ISLAMABAD, JUN 10: Pakistan Post has released three commemorative postage stamps along with a special souvenir sheet to honor Pakistan’s renowned traditional handicraft, Blue Pottery, in connection with World Handicrafts Day.

The initiative highlights the country’s rich artistic heritage and paid glowing tribute to the generations of artisans who have preserved this centuries-old craft, said a press release on Wednesday.

The launch ceremony was jointly presided over by Secretary Ministry of Communications Ali Sher Mehsud and former Federal Secretary Captain (Retd) Usman Ali Isani. Senior government officials and representatives of

Pakistan Post also attended the event.

Pakistan Post unveils special blue pottery stamp series to celebrate cultural heritage

The commemorative released celebrates the glorious tradition of Blue Pottery, a distinctive art form known for its vibrant blue hues, intricate floral motifs, and exceptional craftsmanship. Associated with the historic city of Multan, Blue Pottery reflected a rich cultural legacy spanning century and remained an enduring symbol of Pakistan’s artistic identity.

Addressing the ceremony, Secretary Ministry of Communications Ali Sher Mehsud emphasized the importance of safeguarding and promoting Pakistan’s traditional handicrafts and cultural heritage. He praised Pakistan Post for its continued efforts to showcase the nation’s history, art, and culture through commemorative stamps and philatelic initiatives.

Usman Ali Isani commended Pakistan Post for recognizing the contributions of artists and craftsmen through the special stamp series. He noted that handicrafts embody the creativity, history, and identity of a nation and stressed the need to preserve these traditions for future generations.

Director General Pakistan Post Squadron Leader Maqsood Ahmed said the issuance of the commemorative stamps reflects Pakistan Post’s commitment in promoting the country’s diverse cultural heritage. He paid tribute to the skilled craftsmen whose dedication and expertise have kept the tradition of Blue Pottery alive over the years.

The commemorative set comprised three stamps and a souvenir sheet specifically designed to showcase the elegance and artistic grandeur of Blue Pottery. The stamps were designed by Abu Ubaidah Ayaz, Pakistan’s youngest stamp designer, whose innovative artwork blends traditional motifs with contemporary aesthetics to introduce this ancient craft to a broader audience.

Pakistan Post unveils special blue pottery stamp series to celebrate cultural heritage

In addition to the stamps and souvenir sheet, Pakistan Post has also released a special First Day Cover, an informational philatelic booklet, and commemorative cancellation stamps to mark the occasion.

Speakers at the ceremony underscored that the philatelic issue serves not only as a tribute to Pakistan’s master artisans but also as an important tool for raising awareness about the preservation of traditional arts and crafts.

They noted that the initiative would help to promote Pakistan’s cultural heritage both nationally and internationally.

The commemorative stamps, souvenir sheets, and related philatelic materials are now available at selected post offices and philatelic bureaus across the country.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment for preserving and promoting Pakistan’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, ensuring that these treasured traditions continue to be passed on to future generations through philately and public engagement.

DNA

Islamabad, 10 Jun: The Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South America, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, in collaboration with the International Institute for Regional and International Studies (IIRIS), successfully organized the launch and discussion of the book Renaissance Africa: A Continent’s Rise, A World of Opportunity, authored by Ambassador Ahmed Ali Sirohey and Dr. Shahbaz Ali Malik.

The event brought together diplomats, academics, policymakers, business leaders, researchers, students, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss Africa’s growing role in the global political and economic landscape and explore opportunities for enhanced Pakistan-Africa engagement.

The program commenced with opening remarks and an introduction to the book launch, followed by a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Vice Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University, and Islamabad. In his address, he welcomed distinguished diplomats, scholars, policymakers, business leaders, and friends of Africa, emphasizing that Africa is emerging as a continent of immense potential, youthful energy, innovation, and opportunity. He noted that as global attention increasingly turns toward Africa’s economic and strategic significance, the book provides valuable insights into the partnerships, investments, and diplomatic engagement that will shape the continent’s future.

Ambassador Ahmed Ali Sirohey, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the book. He highlighted the key themes, chapters, and findings of the publication, explaining how Africa’s political, economic, and social transformation is creating new opportunities for regional and global cooperation. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s engagement with African countries under the broader framework of South-South cooperation.

The book was reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts. Ms. Almas Ayub Sabir, CEO of AIMS Education System, appreciated the book’s contribution to understanding Africa’s emerging opportunities and its relevance for policymakers, researchers, and investors. Dr. Munawar Hussain, Associate Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, provided an academic assessment of the work, highlighting its analytical depth and policy relevance. Ambassador K.K. Ahsan Wagan, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, commended the authors for presenting a comprehensive and timely study of Africa’s rise and its growing significance in international affairs.

An engaging interactive discussion and question-and-answer session followed, during which participants exchanged views on Africa’s development trajectory, geopolitical importance, investment potential, and opportunities for Pakistan-Africa cooperation in trade, education, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.

The event was attended by several distinguished diplomats, including Mr. Rehmat Hindiarta from the Embassy of Indonesia in Islamabad, Ambassador Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, High Commissioner of Mauritius to Pakistan, Lt. Col. Shyaka Kajugiro Ismail, Defence Attaché at the High Commission of Rwanda, and Mr. Zdenek Koudelka, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Czech Republic. Ambassador Munsoo Kurrimbaccus shared his perspectives on Africa’s development and highlighted the importance of strengthening Pakistan-Mauritius relations through enhanced cooperation in trade, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

The gathering also witnessed the participation of diplomats, academia, scholars, bureaucrats, Foreign Office officials, business professionals, and students, reflecting the growing interest in Africa’s emergence as a major global actor.

On behalf of IIRIS, Shafqat Rasool, President of IIRIS, welcomed all distinguished guests and participants and expressed appreciation for their valuable contributions to the discussion. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Noman Sattar, former Director of the Area Study Centre, on behalf of Dr. Raja Qaiser Ahmed, Director of the Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South America, Quaid-i-Azam University. He thanked the authors, speakers, diplomats, participants, and organizers for making the event a success.

The ceremony concluded with a group photograph and networking session, providing participants with an opportunity to strengthen academic, diplomatic, and professional linkages while exploring future avenues for collaboration between Pakistan and African countries.

ISLAMABAD, JUN 10: Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday informed the Senate that the government had disbursed Rs5.4 billion so far under a targeted fuel subsidy programme besides providing Rs4.61 billion support to small farmers in view of rising international fuel prices.

Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz about the recent increase in prices of petroleum products and its impact on costs of industrial productions and national economy, the minister said the government announced the relief package after tensions in the Middle East led to an increase in global oil prices.

He said an overall subsidy of Rs129 billion was provided to reduce the burden on the public.
Aurangzeb said the government initially offered a general subsidy but later shifted to a targeted programme so that relief could reach motorcycle owners, public transport users, transport operators and small farmers.

He said around 800,000 motorcycle owners had benefited from the scheme, while financial assistance ranging from Rs35,000 to Rs100,000 was provided to passenger and goods transport vehicles.

The minister said Rs3.5 billion had been distributed among more than 105,000 eligible vehicle owners in the first phase, while another Rs1.9 billion had been disbursed among over 65,000 beneficiaries in the second phase through a transparent verification system based on vehicle registration data.

He said the programme was implemented with the cooperation of provincial governments to ensure that relief reached deserving people and to help keep transport fares under control.

Aurangzeb said the government would continue efforts to protect low-income groups from the impact of higher fuel prices while maintaining economic stability. He said that further details about the economy would be shared during the presentation of the Economic Survey and the federal budget.