Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Who’s Who
Quid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah (1876–1948)
(Politician and the founder of Pakistan)
(Politician and the founder of Pakistan)
 | Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah was born at Karachi on December 25, 1876. He was a lawyer and politician who fought for the cause of India's independence from Britain, then moved on to found a Muslim state in Pakistan in 1947. Jinnah entered politics in India in 1905 and by 1917 his charisma and diplomacy had made him a national leader and the most visible supporter of Hindu-Muslim unity. His strong belief in gradual and peaceful change was in contrast to the civil disobedience strategies of Mohandas Gandhi, and in the '30s Jinnah broke from the Indian National Congress to focus on an independent Muslim state. In 1940 he demanded a separate nation in Pakistan and by 1947 he managed to get it from the British and India. Through civil wars, a rotten economy and millions of displaced refugees, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah ("the great leader") pretty much built a country from scratch. |
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Sir Alama Mohammad Iqbal (1877–1938)
Sir Alama Mohammad Iqbal (1877–1938)
Poet, philosopher, and political leader
 | Allama Iqbal was born at Silkot on November 9, 1877 and studied at Government College, Lahore, Cambridge, and the Univ. of Munich, and then he taught philosophy at Government College and practiced law. He was elected (1927) to the Punjab provincial legislature and served (1930) as president of the Muslim League. A staunch advocate of Indian nationalism, he became a supporter of an independent homeland for India's Muslims and he is regarded as the spiritual founder of Pakistan. Iqbal was the foremost Muslim thinker of his period, and in his many volumes of poetry (written in Urdu and Persian) and essays, he urged a regeneration of Islam through the love of God and the active development of the self. He was a firm believer in freedom and the creative force that freedom can exert on men. He was knighted in 1922. His works include The Secrets of the Self (1915, tr. 1940), and Javid-nama (1934, tr. 1966) |
Government Structure
President:
Pakistan's independence was won through a democratic and constitutional struggle. Although the country's record with parliamentary democracy has been mixed, Pakistan, after lapses, has returned to this form of government. The constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 provides for a federal parliamentary system with a president as head of state and a popularly elected prime minister as head of government.The president, in keeping with the constitutional provision that the state religion is Islam, must be a Muslim. Elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of members of the Senate and National Assembly and members of the provincial assemblies, the president is eligible for reelection. But no individual may hold the office for more than two consecutive terms. The president may resign or be impeached and may be removed from office for incapacity or gross misconduct by a two-thirds vote of the members of the parliament. The president generally acts on the advice of the prime minister but has important residual powers. One of the most important--a legacy of Zia--is contained in the Eighth Amendment, which gives the president the power to dissolve the National Assembly "in his discretion where, in his opinion . . . a situation has arisen in which the Government of the Federation cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and an appeal to the electorate is necessary."
Parliament and Federal Government:The bicameral federal legislature is the Majlis-i-Shoora (Council of Advisers), consisting of the Senate (upper house) and National Assembly (lower house). Members of the National Assembly are elected by universal adult suffrage (over eighteen years of age in Pakistan). Seats are allocated to each of the four provinces, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and Islamabad Capital Territory on the basis of population. National Assembly members serve for the parliamentary term, which is five years, unless they die or resign sooner, or unless the National Assembly is dissolved. Although the vast majority of the members are Muslim, about 5 percent of the seats are reserved for minorities, including Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs. Elections for minority seats are held on the basis of joint electorates at the same time as the polls for Muslim seats during the general elections.
The prime minister is appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly. The prime minister is assisted by the Federal Cabinet, a council of ministers whose members are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister. The Federal Cabinet comprises the ministers, ministers of state, and advisers.
The Senate is a permanent legislative body with equal representation from each of the four provinces, elected by the members of their respective provincial assemblies. There are representatives from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and from Islamabad Capital Territory. The chairman of the Senate, under the constitution, is next in line to act as president should the office become vacant and until such time as a new president can be formally elected. Both the Senate and the National Assembly can initiate and pass legislation except for finance bills. Only the National Assembly can approve the federal budget and all finance bills. In the case of other bills, the president may prevent passage unless the legislature in joint sitting overrules the president by a majority of members of both houses present and voting.
