postage Stamp April 30, 2013:- The Army Museum was established in 1961 in an improvised warehouse near General Headquarters for preserving and chronicling Pakistan Army’s history. Construction of a new museum building in the existing location on Iftikhar Janjua Road, Rawalpindi, was completed in December 1993. Over a period of time, a need was felt to renovate and refurbish the museum for depicting our military history in a yet more chronological manner while making the displays more attractive and interesting for visitors. Renovation and refurbishment activity commenced in 2010 and the project his pecently been completed.

The theme of Pakistan Army Museum is to tell the story of the Pakistan Army with reference to its historical background, birth, reconstitution and re-organization, wars, alarms and excursions and peace time services to the nation.

The museum’s first floor lobby takes the visitor through a Time Line covering important happenings and personalities of the past. Pakistan Army’s command structure is depicted through General Headquarters, field formations and paramilitary forces’ insignias, formation signs and flags. Brief histories of these institutions including raising details, original order of battle, areas of responsibility, particulars of commanders besides decorative displays relating to these personalities and their activities give an insight to visitors regarding the army’s composition.

The drawn of Independence on 14 August 1947 and the birth of Pakistan Army are also depicted in the lobby. Transformation from Headquarters Northern Command (Army in India) to General Headquarters (Pakistan Army), evacuation and management of refugees, Quaid-e-Azam’s interaction with Pakistan Army and Indo-Pak Kashmir War of October 1947 – January 1949 have been covered through map enlargements, photographs, archival documents, gazetteers, orders, instructions and table models.

Border violations, skirmishes and 1965 Indo-Pakistan War are covered in the western two galleries. Prominent depictions include Nishan-e-Haider awardees Major Muhammad Tufail Shaheed and Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed’s actions and martyrdom. Major operations covered are of Rann of Kutch, battles of Chhamb, Lahore, Khem Karan and Sialkot including destruction of Indian armour at the battle of Chawinda, and Rajasthan Sector.

The southern gallery is devoted to the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, Lipa Valley action, Siachin and Kargil operations. Computer generated special effects, paintings, map enlargements and photographs of Shuhda, fabrications and models give a scintillating portrayal of Nishan-e-Haider awardees Major Muhammad Akram, Captain karnal Sher Khan, Havaldar Lalak Jan, Naik Mahfooz and Sowar Muhammad Hussain actions, and Lt Col Raja Muhammad Akram Hilal-e-Jurat’s action on Bara Pind. Lipa Valley action, battle of Zafarwal, attack and capture of Chammb are also depicted here. War on the roof of the world covering heliborne operations, beating back enemy infantry attacks on Kargil peaks, downing of enemy fighter aircrafts in that treacherous terrain and battling the forces of nature while in an igloo are also included in this gallery.

War on terror, Army in aid of civil power, disaster management, nation building & United Nations Peace Keeping operations are the subject matter of the next gallery. Operations in Swat, Malakand and South Waziristan are depicted through maps, photographs, captured equipment and weapons. Pakistan Army’s contribution and actions in United Nations peace keeping operations and during major disasters such as Earthquake of 2005, floods in various parts of the country and air crashes, development of infrastructure through organizations like National Logistic Cell, Frontier Works Organization, Special Communication Organization, Fauji Foundation, Heavy Industries Taxila, Pakistan Ordancnce Factories etcetera are also reflected through photographs and displays.

A Celestial Galaxy of Gallantry Awardees is the theme of another gallery in which displays in galaxy format of portraits, citations and personal effects of Nishan-e-Haider awardees, photographs, citations and gallantry awards recipients down to Tamgha-e-Basalat have been laid out.

Two galleries are dedicated to Firearms Collection which includes displays muskets, rifles, hand guns, regulation rifles, sub machine guns, medium machine guns, heavy machine guns, light and heavy mortars, anti-tank rocket launchers and anti-tank guided missiles etcetera.

Researchers can also avail the facilities of an Archives / Research Room.

A thrilling band display takes place on selected days in the museum’s court yard.

The first floor of the museum has been dedicated to Regiments and Corps displays.

The verandahs and open spaces also have on display assorted displays of paintings, portraits, photos, sculptures, artifacts, old regimental signs and insignias and kiosks for guidance of visitors.

A chronologically laid out outdoor display of armoured fighting vehicles from the first tank of Pakistan Army till to date i.e. Ferret Scout Car to M4 Stuart to M4A1 Sherman to M48 etcetera, field and anti-aircraft guns, howitzers, engineers equipment and jeeps, some of which are captured war trophies, adorn the western and rear area of the museum.

On the occasion of inauguration of Pakistan Army Museum, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 15/- denomination on April 30, 2013.

Men of Letters Series "Sufi Barkat Ali" (1911-1997) 2013-06

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:28:42 PDT

Men of Letters Series: Sufi Barkat Ali (1911 – 1997) Commemorative Postage Stamp April 27, 2013:- Birth And Bay’at-e-Tareeqat:- Name of the great saint is Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A Rehma-ulla Alain). The filial appellation is “Abu Anees” (father of Anees – his daughter).

He was born on 27^th Rabi-ul-Sani 1329^th HIjra Thursday, (27^th April 1911) at Barhami District Ludhiana. He belongs to Dhariwal, jat family. His honourable father’s name is Hazrat Nigahi Baksh (R.A) and respected mother’s name is Hazrat Jannat Bibi (R.A). His father served in the British Army. He took his bay’at at the hands of Shah-e-Walayat, Hakeem Ameer-ul-Hasan Saharanpuri (R.A).

Childhood:- Since childhood, Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A) was inclined towards virtue. By nature, he was a sober person and he loved solitude. He learnt the Holy Quran in his own village and, afterwards, went to Halwara for his formal education. He had the distinction of building the first mosque in his village.

Selection in Army:- Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A) joined the army and became an officer as per the desire of his father. He got recruitment in the British army on 9^th April 1930. After passing the Indian Army special education course, he was selected as a Y-Cadet. His Corps Commander Genral Veitch, was a great admirer of him because of his sterling qualities, modest nature and graceful personality. He treated him as a friend. Even amongst the common youth he was known for his graceful personality. He often quoted the example of his noble character and disposition to other officers. He treated him with respect and dignity, so much that he abstained from eating and drinking during the holy month of Ramdan in order to show respect to him.

Resignation from the Army:- If Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali had stayed in the army, he would have been promoted to the rank of a genral. However, he preferred to be a FAqeer (a dervish) of Allah by sacrificing everything. To commence his journey towards the auspicious and righteous path of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) he resigned from the army on 22^nd June 1945 911 Rajab-ul-Murajjab 1364 A.H.

He discarded his army uniform, wore simple sufi tunic and declared: “I am no more an employee of the British Government but am a servant of Allah.

Three Main Objectives:- As soon as Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A) was released from the army, he renounced the world and what it contained and announced to spend the rest of his life for achieving the following three holy objectives for the sake of Allah the Almighty”.

· Constant Zikr of Allah the Almight.

· The invitation to and the spread of Islam.

· Selfless service of humanity.

Migration to Pakistan:- He migrated to Pakistan on the 14^th of August 1947. He finally arrived at Salar Wala, where he was allotted a piece of land (in lieu of his ancestral agricultural land left in India). This piece of land was located near Salar Wala railway station. He put in nearly forty years of continuous struggle to transform this place into a heavenly complex consisting of a huge beautiful mosque, a Quran-e-Kareem Mahal, a hospital, a library and a minaret as a monument to the momory of Asahab-e-Babar.

Final Migration to Camp Dar-ul-Ehsan:- Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A) migrated to camp Dar-ul-Ehsan in 1984 from his abode at Salar Wala. The place was soon transformed into something that looked like a land of peace. Quran Kareem mahal, offices of Dar-ul-Ehsan library, almshouse (Langar) and medical centre were constructed rapidly. He named this place as “Almustafeez Dar-ul-Ehsan” and “Camp Dar-ul-Ehsan”. He chose to stay here for the rest of his life and after demise.

Zikr-e-Ellahi and Preaching of Islam:- Thousands of his followers are spreading the light of Islam throughout the world. These volunteers are organized into preaching teams / centers. Around six hundred preaching centers have been established in various cities and towns for Zikr-e-liahi and preaching of Islam. Sufi Barkat Ali wrote letters to some of the non-Muslims word leaders inviting them to the fold of Islam. By doing so he revived the Sunnah of Holy Profit (S.A.W).

Service of Humanity:- Hazrat Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali (R.A) did full justice with service of humanity besides remembrance of Allah and invitation to and spread of Islam. He gave monthly stipends to the disabled, the deprived, widows, and the poor and needy students. He made special arrangements for the marriage of poor girls. He took special care of prisoners and lepers; and distributed bedding, flour and clothes among the sick and needy at their doorsteps. In addition to these services, he set a peerless example of selfless service to the humanity through the platform of Dar-ul-Hikmat.

The first free ey camp was organized in 1976 and the practice has continued ever since without a break. Unit March 2013, seventy four free eye camps had been organized. 417334 patients had their vision restored through operations. 656952 patients were treated without surgery and 1732 born-blinds also regained vision with his prayers and attention.

