esident Zardari confers civil awards on Pakistani and foreign personalities
By Sardar Burhan :
President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday conferred Pakistan’s highest civil awards on a wide range of Pakistani and foreign personalities in recognition of their services in fields including politics, journalism, literature, education, sports, public service and national security.
The investiture ceremony was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr and attended by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, federal ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, members of civil society and senior officials.
The awards were presented to individuals who have made contributions in sectors such as healthcare, research, diplomacy, economy, public administration and the arts, while several honours were also awarded posthumously to security personnel and civilians who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Among the highest honours announced was the Nishan-e-Imtiaz awarded posthumously to veteran politician Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan in recognition of his longstanding political services and role in Pakistan’s democratic movements. Senator and columnist Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui also received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
Renowned writer and humourist Atta ul Haq Qasmi was conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, while former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his services to sports.
Several political and public figures were also honoured, including Awais Leghari, who received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, and the late Senator Taj Haider, who was awarded the Sitara-e-Pakistan posthumously.
Young Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif, known for climbing some of the world’s highest peaks at a young age, was also among the recipients of the Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
A large number of military personnel, police officers and civilians received gallantry awards, many of them posthumously, in recognition of sacrifices made during counterterrorism operations and security duties across the country.
Among those awarded the Sitara-e-Shujaat posthumously was Liaqat Ali Shaheed, who recently lost his life while attempting to stop a suicide bomber near Kohat. Several police officials and soldiers killed during militant attacks and security operations were also honoured for bravery.
The ceremony included awards for senior bureaucrats, medical professionals, academics, artists and business leaders. Secretary Interior Captain (retd) Muhammad Agha, businessman Hamza Tabani and artist Hamra Abbas were among those receiving the Sitara-e-Imtiaz.
The Pride of Performance award was presented to Rashid Waheed Khawaja and Zahid Ahmed for contributions in their respective fields, while several doctors, academics and public servants received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.
Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon was among senior officials honoured during the ceremony, alongside professionals from healthcare, education and public administration sectors.
The annual civil awards are among Pakistan’s highest state honours and are conferred on citizens and foreign nationals for exceptional achievements and distinguished services to the country. The ceremony traditionally recognises contributions across diverse sectors while also paying tribute to members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies who lost their lives in the line of duty.
About Author