Other offices and bodies having important roles in the federal structure include the attorney general, the auditor general, the Federal Land Commission, the Federal Public Service Commission, Election Commission of Pakistan, and the Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman).
Provincial Governments:Pakistan's four provinces enjoy considerable autonomy. Each province has a governor, a Council of Ministers headed by a chief minister appointed by the governor, and a provincial assembly. Members of the provincial assemblies are elected by universal adult suffrage. Provincial assemblies also have reserved seats for minorities. Although there is a well-defined division of responsibilities between federal and provincial governments, there are some functions on which both can make laws and establish departments for their execution. Most of the services in areas such as health, education, agriculture, and roads, for example, are provided by the provincial governments. Although the federal government can also legislate in these areas, it only makes national policy and handles international aspects of those services.
Judiciary:The judiciary includes the Supreme Court, provincial high courts, and other lesser courts exercising civil and criminal jurisdiction. The chief justice of the Supreme Court is appointed by the president; the other Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president after consultation with the chief justice. The chief justice and judges of the Supreme Court may remain in office until age sixty-five. The Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction. Judges of the provincial high courts are appointed by the president after consultation with the chief justice of the Supreme Court, as well as the governor of the province and the chief justice of the high court to which the appointment is being made. High courts have original and appellate jurisdiction.
There is also a Federal Shariat Court consisting of eight Muslim judges, including a chief justice appointed by the president. Three of the judges are ulama, that is, Islamic Scholars, and are well versed in Islamic law. The Federal Shariat Court has original and appellate jurisdiction. This court decides whether any law is repugnant to the injunctions of Islam. When a law is deemed repugnant to Islam, the president, in the case of a federal law, or the governor, in the case of a provincial law, is charged with taking steps to bring the law into conformity with the injunctions of Islam. The court also hears appeals from decisions of criminal courts under laws relating to the enforcement of hudood laws that is, laws pertaining to such offences as intoxication, theft, and unlawful sexual intercourse.
In addition, there are special courts and tribunals to deal with specific kinds of cases, such as drug courts, commercial courts, labor courts, traffic courts, an insurance appellate tribunal, an income tax appellate tribunal, and special courts for bank offences. There are also special courts to try terrorists. Appeals from special courts go to high courts except for labor and traffic courts, which have their own forums for appeal. Appeals from the tribunals go to the Supreme Court.
A further feature of the judicial system is the office of Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman), which is provided for in the constitution. The office of Mohtasib was established in many early Muslim states to ensure that no wrongs were done to citizens. Appointed by the president, the Mohtasib holds office for four years; the term cannot be extended or renewed. The Mohtasib's purpose is to institutionalize a system for enforcing administrative accountability, through investigating and rectifying any injustice done to a person through maladministration by a federal agency or a federal government official. The Mohtasib is empowered to award compensation to those who have suffered loss or damage as a result of maladministration. Excluded from jurisdiction, however, are personal grievances or service matters of a public servant as well as matters relating to foreign affairs, national defense, and the armed services. This institution is designed to bridge the gap between administrator and citizen, to improve administrative processes and procedures, and to help curb misuse of discretionary powers.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Ministries/Divisions/Organisations
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pakistan International Airline (PIA)
Birth of a Nation, Birth of an Airline:
Air transport has probably never been more important to the development of a new nation than in the case of Pakistan. In June 1946, when Pakistan was still in the offing, Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of the upcoming nation, instructed Mr. M.A. Ispahani, a leading industrialist, to set up a national airline, on a priority basis. With his singular vision and foresight, Mr. Jinnah realized that with the formation of the two wings of Pakistan, separated by 1100 miles, a swift and efficient mode of transport was imperative.
Orient Airways Takes to the Skies:
On 23rd October 1946, a new airline was born. Initially registered as a pilot project in Calcutta, Orient Airways Ltd. had at its helm Mr. M.A. Ispahani as Chairman and Air Vice Marshal O.K. Carter as General Manager. The new carrier's base remained in Calcutta and an operating license was obtained in May 1947.