Quran-e-Karim Mahal:- His devotion to Allah and his Holy Prophet (S.A.W) is the splendid edifice in the shape of elegant and graceful buildings of Quran-e-Karim Mahal. Old, worn out and musty copies of the Holy Quran are re-bound and preserved in a beautiful manner in the Quran Mahal. Preservation of some very rare and precious handwritten copies are a true and everlasting manifestation of his love for the Holy Quran.

Writings and Compilations:- He was a treasure of knowledge and wisdom. His book “Kitab-ul-Amal bil Sunnah” is a beautiful compilation of authentic “Ahadees”. This voluminous compilation has a high standard of calligraphy and printing. When this book was presented to some of the international leaders on the occasion of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Pakistan in 1974, they expressed their admiration for its high literary value and elegant printing. Learned intellectuals and research scholars are benefiting from this book available in the libraries the world wide.

He wrote hundreds of books which are a precious treasure of knowledge, wisdom and interpretation of Islamic Law. These books are distributed worldwide free of charge. His publications indlude:

· Makshoofat Manazal-e-Ehsan, 5 volumes

· Kitab-ul-Amal Bis-Sunnah, 5 volumes

· Asma-un-Nabi-ul-Kareem, 6 volumes

· Maqalat-e-Hikmat 30 volumes

· Zikr-e-Elahi

· Yusaloona-alan-Nabi

· Altobato Wal Astaghfar

· Al-Sammat, 1 volume

· Jism-ul-wojood Al Barkat Ali

Love for Pakistan:- Sufi Barkat Ali was an ardent follower of Allama Iqbal and a great lover of Pakistan. Always hopeful for the prosperity of Pakistan he had prognosticated great achievement for Pakistan.

Demise and Burial:- No doubt he was deeply immersed in the remembrance of Allah day and night. In this state of meditation, remembrance and gratitude his time to depart from this mortal world to the eternal world came on the 16^th of Ramdhan Ul Mubarik 1417 (26 January 1997) at the time of Zuhar prayers. “Inna Lillah-e-eWa Inna IIaihi Rajioon” (Undoubtedly, we are sent by Allah and have to return to him).

He was buried in the hut of Sabir Sahib (R.A) according to his will. The atmosphere of his mausoleum is illuminated with the auspiciousness of Zikr-e-IIahi and immersed in the fragrance of flowers of Darood-o-Salam (Salutations to the Holy Prophet S.A.W) all the time. The doors of the Darbar of this Faqir are open to all and sundry.

Urs Mubarak:- The Urs Mubarak of Hadrat Abu Anees Sufi Muhammad Barkat Ali Al-Ludhianwi (QSA) is held every year on the 16^th of Ramdan-ul-Mubarak at Camp Dar-ul-Ehsan Chak 242 RB (Faisalabad, Pakistan) with attendance in the tens of thousands.

On Men of Letters Sufi Barkat Ali (1911 – 1997), Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination on April 27, 2013.

75th Death Anniversary of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.(2013-5)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:27:23 PDT

75^Th Death Anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal Commemorative Postage Stamp April 21, 2013:- Allama Sir Muhammad Iqbal was a poet, philosopher, lawyer and politician born in Sialkot on 9^th November 1877. His poetry in urdu, Arabic and Persian is considered to be among the greatest of the modern era and his vision of an independent state for the Muslims of British India was to inspire the creation of Pakistan. He is commonly referred to as Allama Iqbaly. One of the most prominent leaders of the All India Muslim League, Iqbal encouraged the creation of a “state in northwestern India for Indian Muslims” in his 1930 presidential address. Iqbal encouraged and worked closely with Muhammad Ali Jinnah and he is known as Muffakir-e-Pakistan (“The Thinker of Pakistan”), Shair-e-Mashriq (“The Poet of the East”), and Hakeem-ul-Ummat (“The Sage of Ummah”). He is officially recognized as the “national poet” in Pakistan.

Iqbal was educated initially by tutors in languages and writing, history, poetry and religion. His potential as a poet and writer was recognized by one of this tutors, Syed Mir Hassan, and Iqbal would continue to study under him at the Scotch Mission College in Sialkot. He studied at Murray College Sialkot.

Iqbal entered the Government College Lahore where he studied philosophy, English literature and Arabic and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. He won the gold medal for topping his examination in Philosophy. While studying in his Masters’ Degree Progrem, Iqbal came under the Wing of Sir Thomas Arnold, a scholar of Islam and modern philosophy at the college. Arnold exposed the young man to the Western culture and ideas, and served as a bridge for Iqbal between the ideas of East and West. Iqbal was appointed to a readership in Arabic at the Oriental College, Lahore. He published his first book in Urdu “The Knowledge of Econimocs” in 1903 and the patriotic song, Tarana-e-Hind (Song of India) in 1905.

He obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Trinity College at Cambridge in 1907, while simultanewusly studying law at Lincoln’s Inn, from where he qualified as a barrister at Law in 1908. Togetherr with two other politicians, Syed Hassan Bilgrami and Syed Ameer Ali, Iqbal sat on the subcommittee which drafted the Constitution of the Muslim League. In 1907, Iqbal traveled to Germany to pursue his Doctorate from the Faculty of Philosophy of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat at Munich. Working under the supervision of Friedrich Hommel, Iqbal published a thesis titled: “The Development of Metaphysics in Persia”.

Upon his return to India in 1908, Iqbal took up Assistant Professorship at the Government College Lahore, but for financial reasons he relinquished it within a year to practice law. Iqbal’s poetic works are written mostly in Persian.

Among his 12,000 verses of poems, about 7,000 verses are in Persian. In 1915, he published his first collection of poetry, the Asrar-e-Khudi (Secrets of the Self) in Persian.

Iqbal’s 1924 publication, the Payam-e-Mashriq (The Message of the East) is closely connected to the West-Ostlicher Diwan by the famous German poet Goethe. In his first visit to Afghanistan, he presented his book “Payam-e-Mashreq” to King Amanullah Khan in which he admired the liberal movements of Afghanistan against the British Empire.

The Zabur-e-Ajam (Persian Psalms), published in 1927, includes the poems Gulshan-e-Raz-e-Jadeed (Garden of New Sectets) and Bandagi Nama (Book of Slavery).

Iqabal’s 1932 work, the Javed Nama is named after and in a manner addressed to his son, who is featured in the poems, and follows the examples of the works of Ibn Arabi and Dante’s “The Divine Comedy”, through mystical and exaggerated depiction across time.

Iqbal’s first work published in Urdu, the Bang-e-Dara in 1924, was a collection of poetry written by him in three distinct phases of his life. Published in 1935, the Bal-e-Jibril is considered by many critics as the finest of Iqbal’s Urdu Poetry, and was inspired by his visit to Spain, where he visited the monuments and legacy of the kingdom of the Moors. It consists of ghazals, poems,quatrains, epigrams and carries a strong sense of religious passion.

Iqbal’s final work was the Armughan-e-Hijaz published posthumously in 1938. The first part contains quatrains in Persian, and the second part contains some poems and epigrams in Urdu.

Iqbal’s second book in English, the Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam, is a collection of his six lectures which he delivered at Madras, Hyderabad and Aligarh; first published as a collection in Lahore, in 1930. Sir Muhammad Iqbal was elected President of the Muslim League in 1930 at its session in Allahabad, in the United Provinces (UP) as well as for the session in Lahore in 1932. In his presidential address on December 29, 1930, Iqbal outlined a vision of an independent state for Muslim-majority provinces in northwestern India.

He thus became the first politician to articulate that Muslims are a distinct nation and thus deserve political independence from other regions and communities of India.

Iqbal was of the view that only Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a political leader, capable of preserving Muslim unity and fulfilling the League’s objectives on Muslim political empowerment. Iqbal was an influential force on convincing Jinnah to end his self-imposed exile in London, return to India and take charge of the League with a new agenda – the establishment of Pakistan.

Speaking about the political future of Muslims in India, Iqbal said: “There is only one way out. Muslims should strengthen Jinnah’s hands. They should join the Muslim League. Indian question, as is now being solved, can be countered by our united front against both the Hindus and the English”.

Iqbal is commemorated widely in Pakistan, where he is regarded as the ideological founder of the state. His birthday November, 9 is annually commemorated in Pakistan as Iqbal Day and is a national holiday.

In 1933, after returning from a trip to Spain and Afghanistan, Iqbal’s health deteriorated. He spent his final years working to establish the Idara Dar-ul-Islam. Iqbal ceased practicing law in 1934 and he was granted pension by the Nawab of Bhopal. After suffering for months from a series of protracted illnesses, Iqbal died in Lahore on 21st April 1938. His tomb is located in the space between the entrance of the Badshahi Mosque and the Lahore Fort, Lahore.

To commemorate 75^th Death Anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 15/- denomination on April 21, 2013.

