SALIENT FEATURES
Size of Stamp : 50.5 x 35 mm
Size of Print : 47 x 32 mm
Number of Stamps
in a sheet: 6 x 3 = 18 stamps
Perforation : 13 C.
Denomination : Rs. 30/-
Size of Souvenir Sheet : 105 x 72 mm
Denomination of Souvenir Sheet : Rs. 100/-
Colours : Special Color
Printing Technology : Lithography Offset
Paper : 100 GSM Water Mark Gummed Paper
Gum: PVA
Quantity Stamps : 0.2 Million (2 Lac)
Quantity of Souvenir Sheet : 25,000
Design : Supplied by the Customer
Printer : National Security Printing Company, Karachi.
The Markhor (Capra falconeri), the national animal of Pakistan, is a large wild goat species native to South Asia and Central Asia, mainly within Pakistan, India, the karakoram range, parts of Afghanistan, and the Himalayas. Since 2015 it has been classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Redlist. The word “Markhor” meaning “Snake-eater,” originates from Pashto and classical Persain languages, reflecting the ancient belief that the Markhor would hunt and eat snakes. This regional myth likely arises from the male Markhor’s horns, which twist and curl in a snake-like manner, leading ancient peoples to associate them with snakes. There are five sub-species of Markhor (Capra falconeri) namely Astor Markhor or AstorAstore Markhor (Capra falconeri), Bukharan Markhor (Capra falconeri heptneri), Kabul Markhor (Capra falconeri megaceros), Kahmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) and Suleiman Markhor (Capra falconeri jerdoni), often based on their horn configuration.
As true goats of the Himalayas, the Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) is the most spectacular among wild goats. Distinguished by its large body, long spiraling horns, thick fur, and a flowing beard and neck ruff. It is widely spread from Afghanistan to Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Indian occupied jammu and Kashmir. In Pakistan, Kashmir Markhor, around Chitral and the border areas with Afghanistan, inhabits a number of valleys along the Kunar River (District Chitral), from Arundu on the west bank and Drosh on the east bank, upto Shoghor along the Lutkho River, and as far as Barenis along the Mastuj River. In Dir district, the Markhor accurs along the upper Panjkora River, on the slopes of Ludak Sar and Mankial in Swat and in Indus Kohistan. Its isolated populations also occur in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the western extremity of the Kazinag Range.
The main predators of the Markhor include the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), snow leopard (Panthera uncial), Himalayan wolf (Canis lupus chance), and brown bear (Ursus arctos). Young Markhors are also preyed upon by the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Markhor have sharp eyesight and a strong sense of smell, which help them detect nearby predators. They are highly alert and aware of their surroundings, quickly spotting and feeling from threats in exposed areas.
Markhor in Pakistan faces numerous threats that jeopardi1e its survival Habitat loss due to d forestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development significantly reduces the areas where these wild goats can’t live and forage. Additionally, illegal hunting and poaching, driven by the high value of their distinctive spiraled horns, have led to a dra tic decline in their population. Competition with domestic livestock for food and water resources further strains their already limited habitat. Climate change also poses a growing threat, altering the delicate balance of their mountainous ecosystems. These challenges collectively threatened the Kashmir Markhor, highlighting the regent need for comprehensive conservation efforts to protect and preserve this iconic species.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has officially declarE:d May 24th as the International Day of the Markhor, following a resolution sponsored by Pakistan and eight other countries. This significant move aims to promote global awareness and cooperation for the conservation of the Markhor. The resolution urges all stakeholders to prioritize efforts
to protect the Markhor and its natural habitat, recognizing its ecological importance and potential for enhancing regional economies through sustainable tourism and conservation initiatives.
On the occasion of declaration of International Day of the Markhor by the UN, a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs. 30/- denomination
and Souvenir Sheet (Value of Rs. 100/-) are being issued by Pakistan Post on 24th May 2024.
TERMS OF SALE
This Commemorative Postage Stamp will be available for sale from 24th May, 2024 at all important Post Offices in the country.
Overseas orders for Stamps, First Day Issue Covers and Leaflets should beaddressed to the Manager, Philatelic Bureau, Karachi GPO or Manager,National Philatelic Bureau, Islamabad GPO, accompanied by a Bank Draft or Crossed Cheque encashable in Pakistan.
Issued by
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL, PAKISTAN POST, ISLAMABAD.