Four Douglas DC-3s were purchased from Tempo of Texas in February 1947 and operations commenced on 4th June 1947. The designated route for Orient Airways was Calcutta-Akyab-Rangoon, which also happened to be the first post-war international sector to be flown by an airline registered in India. Within two months of Orient Airways' operational beginnings, Pakistan was born. The birth of a new nation generated one of the largest transfers of population in the history of mankind.
Orient Airways, along with the help of BOAC aircraft which had been chartered by the Government of Pakistan, started relief operations and transportation of people between Delhi and Karachi, the two capitals. Subsequently, Orient Airways transferred its base to Pakistan and established a vital link between Karachi and Dacca, the two capitals of the two wings of Pakistan. With a skeleton fleet of just two DC-3s, three crew members, and twelve mechanics, Orient Airways launched its scheduled operations in a fairy-tale manner. The initial routes were Karachi-Lahore-Peshawar, Karachi-Quetta-Lahore and Karachi-Delhi Calcutta-Dacca. By the end of 1949, Orient Airways had acquired 10 DC-3s and 3 Convair 240s which were operated on these routes. In 1950, it had become increasingly apparent that additional capacity would have to be inducted to cater to the growing needs of the sub-continent.
A New National Flag Carrier for Pakistan:
Orient Airways was a privately owned company, with limited capital and resources. It could not be expected to grow and expand independently. It was then that the Government of Pakistan decided to form a state-owned airline and invited Orient Airways to merge with it. The outcome of the merger was the birth of a new airline, through PIAC Ordinance 1955 on January 10, 1955.
In addition to transport activities, Orient Airways had established the nucleus of overhaul and maintenance facilities and acquired trained pilots, engineers and technicians, measures which proved to be a great asset for PIA during its teething phase.
PIA’s First International Service:
The year 1955 also marked the inauguration of the fledgling airline's first scheduled international service - to the glittering, glitzy capital city of London, via Cairo and Rome. Initially, there was much criticism, as the public could not comprehend or justify the need to operate an international route when, in their opinion, other projects vital for a developing country should have been given a higher priority. However, PIA's focus was, and continues to be, to serve the Pakistani community at large. The provision of transportation to expatriates has remained one of the foremost priorities of the national airline. Moreover, PIA earned substantial foreign exchange through international services, which it invested in the purchase of aircraft and spare parts, as fleet expansion was a grave necessity for the airline.
New Planes, New Directions, New Management:
In 1956, orders were placed for two Super Constellations and five Viscounts which were to be delivered in 1959. At this juncture, PIA possessed a small fleet which comprised of Convairs, Viscounts, Super Constellations and DC-3s.
While Mr. M.A. Ispahani was the first Chairman of the new dynamic airline; it was the first Managing Director of PIA, Mr. Zafar-ul-Ahsan, who in his 4 year tenure, got the ball truly rolling and set the shape of things to come. The PIA Head Office building at Karachi Airport, which houses all the major departments of the airline, was the brain-child of Mr. Zafar-ul- Ahsan. In fact, on his departure from the airline, the employees presented him with a silver replica of the building with the caption, "The House You Built".
In 1959, the Government of Pakistan appointed Air Commodore Nur Khan as the Managing Director of PIA. With his visionary leadership, PIA 'took off' and within a short span of 6 years, gained the stature and status of one of the world's frontline carriers. In aviation circles, this period has often been referred to as the "golden years of PIA".
Development, expansion, and growth were keywords that the new management was committed to. In March 1960, PIA launched its first Boeing 707 jet service on the London-Karachi-Dacca, route which later proved to be very successful. This trail-blazing accomplishment resulted in PIA becoming the first Asian Airline to operate a jet aircraft, setting trends for the future. In 1961, the airline took on the mammoth task of initiating a cross-Atlantic service from Karachi to New York. By this time, PIA had placed orders for more new aircraft, which included Fokker F-27s, Boeing 720Bs and Sikorsky helicopters. Helicopter services in East Pakistan had gained momentum by 1962 and expanded to include Sylhet, Chittagong, Dacca, Comilla and Ishurdi. PIA's helicopter services carried over 70,000 passengers during the first year of operation. At the time, it was regarded as a stellar operation, equal to any other in the world. Unfortunately, due to two mishaps, the service was discontinued in 1966.