Booklet issued by Pakistan Post on Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal of 75th Death Anniversary. (April 21, 2013)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:15:53 PDT

100 YEARS THE CENTENARY OF KINNAIRD COLLEGE FOR WOMEN. (2013-4)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:26:09 PDT

The Centenary of Kinnaird College For Women (1913 – 2013) Commemorative Postage Stamp April 11, 2013:- This year Kinnaird College for Women completes its hundred years of providing education and empowering women.

The name Kinnaird comes from a Scottish titled family that helped and supported the college in its initial years. Starting with just six students in 1913, Kinnaird grew into one of the most prestigious women’s colleges in an area which was to become Pakistan. A hundred years later Kinnaird boasts of more than 4200 students enrolled in its Intermediate, Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs.

Kinnaird has glorious history of achievements towards educating women. Since its inception in 1913, it has produced countless graduates that have made major contributions in all walks of life and made its alma mater proud. Today Kinnaird stands tall among women colleges of Pakistan.

At the heart of the college is the civic and academic goal to cultivate successive generations of women leaders who possess the skills and resources to address the challenges of social and economic advancement of their communities.

Kinnaird College for Women seeks to empower its students by opening doors to newer opportunities. It seeks to graduate students who will pursue paths as skilled and innovative individuals, professionals, service-oriented leaders and promoters of tolerance and understanding throughout the world.

As Kinnaird celebrates its centennial year, it reaffirms its vision with an ever enlarging stance to educate and empower women of tomorrow.

On the Centenary of Kinnaird College for Women Lahore, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 15/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on April 11, 2013.

ALLAMA MUHAMMAD ASAD MEN OF LETTERS SERIES (2013-3)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:14:03 PDT

Men of Letters Series Allama Muhammad Asad Commemorative Postage Stamp March 23, 2013:- Allama Muhammad Asad, (Leopold Weiss), was born in Livow, Austria (later Poland) on 2^nd July, 1990. At the age of 22 he made his visit to the Middle East. He later became an outstanding foreign correspondent for the Franfurtur Zeitung, and after his conversion to Islam in 1926, travelled and worked throughout the Muslim world, from North Africa to as far East as Afghanistan. After years of devoted study he became one of the leading Muslim scholars of our age.

Writer, tgraveler and explorer, Muhammad Asad had a truly chequered life spanning three continents and two cultures. He was 14 when he excaped school and joined the Austrian army under a false name, only to be recovered by his father and taken home. But about four years later when he was drafted in the army, he had ceased to have any longing for a military career. The Austrian Empire collapsed a few weeks after and he went on to study history of art and philosophy at the University of Vienna. His father wanted him to get a Ph. D. Leopold wanted to try his hand at journalism and one summer day in 1920 he boarded the train for Prague.

From Prague Leopold went to Berlin, but there was no journalistic job for this total novice. Happy and vaguely alienated, one day in the spring of 1922, the young journalist received a letter that was to change the course of the following 70 years of his life. Uncle Dorian, his mother’s youngest brother had invited him to Jerusalem, to live in his delightful old Arab stone house. Dorian headed a mental hospital in Jerusalem. He was a Zionist himself nor, for that matter attracted to the Arabs.

Like the average European, Asad had come to the Middle East with some romantic and erroneous notions about Arabs. But neither Dorian nor Jerusalem could stop Leopold from his wanderings. He became a correspondent for Frankfurter Zeitung. Sometimes in Cairo, sometimes in Amman, back to Jerusalem; and on road again to Syria (which then included Lebanon as well) and Turkey. It was a moment at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus that he became aware how near their God and their faith were to these people.

End of 1923 saw him back in Vienna, reconciling with his father and reporting to his editor-in-chief Dr Heinrich Simon. Leopold Weiss has established himself as a writer on Arab and Middle Eastern affair and Frankfurter Zeitung was now willing to remunerate him properly and keen that returned to the area as soon as he had finished the book he had contracted to write. He finished the book, Unromantisches Morgenland, and in Spring 1924, he was off again to the Middle East. Crossing the Mediterranean, Leopold”s first stop was at Cairo where he tried to learn Arabic and spend some time with Shaikh Mustafa Maraghi. He wanted to gain a fuller picture of Islam. Mustafa Maraghi subsequently became the Shaikh of Al-Azhar. Early summer 1924, the special correspondent was on the move again. To Amman, to Damascus, Tripoli and Aleppo, to Baghdad and to the Kurdish mountains, to that strangest of all lands, Iran, and toe the wild mountains and steppes of Afghanistan.

Early 1926, he was homeward bound: via Marv, Samarkand, Bokhara and Lashkent and thence across the Lurkoman steppes to Urals and Moscow. Crossing the Polish frontier he arrived straight in Frankfurt. His next engagement was to deliver a series of lectures at the Academy of Geopolitics in Berlin. He also married Elsa, 41 a widow, whom he had met in Berlin during his previous visit. She had a nine-year old son. His editor wanted him to write another book. He wanted to return to the Muslim world. Leopold felt that he was being driven to Islam.

3Sometimeafter September 1926, he sought out a Muslim friend of his, an Indian who was at that time head of the small Muslim community in Berlin, and told him that he wanted to embrace Islam. Leopold had become Muhammad Asad, something which was strongly disapproved by his father and his sister. The relationship resumed in 1935, after his father had at last come to understand and appreciate the reasons for his conversion to Islam.

The major part of the following years, 1927 – 1932, was spent in Arabia with missions in between to Egypt and Cyrenaica (Libya) in support of the Sanusi mujahidin who had been fighting a desperate guerrilla battle against the Italians. For Asad, however, the Arabian years were, home coming of the heart. Early in 1927, he was received by King abdul Aziz ibn Saud. He was impressed by the King and the King took a great liking for this new Muslim and he would send for him almost daily.

Asad rode and rode and explored the peninsula from the northern confines of Arabia towards the south until 1932 when the dust of India replaced the desert clear air of Arabia. He had planned to move on, to Easterm Turkestan, China and Indonesia, but the Islamic poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal persuaded him to remain in India to help elucidate the intellectual premises of the future Islamic state. Iqbal had presented the idea of Pakistan only two years earlier in 1930 and it was not before 1940 that Iqbal’s idea was adopted as a political goal by the All India Muslim League. But to Asad, Pakistan was a dream that demanded to be fulfilled. His first title on an Islamic theme, Islam at the Crossroads, published in 1934, proved to be extremely popular and was translated in several languages. The Crossroads was a plea of Muslims to avoid a blind imitation of Western social forms and values, and to try to preserve instead their Islamic heritage which once upon a time had been responsible for the glorious, many-sided historical phenomenon comprised in the term “Muslim civilization”. The outbreak of war in Europe in 1939 saw Asad interned as an enemy alien in the Punjab hill town of Dalhousie, and thus there is scant record of his work from 1935 till 1945 when he was freed from internment. He then started a periodical, Arafat, which ceased after publishing about ten issues. Pakistan was achieved in 1947 and the Government of Punjab put Asad in charge of newly established Department of Islamic Reconstruction in Lahore. He embarked on translating Bukhari, the famous Hadith collection and revived Arafat. Asad also contributed eloquently to the debate about Pakistan having an Islamic constitution. Two years later he was seconded to the Pakistan Foreign Service and made director of the Middle East Division in the foreign ministry.

After the establishment of Pakistan, he was the first naturalized citizen of Pakistan. He was appointed the Director of the Department of Islamic Reconstruction, West Punjab and later on became Pakistan’s Alternate Representative at the United Nations. Muhammad Asad’s two important books are: Islam at the Crossroads and Road to Mecca. He also produced a monthly journal Arafat. Asad loved Pakistan, his conception of Pakistan, even when it turned its back on him, and he never felt resentment at the treatment he had received from it. He remained a citizen- the first citizen of Pakistan- until the end, although he had been strongly tempted to accept the generous, spontaneous gestures of many heads of Islamic States to have their citizenship and passport, which would have made his life so much easier.

Early in 1952, Asad was sent to New York as Pakistan’s minister plenipotentiary to the UN. But problems had begun to develop between Asad and the foreign ministry bureaucracy. Some people perhaps jealous for their own petty reasons. Some were suspicious because of his religious and adventurous background. Matters, however, came to head when the ministry refused to give him permission to marry Pola Hamida, an American convert to Islam. Asad resigned toward theend of 1952 saying his private life was more important to him and started to write the story of his wanderings and discovery of Islam. The story, The Road of Mecca (1954), covers the period before he had left Arabia for India. There are gaps but the story is fascinating and the style inimitable. Asad had promised to narrate, perhaps at other time, the story of the years “spent working for and in Pakistan”. It did not appear in his life-time, but, it is reported, he had been working on the remaining part of his story.

Muhammad Asad had quit diplomacy but his intellectual exertions did not come to end. Encouraged by Pola Hamida, supported morally and materially by the secretary general of the Muslim World League, the late Shaikh Muhammad Sarur as-Sabban and the Shaya family of Kuwait, he embarked on rendering the Qur’an into English. The first volume of Asad’s English rendering, from Al-Baqarah to Al-Tawbah, The Message of the Qur’an appeared in 1964. By far the most elegant and lucid of the English translations, Asad’s rendering would have had normal reception from critical to laudatory, but what made it draw a little different attention was its sponsorship by the Muslim World League.

