President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan’s prestigious civil awards upon 69 distinguished personalities, including Pakistani nationals and foreign dignitaries, in recognition of their exceptional contributions in various fields. The investiture ceremony was held on Sunday at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The awards were presented to individuals who made significant contributions in health, education, literature, journalism, public service, research, diplomacy, and the economy. The ceremony was attended by federal ministers, the Chairman Senate, parliamentarians, members of civil society, diplomats, media representatives, and a large number of guests.
Among the highest honors, the Nishan-i-Pakistan (posthumous) was awarded to former Prime Minister and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for his outstanding services to the country, democracy, and its people. His daughter, Sanam Bhutto, received the award on his behalf.
Other notable recipients included Sultan Alai Akbar Allana, Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Ali Haider Gilani, Khawaja Anwar Majeed, Javed Jabbar, Saadia Rashid, Umar Farooq, Sana Hashwani, Safinaz Munir, Aneeqa Bano, Amin Muhammad Lakhani, Sarwar Munir Rao, Hassan Ayub, and Mir Nadir Khan Magsi.
Foreign nationals honored with awards included Hyder Qurbanov and Dr. Christine Brunhilde, who received the Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam. Agostino Da Polenza and Professor Valeria Picacentini were awarded the Tamgha-e-Pakistan, while Dr. Xinmin Liu received the Tamgha-e-Quaid-e-Azam.
The civil awards, conferred annually on Pakistan Day, recognize individuals for their outstanding services and contributions to the nation across diverse fields.