Historic Firsts and Unbroken Records:
In 1962, finding the upper winds forecast favorable, PIA set out to break the record for the fastest flight between London and Karachi. With representatives of FAI (Federation Aeronautique International) on board to monitor the official timings, PIA completed the flight in 6 hours, 43 minutes, 51 seconds, a record which remains unbroken to this day.
In 1964, PIA achieved another historic first, regarded as a major milestones in the chequered history of the airline. On 29th April, 1964, with a Boeing 720B, PIA earned the distinction of becoming the first airline from a non-communist country to fly into the People’s Republic of China. PIA's first service to China was from Karachi to Shanghai via Canton. In 1964-65, PIA expanded its fleet further with the addition of a fourth Boeing 720B and two Fokker F-27s. Serious development had become a reality and the PIA team continued to move ahead with ambitious plans and goals for the national flag carrier.
A collective pride and a joyous buoyancy was pervasive within the PIA family. Riding high on the crest of success, PIA became a household name in Pakistan in the mid sixties. The war between India and Pakistan, during 1965, further tested the national airline. PIA played a major role in providing logistical support to the Armed Forces by operating special flights using Boeings, Super Constellations, and Viscounts. The Founder of the Nation, Mr. Jinnah had predicted that the Pakistan Airforce would need the support of a civil airline in special circumstances, and this came into evidence during the war.
In 1966, a system of feeder services linking eight new points in West Pakistan was introduced. By this time, the airline's Viscounts were proving inadequate owing to traffic growth, and had to be replaced by Tridents. The airline continued up the growth curve, receiving two Fokker F-27s, two Boeing 707s and one Trident in the following year.
Style, Glamour, and Charisma:
Around this time, the airline saw a change in the top slot. Air Vice Marshal, Asghar Khan took over the reigns of PIA for a tenure of 3 years. A number of highpoints are attributed to this period. The most colourful, if not the most significant, occurrence for PIA was the introduction of a new air-hostesses' uniform designed by none other than the renowned French designer, Pierre Cardin. Taking the aviation world by storm, this move, more than any other single factor, imprinted PIA's name on the international market. The uniforms were an instant hit, both at home and abroad.
Safety Management System at PIA:
PIA is the first airline to get certified (initial certification) on Safety Management System (SMS) by Civil Aviation Authority CAA - Pakistan. CAA Air Navigation Order (ANO 91.0032 issued in September 2008) binds all airlines operating in Pakistan to have SMS. Well before the issuance of this ANO, PIA initiated SMS awareness and implementation in July 2008. PIA awarded initial certification on SMS in 27th February 2009 by CAA.
The Pursuit of Excellence Through Technology and Quality Control:
Not content with a number of historic firsts under its belt, PIA made history yet again, by installing Pakistan's first computer, an IBM1401, in 1967. PIA's first Engine Overhaul Shop, located near the Head Office building, was also completed and commissioned around this time. The Ground Training School (GTS) now known as the PIA Training Centre, was first conceived and developed during 1961-62. Interestingly, training was initially imparted in the T-shaped building which has now become the PIA Dispensary, close to the Head Office building.
Besides visible development and growth in traffic and revenues in the sixties, PIA added additional destinations, new equipment, and cutting-edge technology to support its ever expanding operations. A new Jet Hangar for Boeings with a supporting airframe overhaul shop was completed and commissioned in 1968.
In 1970, PIA set up its own Flight Kitchen in Karachi, which caters, even today, to the national airline as well as other carriers. Over the years, with the airline's expansion and increased capacity, the need for a second Flight Kitchen became imperative.