Asad was dismayed byt not discouraged. With the support of his other Arab benefactors, he went ahead with his work and in 1980 produced and published the complete edition of The Message of the Qur’an. Finding him in difficulty in distributing his work, the former Saudi oil minister, Shaikh Ahmad Zaki Yamani bought 20,000 copies of the book.

Asad’s last book, This Law of Ours and other Essays, was published in 1987 and he remained intellectually active until the last days of his life. Nor did he give up his taste for travel and migration, moving between East and West, North and South, yet spending a record 19 years in Tangier, Morocco, before moving finally to Mijas in the Andalusian province of Spain.

Allama Muhammad Asad died on 20 February 1992. He was buried in the Muslim cemetery in Granada, Andalusia.

On Men of Letters Series – Allama Muhammad Asad Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.15/- denomination on March 23, 2013.

DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF NASIR KAZMI POET OF PAKISTAN (2013-1)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:12:21 PDT

Death Anniversary of Nasir Kazmi:- Commemorative Postage Stamp March 02, 2013:- Syed Nasir Raza Kazmi, (1925 – 1972) was an Urdu poet of Pakistan and one of the greatest poets of his era. He was born on 8 December 1925 at Ambala, India.

Education and Career:- Kazmi was educated at Ambala, Simla and Lahore. He returned to Ambala in 1945 and started looking after his ancestral land. After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, he came to Lahore.

He did some journalistic work with Auraq-e-Nau as an editor and became editor-in-chief of the magaz’ne Humayun in 1952. Later he was associated with Radio Pakistan, Lahore and other literary.

“Nasir Kazmi was a poet of transcendent pain clad in undading beauty. His dalour sprang from three main causes: the sufferings he bore and the atrocities he witnessed during the Partition of 1947, his own poverty, and the social and political chaos of his age. Nasir was more sensitive than most poets and had to abandon his home in Ambala and this was a blow from which he could not recover. …….His habits though not very expensive, demanded money which was not there. Later he had to support his family and educate his two sons. ……..he never complained or moaned about his personal afflictions. But he was bitter about the inequalities and oppression of the times. I had intuitive feeling that he had once loved and lost. That gives an authenticity and genuineness to his ghazals which rings true……Nasir’s unique contribution is that he merged the sublimity and diction of Mir Taqi Mir with his own inner turmoil and restlessness……..most of Nasir’s ghazals are as good as, if not better than, Mir’s best work…...Nasir’s second major contribution is that he transformed the traditional Ghazal into modern poetry by retaining the classical mode, mood and style but making it voice modern sensibility. In doing this he stands on the summit of modern Urdu verse. He found a new school which several of his younger contemporaries and later admirers have enriched……….there is another characteristic of his poetry which sets him apart from all modern poets, and that is his choice of words. In this, again he established a new fashion which most modern poets find difficult to follow. ……he explores the range of Urdu works with an innovative eye and a fresh taste….many lines of Nasir’s Ghazals, which speak of passion of love, make one sit up and think. This depth is strengthened by the poignant note of nostalgia which runs throughout of poverty………Nasir was careless of his health. From the beginning he was unking to his body…..he ruined his digestive system in spite of his doctors and friends warnings and died of cancer of the stomach……he was a major poet of 20^th century and a good humjan being” (Extract taken from: “Coffee House of Lahore” written by K.K.Aziz”)

Nasir Kazmi’s Books:

Poetry:

1 Bang-e-Nae (1952)

2 Deewan (1972)

3 Pehli Baarish (1975)

4 Nishat-e-Khwab (Collection of nazms, 1977)

Other Books:

1 Sur Ki Chhaya (Manzoom Drama, Katha 1981)

2 Khushk Chashme ke Kinare (Prose. 1982)

3 Intekhab-e-Meer (Poetry 1989)

4 Intekhab-e-Nazeer (Poetry 1990)

5 Intekhab-e-Wali Dakni (Poetry 1991)

6 Intekhab-e-Insha (Poetry 1991)

Diary of Nasir Kazmi:

Nasir Kazmi ki Dairy (Chand Pareshan Kaghaz) (Autobiography, 1995 compiled by Hassan Sultan Kazmi)

Famous ghazals and nazms of Nasir Kazmi:

Kazmi’s Ghazals include:

· 1. Kaun is raah se guzartaa hai

2. Terii zulfon ke bikharne kaa sabab hai ko”ii

3. Dukh kii lehar ne chheRaa hogaa

4. Dil main ek lehar si uthi hai abhi

5. Naaz-e-be-gaangi main kyaa kuch thaa

6. O! mere masruuf Khudda

7. Be minnat-e-khizr-e-raah rahnaa

8. Dil dharaknay ka sabab yaad aya

9. Jurm-e-inkaar ki sazaa hi de

10. Tere aane kaa dhokaa saa rahaa hai

11. Fikr-e-taameer-e-aashian bhi hai

12. Rang barsaat ne bhare kuch to

13. Kise dekhein kahaan dekha na jaye

14. Karta usay beqaraar kuch dair

15. Wo dil nawaaz hai lekin nazar shanaas nahi

16. Neeyat-e-shauq bhar na jaye kahiin

17. Banny Banaaye hue Rasston pea a nekly

18. So gai Shehar ki har aik Galli

19. Apni Dhun Main Rehta hon

20. Dil main aur to kya rakha hai

21. Kia Zamana tha key hum Roz mila kartay thay

On the death Anniversary of Syed Nasir Kazmi, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.15/- denomination on March 02, 2013.

QUDRAT ULLAH SHAHAB MEN OF LETTERS SERIES (2013-2)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:13:26 PDT

Men of Letters Series Qudrat Ullah Shahab (1917 – 1986) Commemorative Postage Stamp March 23, 2013:- Qudrat Ullah Shahab (or Qudratullah Shahab; 26 February 1917 – 24 July 1986) was an eminent Urdu writer and civil servant from Pakistan. He is best known for his autobiography, Shahab Nama.

He was born in Gilgit in 1917. His father was a student at MAO College and a protégé under the supervision of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. He later immigrated from Aligarh and settled down in Gilgit. Shahab started writing in his early days both in urdu and English languages. At the age of 16, he won an international essay competition organized by the Readers Digest, London. He graduated from Prince of Wales college, Jammu, and later from Government College Lahore.

According to his autobiography, he spent his childhood in Eastern Punjab near Chamkor Sahib, Ropar (Rapnagar) District.

He was selected for Indian Civil Service in 1940 and later volunteered to serve in Bengal during the famine of 1943, where he served as magistrate at Nandigram. He came under heavy fire from the authorities when he distributed part of the strategic rice reserves to the starving local community.

After coming to Pakistan he was first posted in the Ministry of Commerce as a Deputy Secretary and then as Chief Secretary of the new state of Azad Kashmir at Muzaffarabad. Thereafter, he became Deputy Commissioner of Jhang, Punjab. He also served as Director of Industries of Punjab and dealt mostly with settlement issues concerning migration. He was appointed by Governor General Ghulam Muhammad his Principal Secretary and remained on this post during Iskander Mirza’s and Ayub Khan’s regimes. He served as Ambassador of Pakistan to Netherlands in 1962 and later as Secretary of Information and Education. He resigned after a clash with the new regime of Yahya Khan and opted for a self-imposed exile at UK. Shahab was elected a member of the executive board of UNESCO in 1968.

Shahab had published in English and Urdu languages for contemporary newspapers and magazines of Pakistan Writers’ Guild, founded at Karachi in January 1959.

He is best known for his autobiography Shahab Nama. In the first chapter, Shahab mentioned how the idea of writing a memoir occurred to him when he paid a visit to Ibn-e-Insha in London. While they were discussing the philosophy of life, it inspired him to pen his own experiences. The complete work was published after his death in 1986, and then soonbecame a favorite among the Urdu knowing circles of the Indian sub-continent.

There has been much debate on the spiritual side of his personality. Mumtaz Mufti, Shahab’s close friend and a well-known writer, wrote about it. Also in Shahab Nama, Shahab shared some of his spiritual experiences, especially the bewitched bungalow of 18 civil lines (Cuttuck) that contributed to his understanding of Parapsychology.

The real disclosure came in the final chapter of Shahab Nama that alluded to an out-of-world personality whom he used to call Ninety as his spiritual guide. After Shahab Nama published, which was actually after Shahab’s death, Mufti wrote his autobiography, Alakh Nagri, and openly discussed the hidden traits of Shahab’s life. Mufti wrote in the foreword of the book:

“Since Shahab has opened his own secrets in the last chapter of Shahab Nama, I find no reason not to share experiences which I witnessed about the mysticism of Shahab”

From the early days of Pakistan, Shahab worked with the national leadership country until the regime of Yahya Khan. Shahab revealed in Shahab Nama, as Mumtaz Mufti did in Alakh Nagri, that the idea of giving Pakistan the name “Islamic Republic of Pakistan” was actually proposed by him to Ayub Khan. Shahab argued in the parliament in favor of this idea, which was unanimously accepted by the leaders.

