President Zardari confers civil awards to eminent personalities

ISLAMABAD: A special investiture ceremony was held at the President House where civil awards were conferred on distinguished personalities from various fields, including journalism, public service, education, science, literature, sports and law enforcement, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the nation.

Senior journalist and Director North at BOL News Ihtasham-ul-Haq was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for his outstanding services in the field of journalism.

The late Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan was posthumously awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his notable contributions to democracy. His award was received by his son, Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmad Khan.

In recognition of exemplary courage and sacrifice, several police officers and personnel were awarded the Sitara-i-Shujaat. These include ASI Muhammad Akram Shaheed, Sub-Inspector Taj Mir Shah Shaheed, Constable Abdullah Shaheed, Constable Samandar Khan Shaheed, Constable Abdul Hamid Shaheed, Constable Zameel Badshah Shaheed, Constables Hafeezullah Shaheed, Muhammad Siraj Shaheed, and Muhammad Javed Shaheed.

In the energy sector, Awais Leghari was honored for successful reforms, while Advisor to the Privatisation Commission Muhammad Ali received recognition for his outstanding services.

In public administration, Moazzam Jah Annasari and mountaineer Shehroze Kashif were awarded Hilal-i-Imtiaz for their notable achievements.

Former cricket captain Shahid Afridi was also conferred the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for his services to sports.

Several other individuals, including police officers Waseem Khan and Jawad Qamar, were also honored with the Hilal-i-Shujaat for their meritorious services.

Posthumous awards of Hilal-i-Shujaat were also given to Constable Alamzeb Shaheed, Constable Muhammad Ejaz Shaheed, Sepoy Azhar Mahmood Shaheed, ASI Ejaz Khan Shaheed, Sepoy Shah Wali Khan Shaheed, and Sub-Inspector Laiq Zada Shaheed for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

In literature and public service, renowned writer Ata ul Haq Qasmi received the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, which was received on his behalf by his son Muhammad Yasir Pirzada. Similarly, the late Irfan Siddiqui was also awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, received by his son Imran Khawar Siddiqui.

Prominent scholars, engineers, scientists, and academics including Dr Amir Muhammad, Professor Ikram-ul-Haq, Asghar Nadeem Syed, Zahra Majid Ali, Engineer Jamal-ud-Din Ahmed, Mirza Rizwan Baig, and Muhammad Yousuf Khan were also conferred Hilal-i-Imtiaz for their services in their respective fields.

In the field of tourism and hospitality, Azizuddin Bolani was awarded Hilal-i-Imtiaz, while Senator Taj Haider (late) was also honored for public services.

Foreign dignitary Muhammad Ibrahim Muhammad Abdul Qadir from Bahrain was awarded the Sitara-i-Pakistan for his role in strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bahrain.

Several additional police and civil service personnel, including Javedullah Khan Mehsud, teacher Nawaz Ali Shaheed, Senator Hidayatullah Shaheed, Inspector Shariq Rizwan Shaheed, Naik Gulzar Ali Shaheed, and Sepoy Uzair Khan Shaheed, were also decorated with the Sitara-i-Shujaat for their bravery and services.

The ceremony highlighted the government’s recognition of individuals who have demonstrated excellence, sacrifice, and dedication in serving the nation across diverse sectors.