Ushering In a New Era of Growth and Development:
PIA heralded the nineties by donning a bright new corporate identity. Old-timers may remember the flutter that the earlier green and gold livery had created when it was first introduced in 1974. However, in keeping with the changing times, PIA introduced a smart, sporty 90's look. The familiar PIA green was reinforced with moss green and pale blue stripes were incorporated into the new corporate identity. The stripes, a universal symbol of sport, highlighted PIA's active participation and sponsorship of a diverse range of national games. PIA's players have always been at the forefront of Pakistani Cricket, Hockey, Squash, Football, Chess, Bridge, Polo and Table-Tennis teams. The nineties also saw the expansion of PIA's massive Haj and Umrah operations to Pakistan's smaller cities, in addition to the major cities of Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta and Karachi.
PIA's growth continues unabated and the airline now operates globally, covering the entire domestic landscape and international destinations spread over 4 continents.
Impressive statistics for a comparatively young airline? Since its inception in 1955, PIA hasConstitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Text of the Constitution of Pakistan
Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV)
Pakistan Television Corporation Limited Pakistan Television Corporation Limited
Pakistan Television Corporation Limited (PTV) is a public limited company. All its shares are held by Government of Pakistan. The decision to establish a general purpose television service with the participation of private capital and under the general supervision of the Government of Pakistan (GOP) was taken in October 1963. Subsequently the GOP signed an agreement with Nippon Electronic Company of Japan, allowing it to operate two pilot stations in Pakistan. The first of these stations went on air in Lahore on 26 November 1964. On the completion of the experimental phase, a private limited company, called Televsion Promoters Limited was set up in 1965 which was converted into a public limited company in 1967. Television centres were established in Karachi and Rawalpindi/Islamabad in 1967 and in Peshawar and Quetta in 1974. PTV satellite transmition is round the clock. The transmission include ETV and PTV News transmission.
Karachi Centre
The Karachi Centre commenced its transmission on November 2,1967 and was the first full-fledged station housed in its own building fully and properly equipped with better technical extensive equipment for production by electronic methods it has four main colour studios, including one designed and equipped for News.
The professional quality of its varied programme fare, be it music or drama has been of a top standard. The PTV-Karachi Centre along with four Re-broadcast Stations at Thana Bola Khan, Shikarpur, Noorpur and Thando Allahyar, connected to other RBSs in the country through Microwave link cover about 90% of the population. With the opening of PTV News, Pakistani programmes are now being viewed in other parts of the world via satellite.
PTV Lahore
PTV Lahore, pilot centre started in collaboration with N.H.K. Company in a very small studio known as Studio 'C' (with three Cameras, one Tape recorder, one 35mm Telecine, one 16mm Telecine and one Opaque Projector.) Studio 'C' was situated inside the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, Lahore area, was started on 26-"-1964 six days in a week (Monday off-day) in black & white with a very limited staff.
At that time, all Studio programmes were telecasted "LIVE" as no VTR Recording machines were available, which were made available in the year 1968.
Pilot TV Centre
A Pilot TV Centre was formally inaugurated on December 5, 1974 at 2-Fort Road, Peshawar. It was Black & White Production/Transmitting Centre consisting of Recording Studio and a Booth for News/Announcement.
On February 18, 1982 Main Color TV Centre was inaugurated at 58 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam with Two Production Studios,, One Announcement / News Studio, an Outdoor Broadcast Van & 07 Nos. of portable outdoor recording units for News/Current Affairs and Programmes.
PTV Quetta
PTV Quetta was established during 1974 in the abandoned Masonic Lodge, Quetta Cantt and was formally inaugurated on 26th November, 1974 (26th November, on the 10th anniversary of PTV in Pakistan, as the first PTV Centre was established in Lahore on 26th November, 1964 and later on too, most of the Centres were established on 26th November).
Main Project Of The Academy
The main project of the Academy was approved in 1981 with an estimated cost of Rs.33.9 million from the Government, whereas PTV had to contribute Rs. 9.7 million in the form of old/used equipment. Engineering Training Cell was established in 1978 to train PTV Engineers.
A similar cell was established for Production Training in 1984. Both these divisions had been working in rented buildings before moving to Academy’s building in 1988.
PTV News
PTV News, a new satellite channel was launched in the face of tough international competition. The objective of providing update news for 24 hours.