The last chapter of Shahab Nama about his exposure to spiritualism has been controversial. Though throughout his lifetime, Shahab has enjoyed a respectful image among his colleagues and friends. Many of them paid him tributes in their essays and short stories. Notably, Mumtaz Mufti made him the subject of his autobiography Alakh Nagria and later dedicated another book Labbaik. Bano Qudsia, a veteran Urdu writer, wrote a book Mard-e-Abresham on Shahab’s personality. A collection of essays about Qudratullah Shahab has been compiled in a book, Zikr-e-Shahab.

Shahab died on 24 July 1986 in Islamabad and is buried in H-8 Graveyard.

On Men of Letters Series – Qudratullah Shahab, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.15/- denomination on March 23, 2013. in Islamabad and is buried in H-8 Graveyard.

On Men of Letters Series – Qudratullah Shahab, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.15/- denomination on March 23, 2013.

Inauguration of Commercial Operation of First Wind Farm Power Project in Pakistan. (2012-26)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Fri, 03 May 2013 02:22:39 PDT

Inauguration of Commercial Operation of First Wind Farm Power Project in Pakistan. Commemorative Postage Stamp December 24, 2012:- Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) is striving hard to give a boost to wind power generation in the country and expeditiously carrying in out multidirectional activities to commence wind farm projects in wind potential sites. AEDB has been endeavoring to harness and capitalize the colossal wind energy potential available in the coastal areas of the country. Through continuous promotion, AEDB has been able to attract and engage private national and international investment in this sector. Private sector has been triggered to invest in wind power. Currently, 47 Wind Power Projects of around 3300 MW capacity are in process.

GoS leased around 26,000 acres land to AEDB for 18 projects of cumulative 906 MW capacity. These projects are at various stages of development. A brief account of these projects is as follows:

· Following three projects of cumulative 156 MW capacity are under construction

· 49.5 MW FFC Energy LTD., Jhampir, Sindh – Construction and testing completed, ready for commissioning

· 56.4 MW Zorlu Enerji (Pvt.) Ltd., Jhampir, Sindh – Construction completed, testing stated, will be commissioned in March 2013

· 50 MW Three Gorges First Wind Farm Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., Jhampir, Sindh – Construction underway

· Following two projects of cumulative 100 MW are going to achieve financial close by the end of this year

· 50 MW Foundation Wind Power I Ltd. Khuttikun, Gharo, Sindh

· 50 MW Foundation Wind Power II (Pvt.) Ltd., Khuttikun, Gharo, Sindh

· Following eleven projects of cumulative 550 MW will be achieving financial close by 2013

· 50 MW , Luck Energy (Pvt.) Ltd. Jhampir, Sindh

· 50 MW Tenaga Generai Ltd. Khuttikum, Gharo, Sindh

· 50 MW Sapphire Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd. Jhampir, Sindh

· 50 MW Metro Wind Power Co Ltd. Khampir, Sindh

· 50 MW Gul Ahmed Wind Power Ltd. Jhampir, Sindh

· 50 MW Master Wind Energy (Pvt.) Ltd. Jhampir, Sindh

· 50 MW Sachal Engineering Works (Pvt.) Ltd. Jhampir, Sindh

· 2 x 50 MW Wind Eagle (Pvt.) Ltd. Jhampir, Sindh

· 50 MW Dawood Power (Pvt.) Ltd. Bhambore, Gharo, Sindh

· 50 MW New Park (Pvt.) Ltd. Gharo, Sindh

· Wind power projects of 1000 MW are in pipeline

· GOP has announced Upfront Tariff of US cents 14.66/kwh for prompt development of wind power projects

· Investors are taking keen interest to execute project on this tariff. The investors are requesting allocation of land for their projects. Taking into consideration the available potential, the number of investing companies and quantum of up-coming wind power projects in the area, AEDB, has requested GoS to identify and allocate 100,000 acres more government land for wind power projects at wind potential sites in Sindh province.

· The wind energy market has been made conductive through various prolific measures. A few of them are stated below:

· Grid Code has been amended to accommodate wind power

· Standardized project documents are prepared for projects having tariff on cost plus basis and made available to investors; standard project documents for projects opting Upfront tariff are drafted and are under discussion

· Lenders confidence is built through supportive measures

· Almost all renowned wind turbine manufactures are in the market to supply equipment

· Local capacities are being developed for EPC services and for manufacturing of towers locally

· Generalized environmental study conducted for whole Gharo, Sindh Wind corridor for prompt processing

· Short and medium term grid integration planning study conducted for integration of 1000 – 1500 MW wind power

· Security issues of the investors at project sites are addressed with the support of GoS

The time has reached when Pakistan is going to enter into a new era in energy sector as wind power is going to have commercial operation in the country for the first time in its history. The 49.5 MW wind power project of M/s FFC Energy Ltd. (FFCEL) installed at Jhampir, district Thatta, Sindh is expected to achieve Commercial Operation Date (COD) in December 2012. The project has already been operationalized and connected to the national grid and has started dispatching test energy. It’s formal “Commercial Operation” is expected to start on 24^th December 2012. This has become possible owing to dedicated efforts by the government and private sector entities. This would become a strong foundation for the wind power development that has over 50,000 MW potential only in Gharo corridor and is expected to take a significant place energy mix.

Pakistan’s entry into the list of countries that are commercially deploying renewable energies for meeting energy needs to be celebrated, particularly as this is the first of many projects that are in the pipeline. The event is historic as this is advent of a new technology in Power Sector, which marks the beginning of the era of clean, indigenous and cheaper sources of energy. The Federal Government is intending to hold an inauguration ceremony to celebrate this achievement at the start of commercial operation of this power plant that is planned on 24^th December 2012. President / Prime Minister are expected to be the Chief Guest of this event.

On the occasion of inauguration of commercial operation of first Wind Farm Power Project in Pakistan, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 15/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 24, 2012.

60 Years of Oxford University Press in Pakistan. (1952-2012) (2012-25)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Fri, 03 May 2013 02:19:58 PDT

60 Years of Oxford University Press In Pakistan Commemorative Postage Stamp December 15, 2012:- Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the university’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide, with branches in almost 50 countries.

Oxford University Press Pakistan (OUPP) celebrates 60 years of publishing this year, 2012. OUPP was established in 1952 with a branch office in Karachi, the first overseas publishers in Pakistan. Since then OUPP has been a success story in terms of expansion throughout the country, including Dhaka (pre-19714) with the Head Office in Karachi, Branch offices in Lahore and Islamabad, and offices and bookshops in all major towns and cities. With steady growth in output and number of staff in the Head Office, OUPP is housed today in custom-built premises in Korangi, comprising a classic, five-floored structure clad I nyellow, Gizri stone, designed by the Heritage architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz, to showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage. The premises also have a spacious, purpose-built warehouse. The foundation of this building was laid in 1999 and the building was inaugurated in 2005, although OUPP had moved into the new premises in early 2003.

In terms of publishing, OUPP broadened the spectrum and diversity of its educational and general titles, and set a record for itself in the Sixties with the Ahmad and Rehana English language series that enjoyed country-wide popularity. Beginning with a modest publishing plan that comprised mainly reprints and adaptations, OUPP today publishes a fairly large number of original and well-researched school, higher education, and academic titles per year. The academic and general publications of OUPP are authenticated texts thatare authoritative sources of reference. OUPP today is a symbol of high quality in both content and presentation of its books. In 1997, OUPP published the Jubilee Series to celebrate fifty years of Pakistan’s independence. The Jubilee Series boasted works by well known and highly respected authors at home and abroad whose writings chronicled the history, society, culture, and literature. Committed to the promotion of education in Pakistan, OUPP has made good quality educational books accessible for all levels. OUPP publishes a wide range of school books for all subjects with focus on quality of text, excellent illustrations and user-friendly layouts. Most of OUPP’s O level books, especially commissioned and kept in sync with the latest O level syllabuses, are endorsed by the examining body. Almost all titles in the school educational series are supported by Teaching Guides that offer lesson by lesson explanation, answers to textbook questions and lesson plans and worksheets. Another first from OUPP is the extension of academic support to schools across the country by arranging Teacher Training Workshops as per demand for selected series and titles. This guidance and interaction with the workshop leaders and amongst themselves greatly facilitates teachers in accessing resources, planning lessons, activities, and assessments. Needless to say, OUPP Teacher Training Workshops are widely welcomed by the users of OUPP’s school publications.

Another feather in the OUPP cap are the bi-lingual dictionaries; OUPP made a mark for itself by commissioning the renowned scholar and lexicographer, Shan ul Haq Haqqee to publish the Oxford Urdu-English Dictionary based on the concise Oxford English Dictionary, which hwas launched in 2003. Work is in process for the Oxford Urdu-English Dictionary, which will be an equally valuable resource for scholars in particular and readers in general. In keeping with this tradition, bi-lingual dictionaries have been published in Sindhi as well as Pashtu, as well as dictionaries for primary, secondary and tertiary levels. OUPP supports the children’s reading programme through attractive and colourful supplementary readers.

