Shafaqna Pakistan: A prestigious investiture ceremony honouring exceptional national service in various fields was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where President Asif Ali Zardari presented some of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards to distinguished figures from public service, sports, literature, democracy and national defence.
The ceremony in Islamabad was attended by senior officials, dignitaries and relatives of the recipients, as awards were conferred on individuals recognised for their contributions to the country in their respective domains.
Federal Minister Owais Leghari was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to reforms and initiatives in Pakistan’s energy sector.
Muhammad Ali, adviser on privatisation, also received the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in acknowledgement of his services to the energy sector and public service.
Former cricket captain Shahid Afridi was honoured with the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for his distinguished contribution to sports.
Renowned mountaineer Shehroze Kashif was also awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, with the award received by his mother on his behalf during the ceremony.
Several literary and political figures were recognised for their longstanding contributions to democracy, literature and public life.
Veteran politician Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan was posthumously awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his services to democracy in Pakistan.
Writer and broadcaster Ata ul Haq Qasmi received the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to literature, while late senator and columnist Irfan Siddiqui was awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for services in literature and public affairs.
Celebrated playwright and novelist Asghar Nadeem Syed was presented with the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for his services to literature.
The ceremony also paid tribute to members of Pakistan’s armed forces and police personnel for acts of courage and sacrifice in the line of duty.
Soldier Azhar Mahmood received the Hilal-i-Shujaat in recognition of extraordinary bravery. The same honour was posthumously awarded to soldier Shah Wali Khan for sacrificing his life in defence of the country.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Ijaz Khan, who was martyred in the line of duty, was also awarded the Hilal-i-Shujaat for his distinguished services.
Constable Alam Zeb received the same honour posthumously for sacrificing his life for the nation.
Constable Hafeezullah was recognised for his bravery in preventing terrorists from advancing during the attack on Police Lines Bannu, earning national recognition during the ceremony.
Source: Dunya News
