KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor, Tariq Bajwa and the German ambassador to Pakistan, Martin Kobler unveiled a Rs 50 commemorative coin in recognition of the meritorious services rendered by Dr Ruth Katherina Martha Pfau at the SBP Headquarters here.
The SBP with the federal government’s approval has issued a commemorative coin of Rupees 50 which will be available for public issuance across the country through SBP Banking Service Corporation offices from May 9, 2018.
Dr Pfau was an emblem of devotion, commitment and service to Pakistan. Her untiring efforts brought leprosy under control and Pakistan became the first country in Asia to earn this status. Her contribution to society was gratefully acknowledged by the people and state during her lifetime. She was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Nishan-e-Quaid-e-Azam and Hilal-e-Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion the SBP governor that Dr Pfau dedicated her life for the amelioration of lepers’ lot in Pakistan. “With her efforts, Pakistan became the first country in the region to control the disease”, said the Governor adding, “No amount of awards and recognition can repay her extraordinary services to the country”.
He further added that issuing a commemorative coin is something of a unique nature which in the past have been done only for great people like Quaid-e-Azam, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Fatima Jinnah, and Abdul Sattar Edhi.
Martin Kobler in his speech thanked the SBP and the government of Pakistan for recognising Dr Pfau’s services to the country. He said that she was a real ambassador of Germany and a real source of connection between the two countries.
The ceremony was attended by Rainer Schmiedchen, Counsul General of Germany in Karachi and CEO Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre Karachi, Mervyn F. Lobo among other dignitaries.
The metal composition, shape, dimension and design of Rs.50 commemorative coin are as under:
Metal composition: Cupro-Nickel, Copper 75% & Nickel 25%
Dimension: 30.0 mm
Weight: 13.5 grams
OBVERSE:
The waxing crescent moon and five-pointed star facing North West in rising position are in the centre. The periphery on the top of the crescent star is inscribed in the wording “ISLAMI JAMHORIA PAKISTAN” in Urdu script. Below the crescent and at the top of two springs of wheat with arms curved upward, there is the year of issuance. The face value of the coin in numeral “50” in bold letters and “RUPIA” in Urdu script are written on the right and left sides of the crescent star respectively.
REVERSE:
There is a side portrait of Dr Ruth Pfau in the centre. The wording “ Dr Ruth Pfau” is inscribed above the portrait. The lifespan 1929-2017 is inscribed along with the periphery and below the portrait.
