The ongoing War on Terror has had its many socio-politico-economical effects on Pakistan. While the already fragile economy is under severe economic crises due to increased expenditures to meet the expenses of the war, the exodus of the poor people of the areas under the threatened and war areas have added another dimension to the crises. Perhaps the largest movement of over 2.5 million IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) has never been witnessed before in the history of mankind.
While the government met the expenditures of providing temporary shelters to these war torn people in various cities of the country, the people also came forward and helped the IDPs materially, morally, and economically. Some of the cities of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) – the frontline province engaged in the war on terror, that helped the IDPs included the districts of Charsadda, Mardan, Noweshera, Peshawar and Swabi. Acknowledging the help and sacrifice rendered by the people of these districts, the government has awarded “Hilal-e-Eisar” (the Flag of Sacrifice) to these five districts. The award of the Hilal-e-Eisar flags is symbolic of the fact that Pakistan would never bow to inhuman acts of militants. Pakistan is paying a heavy price in the war against terror, but that it is essential for the country’s survival.
The Pakistan Post, on 22 February 2010, has issued commemorative stamps of Rs. 5 each showing important buildings/places of these five districts with Pakistani flag in front with inscription of the word “Hilai-e-Eisar” inscribed in Urdu on the white portion of the national flag. The buildings shown in the background include the sugar mills of Charsada, the ruins of Takht-Bhai of Mardan, the War memorial of Noweshera, the Islamia College of Peshawar and the Swabi Judicial Complex.
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