Moreover, OUPP has actively promoted the reading habit through ongoing national book fairs, and was the moving spirit behind the first ever Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) and Children’s Literature Festival (CLF), which are now regular events on the readers’ calendars. These events are well attended – in fact, packed, as they feature book launches, interviews, panel discussions and also a range of activities for children that introduce and educate them to the charm of the printed word, as well as engaging their interest. The Karachi Literature Festival not only brings together national and international writers, scholars, reviewers in interaction with the audiences, but has also dispelled fears about Pakistan in terms of safety and security. The other two most effective initiatives for promoting the reading culture and bringing books within reach of the readers are the Oxford Mobile Bookshop for all levels and genres, and the Oxford Mobile Library. The Mobile bookshop has travelled all over the country, from the shores of Sindh to the heights of Swat with its treasures of knowledge. The Mobile Library, OUPP’s latest venture, is a boon for readers in the absence of public libraries. It is particularly advantageous for underprivileged areas as it provides access to books at the readers’ doorstep.

OUPP has come a long way from 1952, no doubt, but the journey continues towards further success and achievements.

To commemorate celebration of the 60 Years of Oxford University Press in Pakistan, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 15/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on December 15, 2012.

Muhammad Luthfullah Khan 1916-2012 (2012-24)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Fri, 03 May 2013 02:18:59 PDT

Muhammad Luthfullah Khan (The Archivist) 1916 – 2012 Commemorative Postage Stamp November 25, 2012:- Muhammad Luthfullah Khan, an Archivist, a Photographer and a Writer, was born at Madras (now called Chennai) on November 25, 1916. His father used to work for the South Indian Railways. He was educated in Madras but moved to Hyderabad later to Mumbai in search of employment. He had extra ordinary fascination for music and singing from his childhood. He participated as amateur singer at the Madras Boys and Girls Exhibition in the year 1931 and received the merit award for Hindustani Music. He signed an agreement in 1933 for classical singing with the Indian State Broadcasting Service, later re-named as All India Radio. He performed publicly at the age of 19, during a radio concert in 1935. Known as Madras Radio Artist, he sang Ghazals at a function of Muslim Students Association of St. Xavier’s College in January 1939 and rendered classical singing at Bombay in December the same year. After partition he left India and came to Pakistan on October 17. 1947 and settled in Karachi. During quarter century of daily practice (1963 – 1988), he practiced singing with Maulana Abdul Shakoor (newphew of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan) and explored the intricacies of only one raag, the Darbari.

As a young writer his books (Pehloo, Dukhti Ragaeen etc.) were published in early 1936. He performed his first sound recording (voice of his mother) on 29^th of July 1951 by using “Sound Mirror” tape recorder, having a single speed of 7.5 inches Per second. Paper tape, coated with magnetic material, was used.

His museum gallery displays rare photographs, photography equipment, international and Pakistani coins, a set of 12 inch 78 rpm discs of Late “Barey Ghulam Ali Khan Sahib”, sound recording equipment and accessories, drawing instrument and stationary items used in documenting the collections and personal items of nostalgic importance as well as a wonderful matchbox collection. (This was his main hobby also). But the pick of this array is an album containing posters of old Hindi and American movies, some of them dating back to twenties. (Late Mr. Theodore Phailbus had the most wonderful collection of Posters in Pakistan). All are arranged in properly illuminated showcases and display boards.

Electronic devices installed include “Revox” tape recorders. Such a broad based collection requires periodic maintenance for which he gas established in a separate room a small workshop with inventory of spares and tools.

His archive contains a large number of rare books on a variety of subjects, including religion. In this personal files, papers are arranged in chronological order in a healthy state. Indexing has been done in simple manner to facilitate easy location of the desired document. His monumental work is un-paralleled in the literary history of the sub-continent.

Different articles were published on his work in the newspapers and magazines. Up to the year 2001, the total number of such essays was 185. Muhammad Luthfullah” Khan penned down eight books pertaining to Urdu literature, Islamic Studies, history and those informing about the lives of great poets and prose writers including:-

1. Tamashaey – Ahley – Qalam

2. Sur ki Talaash

3. Hijratoun key silsiley

4. Zindagi ka Safar

He has tanscribed all the Urdu Ghazals of Mirza Ghalib into Roman Alphabets. His library comprises the following six categories:

1. Music of the subcontinent.

2. Urdu literature – Poetry (Ghazals, Marsia, etc.) and Prose (Novel, Tanqeed etc.)

3. Religion (Religious books – recitation and narration)

4. Speeches of public figures including Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan and Mr. Z.A. Bhutto

5. Education – Mainly Music and Urdu Literature.

6. Art – Fine Arts, Interviews supported with transparencies, Musical Instruments description with slides.

The music section is further categorized as under:-

1. Instrumental

2. Pure Classical

3. Semi Classical

4. Ghazal

5. Geet

6. Folklore

7. Qawali

The taped recordings of each category are contained in different colour boxes. Original Gramophone records have been preserved.

Muhammad Luthfullah Khan, till the age of 96 was working to collect cassettes of Urdu verse and prose. He had archived a wide variety of more than 5,000 voices including the speeches of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad and poetry of great poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Friaq Gorakhpuri, Josh Maleeh Abadi, Noon Meem Rashid, Hafeez Jalandhri, Akhtar-ul-Iman and many other eminent poets. Faiz Ahmed Faiz has gifted recording of his poetry in his voice.

Muhammad Luthfullah Khan has computerized his directory of musical collection. The same Raag is indexed for different instruments and vocalists. Among the vocalists he often listens to, with devotion, are Salamat Ali Khan, Amanat Ali Khan, and Roshan Ara Begum. His most liked Vichtarveena player in Pakistan is Habib Khan. Other outstanding instrumentalists include Ustad Bundoo Khan for “Sarangi” and Sharif Khan Ponchwala for Sitar. He considers Villayat Khan as unique in playing of Sitar.

Most of the catalogues have been prepared through computer in the shape of properly bound hard copies. It was too much of a work to be done by a single person.

This is the lifetime achievement of a dedicated hobbyist – indeed a wonderful work, which may not have a match in the Subcontinent.

His birth place in India (Madras / Channai), is said to have another collector of old records namely Mr. V.A.K. Ranga Rao.

In recognition of his splendid contributions to the field of Art, Literature and Culture, which was span on more than 70 years, especially pres4erving national and international Heritage in shape of cassettes, CDs and books, he was conferred upon a large number of awards from different organizations and circles indlucing Presidential Award for Pride of Performance by the President Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 2012, National Literary Award for the year 1998 on his book “Hijratoon Ke Silsle” and Kamal-e-Fun Award (Life time achievements) awards by the Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad.

Muhammad Luthfullah Khan, passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the age of 96. He was committed and devoted person who spent most of his life collecting voices from different walks of life.

To pay tribute Muhammad Luthfullah Khan (The Archivist), Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp denomination of Rs. 15/- on November 25, 2012.

Fifty Years of National Investment Trust. NIT. (2013-23)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:50:29 PDT

50^Th Anniversary of National Investment Trust Ltd. (NITL) Commemorative Postage Stamp November 21, 2012:- It is an occasion of immense pleasure and pride for NIT to complete its 50 years of successful operations in the mutual fund industry. The institute has been providing un-tiring service to small, medium and large investors and has now entered the period to commemorate celebrations of its Golden Jubilee.

National Investment Trust Limited (NITL) is the pioneer Asset Management Company in Mutual Fund Industry and carries a market share of around 18% of the entire mutual funds industry where as NIT’s equity funds constitute 86% of the industry’s open end equity funds. It was established in 1962 and has the credit of being the First and Largest Asset Management Company of Pakistan with the Net Assets under its management of around Rs. 74 Billion as on June 30, 2012.

NIT’s Mission is to serve the investors by providing best possible return on their investments and to invest in the Capital Markets in a manner, which could provide depth for the investors’ and necessary capital to the industry. Over vision is to be recognized as the beacon of positive change in the Capital Markets. Leading by example, with an aim to provide the necessary opportunity to all the stakeholders and to contribute towards healthy growth of the Mutual Fund Industry.

NIT’s operational network spreads all over the country with 23 own branches and 01 centralized Investors’ Faciliation Center (IFC) in Karachi. In addition, various authorized bank branches are facilitating our investors. The Company is also represented in Dubai (UAE) by Arab Emirates Investment Bank (AEIB) and is catering to the needs of around 57,256 unit holders as on June 30, 2012. NITL has assigned a credit rating of AM2 – by PACRA, which reflects that the company has a very strong capacity to manage risks.

Over the years, NITL has expanded its product line to meet requirements of the investors depending upon their risk absorption appetite. Presently, the Company is managing a total of Five Funds, 3 Equity and 2 Fixed Income Funds.

