In a ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari bestowed Pakistan’s highest civil awards upon a diverse array of individuals, both Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals. The investiture ceremony, graced by ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and family members of the honorees, showcased a recognition of distinction, excellence, contributions, and valour across various fields.
Among the distinguished recipients of the Nishan–i-Imitiaz were the late Muhammad Hafeez Qureshi, honoured for his groundbreaking work in Nuclear Science, alongside luminaries such as Iftikhar Hussain Arif for Literature and Poetry, and Islahuddin Siddiqui for his outstanding contributions to Hockey. Notable figures like Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq, and Dr. Shamshad Akhtar were also recognised for their exemplary service to the public.
Similarly, recipients of the Hilal-i-Imitiaz included late Brigadier Syed Sarfraz Ali, acknowledged posthumously for his strategic planning and development expertise. The list further encompassed names such as Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig in Science, and Rahat Ali Khan for his exceptional prowess in Arts (Qawwali/Singing).
Furthermore, the ceremony saw the conferment of the prestigious Hilal-i-Quaid-e-Azam upon individuals like Sultan Bin Abdul Rehman and Samantha Power, highlighting their significant contributions and dedication to their respective fields.
The President also honoured gallant individuals with awards such as Sitara-i-Shujaat and Tamgha-i-Shujaat, recognising acts of bravery and sacrifice. Among them were Muhammad Aamir Naseem, Majid Saleem Malik, and Muhammad Usman, whose courageous actions stood as testaments to the spirit of heroism.
In addition to celebrating gallantry, the ceremony acknowledged excellence in various domains, with recipients of Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, including figures like Shama Hafeez and Dr. Muhammad Usman Akram, lauded for their significant contributions to their respective fields.
President Zardari also recognised individuals with President Pride of Performance, Sitara-i-Quaid-e-Azam, and Sitara-i-Pakistan awards, honouring their remarkable achievements and service to the nation.
The investiture ceremony not only served as a platform to commend excellence but also as a testament to the nation’s commitment to honouring individuals who have made invaluable contributions to society, underscoring the importance of recognising and celebrating excellence across diverse spheres of endeavour.