PTV National
The objective of the PTV National is providing different local News and as well as entertainment in all language different parts of the country.
AJK TV
AJK TV is Kashmiri Channel, providing different programs for local viewers, Kashmiri news and Gojri news.
PTV BOLAN
PTV GLOBAL
Every field in the world is passing through the process of globalization, likewise Pakistan Television has entered into global competition. PTV Global would provide entertainment and the latest news to Pakistanis working abroad.
Pakistan Television Corporation Limited (PTV) is a public limited company. All its shares are held by Government of Pakistan. The decision to establish a general purpose television service with the participation of private capital and under the general supervision of the Government of Pakistan (GOP) was taken in October 1963. Subsequently the GOP signed an agreement with Nippon Electronic Company of Japan, allowing it to operate two pilot stations in Pakistan. The first of these stations went on air in Lahore on 26 November 1964. On the completion of the experimental phase, a private limited company, called Televsion Promoters Limited was set up in 1965 which was converted into a public limited company in 1967. Television centres were established in Karachi and Rawalpindi/Islamabad in 1967 and in Peshawar and Quetta in 1974. PTV satellite transmition is round the clock. The transmission include ETV and PTV News transmission.
Karachi Centre
The Karachi Centre commenced its transmission on November 2,1967 and was the first full-fledged station housed in its own building fully and properly equipped with better technical extensive equipment for production by electronic methods it has four main colour studios, including one designed and equipped for News.
The professional quality of its varied programme fare, be it music or drama has been of a top standard. The PTV-Karachi Centre along with four Re-broadcast Stations at Thana Bola Khan, Shikarpur, Noorpur and Thando Allahyar, connected to other RBSs in the country through Microwave link cover about 90% of the population. With the opening of PTV News, Pakistani programmes are now being viewed in other parts of the world via satellite.
PTV Lahore
PTV Lahore, pilot centre started in collaboration with N.H.K. Company in a very small studio known as Studio 'C' (with three Cameras, one Tape recorder, one 35mm Telecine, one 16mm Telecine and one Opaque Projector.) Studio 'C' was situated inside the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, Lahore area, was started on 26-"-1964 six days in a week (Monday off-day) in black & white with a very limited staff.
At that time, all Studio programmes were telecasted "LIVE" as no VTR Recording machines were available, which were made available in the year 1968.
Pilot TV Centre
A Pilot TV Centre was formally inaugurated on December 5, 1974 at 2-Fort Road, Peshawar. It was Black & White Production/Transmitting Centre consisting of Recording Studio and a Booth for News/Announcement.
On February 18, 1982 Main Color TV Centre was inaugurated at 58 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam with Two Production Studios,, One Announcement / News Studio, an Outdoor Broadcast Van & 07 Nos. of portable outdoor recording units for News/Current Affairs and Programmes.
PTV Quetta
PTV Quetta was established during 1974 in the abandoned Masonic Lodge, Quetta Cantt and was formally inaugurated on 26th November, 1974 (26th November, on the 10th anniversary of PTV in Pakistan, as the first PTV Centre was established in Lahore on 26th November, 1964 and later on too, most of the Centres were established on 26th November).
Main Project Of The Academy
The main project of the Academy was approved in 1981 with an estimated cost of Rs.33.9 million from the Government, whereas PTV had to contribute Rs. 9.7 million in the form of old/used equipment. Engineering Training Cell was established in 1978 to train PTV Engineers.
A similar cell was established for Production Training in 1984. Both these divisions had been working in rented buildings before moving to Academy’s building in 1988.
PTV News PTV News, a new satellite channel was launched in the face of tough international competition. The objective of providing update news for 24 hours.
PTV National The objective of the PTV National is providing different local News and as well as entertainment in all language different parts of the country.
AJK TV AJK TV is Kashmiri Channel, providing different programs for local viewers, Kashmiri news and Gojri news.
PTV BOLAN PTV GLOBAL Every field in the world is passing through the process of globalization, likewise Pakistan Television has entered into global competition. PTV Global would provide entertainment and the latest news to Pakistanis working abroad.