Equity Funds:- i) NI(U)T Fund:- It is NIT’s flag carrier Open Ended Equity Fund and was launched in November 1962. Net assets of the Fund as on June 30, 2012 amounted to Rs. 41.487 billion. As on August 31^st 2012, around 91.52 percent of the Fund remained invested in equities with around 36 percent investment in Oil & gas and Banking Sectors. The core objective of the Fund is to maximize return for Unit Holders and to provide a regular stream of current income through dividends. In addition, long-term growth is achieved through management of a diversified portfolio and investments in growth and high yielding equity securities. The risk profile of the fund is moderate to high and the fund provided a 10 year annualized return of 21.81% during FY12, NI(U)T earned a return of 7.57%. During its entire life history, the Fund has been consistent in paying dividends to its unit holders and has paid a per unit dividend of Rs. 3.50 in FY12.

ii) NIT-State Enterprise Fund (NIT-SEF):- NIT-State Enterprise Fund (NIT-SEF) was launched in January 2009 with an objective to take advantage of market conditions and acquire a selection of Eligible Stocks thereby creating an opportunity for investors to achieve superior returns. The Fund has an investment mandate to invest in eight state owned / controlled enterprises. It is an Open Ended Equity Fund, with moderate to high risk profile. The fund earned a return of 6.1% in FY12 whereas its return since inception until August 31, 2012 has been 199.23% against the benchmark return of 154.77%. The Fund paid a per unit @ 9.30% on the face value of Rs. 50/- for the unit holders of NIT-SEF in FY12. NIT will shortly offer this Fund to general public for investment.

iii) NIT-Equity Market Opportunity Fund (NIT-EMOF):- This Open Ended Equity Fund was launched in July 2008 with an objective to invest funds in the Equity Market at a time when Management Company of the Fund has reasons to believe that there is an opportunity to invest the Fund in a gainful manner and such investment is in the benefit of the Fund taking a long term perspective. The Fund generated a return of 18.04% for its investors in FY12 whereas its return since inception until August 31, 2012 has been 63.41%.

Fixed Income Funds:- i)NIT Government Bond Fund (NIT-GBF):- NIT Government Bond Fund was launched on 18^th November 2009 with the objective to generate best possible return with minimum risk for its Unit Holders by primarily investing in securities issued by government of Pakistan. The risk profile of the Fund is low. As of August 31, 2012 95.08% of the Fund is invested in Treasury Bills. The total annulized return of the Fund during FY12 was 9.76%. Further since inception until August 31, 2012 NIT-GBF earned an annualized return of 11.82% against benchmark of 140.81%. With anticipation of further easing in the policy rates, NIT-GBF has increased its weighted average time to maturity of portfolio from 154 days to 185 days.

ii: NIT Income Fund (NIT-IF):- This Open End Income Fund was launched on 19^th February, 2010 with an objective to generate a competitive stream of return with moderate level of risk for its investors. The Fund is primarily invested in a diversified portfolio comparising of high quality debt Securities & Instruments. As of August 31, 2012, around 62.27 percent of the Fund is invested in Treasury Bills whereas majority of the remained is invested high quality TFCs. The total annulized return of the fund during FY12 was 12.34% whereas, since inception until August 31, 2012 return has been 12.96% against benchmark rate of 12.71%.

NIT is commemorating 2012 as its Golden Jubilee Year. Special Giveaways are prepared to share with our clients and unit holders on this momentous occasion. Newspapers will publish special supplements on 12^th November 2012. Pakistan Post is issuing a collection stamp in commemoration of achieving this milestone by a National Organization.

On the occasion of 50^th Anniversary of National Investment Trust Ltd. (NITL), Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage3 stamp of Rs. 15/- Denomination on November 21, 2012.

Diamond Jubilee of Department of Geography University of Karachi Pakistan. (2012-22)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:47:15 PDT

Commemorative Postage Stamp on Celebration of Diamond Jubilee of Department of Geography University of Karachi November 19, 2012:- One of the primate departments of the university, Department of Geography was established in November 1952. Its first Chairman, Dr. M.B. Pithawala was followed by Dr. Oskar Schmeider, Dr. Ibadur-Rehman, Dr. Shamsul Islam Siddiqui, Dr. Muhammad Ismail Siddiqui, Prof. Abdur Rauf Khan, Mrs. jamilaSarwar, Dr. Fazla Karim Khan, Dr. Iqtiday Husain Zaidi, Dr. Qazi Shakil Ahmed, Mr. Syed Asif Ali, Dr. (Mrs.) RAzia Afzal Niazi, Prof. Dr. Birjies Talat, Prof. Dr. FArkhunda Burke, Prof. Dr. Syed Jamil Hasan Kazmi, Prof. Dr. Khalida Mahmood and the current Chairperson Prof. Dr. FArkhunda Burke who have earnestly and painstakingly taken the department from its inception to the status of a glittering diamond. The department has been fortunate to be served by eminent, internationally reputed geographers and faculty including the uncoming, enthusiastic faculty members.

The department is housed in a two-storeyed building with lecture rooms, research laboratory, a well catalogued seminar liberary, staff rooms, girls’ common room etc. The Seminar Library containing more than 2000 books acquired by the department, through donations by retired teachers and ex-students, caters to the needs of more than 450 students. The Map Library containing about 3000 maps, ranging from topographical maps of various areas, maps of various cities and administrative maps of different scales; some aerial photographs and satellite imageries are available in the Department. The wall maps along the corridors pertaining to various regions of the world, and varying fields of geographic specialization give the department a geographic air. Satellite imageries of Pakistan and Karachi mounted on the elevations, express that maps are an essential tool of geography.

New perspectives in geography have evolved with the advent of Geographical Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS) and Computer Aided Design (CAD). The department boasts of a computer laboratory for hands on working of students. A fully computerized research laboratory has been inaugurated by the Dean Faculty of Science, Prof. Dr. Nusrat Jamil, to cater to the thirty two registered research scholars.

An ‘A’ class Meteorological Laboratory established in 2003, in the foreground of the department is located on the WMO map. Regular reading are regularly dispatched by Supporting Staff trained for this purpose. The Abdur Rauf Khan Museum of Pre-History, contains relics of pre-historic cultures of Pakistan, collected from an area extending to about 120 miles around Karachi. The material ranges from early Paleolithic age through Middle and upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic to Harappan Age. Vertebrate fossils of Miocene Age derived from Sindh Kohistan and coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan are on display in the museum.

To commemorate Celebration of Diamond Jubilee of Department of Geography University of Karachi, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.15/- denomination on November 19, 2012.

92nd Birth Anniversary of Hameed Naseem. Men of Letters. Pakistan (2012-21)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:49:11 PDT

92^Nd Birth Anniversary Of Hameed Naseem Commemorative Postage Stamp October 19, 2012:- Hameed Naseem was Mufasser-e-Quran, Poet, Writer, Critic, former Deputy DG Radio Pakistan, former Director of the PIA Arts Academy, an acclaimed broadcaster and was called “broadcaster” by critics and his contemporaries. He was born on 6^th October, 1920 at Shah Pur Kundi, District Gurdaspur. He was a prodigious learner and poet and started writing poetry at an early age in School days. He got opportunities to intermingle with poets and intellectuals like Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Dr. M.D. Taseer who were close friends of his father Abdul Aziz, known as Aziz Bitalvi, who had profound interest in poetry. He matriculated from M.B. High School Lahore and graduated from MAO College Amritsar. Later he moved to Lahore and did his M.A. Engilish from Islamia College Lahore where he was the leading poet, orator, and prose writer of the College and was especially known for his melodious voice (taranum) which always swayed the mushairas by its profound effect. During these days, he was a regular visitor of the famous Arab Hotel, which lay across the Islamia College Lahore and Nageena Bakery near Anarkali; both places were established rendezvous for the literati, poets, and scholars of the thirties and early forties and other intellectual community of Lahore. It was during this time that he received poetic inspiration and guidance from Sufi Tabassum and developed lifelong friendship with him as well Zia Jallandari, a leading poet and who regularly prodded poet inside him and motivated him for other research and literary endeavors.

His Tafseer-e-Quran, named, Ta’aruf Al Furqan, is composed of 5 volumes and provides in-depth and detailed commentary on Quran, with references to comparative religions. He wrote booklets, Aurat Islam Ki Nazar Main, for general readers to remove their some misconceptions about the role of woman in Islam and The Message of Islam, for the English speaking communities for better understanding of the basic Islamic concepts.

He was a promising poet of his times and his collection of poetry, Dood-e-Tahayar (The Smoke of Wonderment), is an important work of classical ghazal structures, and shows his confident grasp of the art of poetry writing which is guided by the rules of poetry and its rhetoric. His collections of poetry, Jast-e-Janoon, Gard-e-Malal, are also rated as valuable to Urdu literature. He was also a known critic who wrote critique on many poets and his book, Allama Iqbal Hemaray Azeem Shaaer, Panch Jadeed Shair, Kuch Aur Ahim Shair, introduction to Kuleeyat Shafeeq Fatima, are widely acclaimed among the literati circles. His book, “Allama Iqbal Hemaray Azeem Shaaer” was awarded Presidential Award posthumously on Iqbal Day in 2003 which was received by his widow, Nafisa Begum, and daughter, Seemin, from the President of Pakistan at the occasion of Iqbal Day in Lahore.

Notwithstanding his great contribution of producing 5-volumes’ of comparative religion commentary on Quran Hakeem, his autobiography Namumkin Ki Justajo, published in 1990, will remain his most memorable work and is still rated one of the best autobiographies in Urdu literature. This autobiography is unique in two ways – firstly, it is written in third person and secondly, it shows a picturesque kaleidoscope of cultural and literary life in Lahore and Amristar and in many parts of the world in those times, wherever he lives or visited, which have now vanished, and his contemporary personalities and events. It vividly portraits the days at MAO College Amristar, Islamia College Lahore, early days of Radio, and events of his colleagues like Meeraji, Noon Meem Rashid, Krishan Chander, greatest of them all, Prof. A.S. Bukhari, the first Indian to become Director of All-India Radio. Due to these peculiar characteristics of this autobiography, it has been called Ahad Nama by the critics.

Mr. Hameed Naseem also served as Director of the PIA Arts Academy in 1967 for few years and used his talents as a programme person in the promotion of Pakistan art and culture at international levels, mostly the destinations of the PIA at those times. At the twilight of his life and career, Mr. Hameed Naseem was researching and writing, Adbi Urdu Nasar, which could not be published due to his sudden death in 1998 and is still available with his heirs as a manuscript.

He was one of the pioneers and founders of Radio Pakistan after the creation of Pakistan. He started daily programme, Pakistan Hamara hay, from Radio Station Lahore which tried to inculcate national integration among the newly founded nation. He wrote many national songs (Qaumi Taranay) during the wars of 1965 and 1971 which were sung be eminent singers like Ustad Amanat Ali, Farida Khanum, Noor Jeha,. He had a long career in Radio Pakistan and was widely respected as a famous broadcaster and many posthumously remember his reputation as broadcasters’ broadcaster. He also served at BBC in London for few years on deputation but returned to Pakistan for love of the people and the country and declined all lucrative offers of staying at the BBC. The BBC remembered his contributions by placing a floral commemorative wreath on his grave after his death. He strated the programme, Roshni, and Quran-i-Hakeem aur Hamari Zindigi and conducted the programme himself for years in his typical broadcaster’s voice. This religious programme was so much popular among the listeners that it was broadcasted for decades till recent years. He was also founder of the Radio Station Hyderabad and appointed its first Station Director. Hameed Naseem retired as Deputy Director General but kept serving the Radio Pakistan as Advisor on Religious Affairs till the time of his death, and even performed his duties on the last day of his life, 28^th September 1998.

His death was widely mourned in the literary circles, Radio Pakistan, PTV, and the electronic media relayed news and the print media published news reports as well as special features. Many famous poets and writers wrote obituaries in the national dailies and Literary Magazines, acknowledging his contributions for the Urdu literature, religion and Radio Pakistan. Hameed Naseem will always be remembered for his valuable contributions to Urdu literature, Poetry, history of Pakistan, and most importantly expounding our great religion.

On 92^nd Birth Anniversary of Hameed Naseem, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/- denomination on October 19, 2012.

INTERNATIONAL STAMPS EXHIBITION: "SHARJAH2012"

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 02:33:21 PST

Report by:- Mohammad Akram Naeem

The Emirates Philatelic Association organized the 28th FIAP Asian International Stamp Exhibition (Sharjah 2012). The Exhibition was held at the "Mega Mall" a famous shopping centre of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It was a 6-day exhibition including all FIP/FIAP classes, held from 20-25 November. The Exhibition was endorsed by Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP) at their executive committee meeting held on 27 April 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, carried with the FIAP Patronage.

Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Corporation, has opened this 28th Asian International Stamp Exhibition (Sharjah 2012), hosted by the Emirates Philatelic Association (EPA) at Mega Mall Sharjah.The President of FIAP Surajit Gongvatana also attended the event together with Michael Ho, the FIAP Co-ordinator.

About 24 countries participated in this big event, including Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China(PRC), China(ROC), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and United Arab Emirates. The exhibits were dispalyed at 4 different points, with different catagories, in the MEGA Mall shopping centre, consisting of 800 Frames. UAE was on top with more than 85 Frames and Pakistan was one of the top 5 Exhibiting countries with 56 Frames. All the Exhibits with 5 Frames from Pakistan won the medals from Bronze Silver to Large Vermeil. The Large Vermeils went to Iqbal Nanji & Sultan Mahmud and Saleha Batool in Youthy class with a special prize. Hereunder is the list of Exhibits from Pakistan with marks and medals:

Muhammad Arif Balghamwala	Saudi Arabia 1865-1937	81- V
Adnan Hussain Nanji	Saudi Arabia: Hejaz & Nejd 1916-25	79- LS
Mohammad Jamil Ahmed	Pakistan:The State Of Bahawalpur(1933-48)	78- LS
Sultan Mahmud	Pakistan: Bahawalpur State 1933-48	87- LS
Iqbal Nanji	India: Jammu & Kashmir 1878-94	88- LV
Mustafa Hasnain	Pakistan Overprint on Ordinary KGVI Nasik	78- LS
Afzal Hussain Nanji	Study on Pakistan Overprint (Service	79-LS
Imtiaz Ahmed Awan	G. B.:RED PENNY-Study of Platings	77- LS
Ghias Ahmad	Postal Stationery of British India 1856-1947	80- V
Mohammad Akram Naeem	Islamic Events & Holy Places	69- SB
Syeda Saleha Batool	Pakistan Pre-decimal Period 1947-49	89-LV+SP
Salman Qureshi	UAE:Local Surcharge(1965-6)Trucial States	68-

All the delegates of Jury & Commisioners, together with the Organizing Committee were taken for a Dubai city round, especially to Burj Al-Khalifa, the tallest building of the world, where we were taken to 124th floor, to view the city & it's towers from Top. The day was Friday, so upon reaching to CORP Hotel Dubai, the Muslims performed Friday Parayers in nearby Mosques. Later the Lunch with delicious Arabic & Continental dishes, was offered, following the Prize and Award distribution ceremony to Jury Team, Commisioners and the Organizing Personals. The awards to Jury Team was given by the Jury President Abdulla Khoory and the FIAP Co-ordinator Michael Ho.

Sharjah 2012 was a very good show. Our thanks must go to Abdulla Khoory, President of the Organizing Committee, and the other members of the Committee, especially Muhammad Javaid, Khalid al-Omaira and Hatim al-Attar, who performed their duties with full responsibility. The traditional Arab hospitality was overwhelming throughout the show. A lot of expected and unexpected visitors attended this show, and there was a good number of dealers as well. Moreover all the Post Offices from Gulf Region were present in the show, providing many new and old issues of their states including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arab & UAE. The famous agent of the Tnisia Post, Regaieg Rachid was also there, but did not offer any new issues of stamps. Many dealers from all around the world were part of the show, including many from Pakistan.

Wetlands Of Pakistan. The Arabian Sea Coral Reefs. (2012-20)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:45:55 PDT

GOLDEN JUBILEE AYUB BRIDGE 1962-2012 (2012- 13)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 07:40:16 PDT

L68- PAKISTAN 40TH ANNIVERSARY UNITED NATIONS UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME. (2012-12)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 07:29:21 PDT

L74c- Pakistan Karachi Stamp Exhibition 2012. (2012-14)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 07:22:26 PDT

EID CELEBRATION (2012-15)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 07:15:24 PDT

PAKISTAN WILDLIFE SERIES MIGRATORY BIRDS IN PAKISTAN (2012-19)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 07:03:23 PDT

30 Years of Sialkot chamber of Commerce & Industry. (2012-18)

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 06:54:06 PDT

paknetmag

Hong Kong, China - France Joint Issue on Art

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:55:22 PDT

Hongkong Post and France are jointly issuing a set of four stamps on art to showcase vintage paintings and contemporary sculptures from Hong Kong and France, reflecting their rich heritage in art.

The two paintings, both works from the 19th century, employ a similar colour scheme with realistic rendering and artists' materials originating from the West, while the two sculptures, created in the 20th century, were both inspired by animals. This marks the 12th joint stamp issue between Hongkong Post and other postal administrations. The stamp issue demonstrates the great passion for art that Hong Kong and France share and showcases the cultural treasures of the two places.

Monthly Universal Post for the month of May 2012 has been printed.

noreply@blogger.com (Wahid Zia) — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:35:58 PDT

Monthly Universal Post for the month of May 2012 has been printed. This magazine includes philatelic information. You will find here the information regarding new issue of Pakistan and World Wide. If you are interested to purchase this magazine kindly contact Malik Sadiq, Editor Monthly Universal Post. Email:universalpost@hotmail.com