AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, In a distinguished ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr today, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred civil awards on a group of Pakistani and foreign nationals in recognition of their remarkable contributions across various fields. The prestigious event celebrated the achievements of individuals who have excelled in finance, politics, sports, literature, and the arts, as well as acknowledged the contributions of several international figures towards Pakistan’s development.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, a total of 112 civil awards were presented during the ceremony. Notable Pakistani awardees included former Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, politicians Raja Zafar ul Haq and Syed Qaim Ali Shah, the late Mufti Abdul Shakoor, mountaineer Naila Kiani, hockey legend Salahuddin, poet Anwar Masood, writer Iftikhar Arif, legendary film star Shabnam, and singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
The ceremony also honored foreign nationals for their services to Pakistan, including Yong Ye, the Asian Development Bank’s Country Director to Pakistan; Knut Ostby of UNDP; Samantha Power of USAID; Dr. Husein Kavazovic, the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman al Jasseer, a Saudi economist; and Qatari economist Khalifa Jassim al Kuwari.
This investiture ceremony not only highlights the diverse contributions of both Pakistani and international figures but also underscores Pakistan’s appreciation for excellence and service across a broad spectrum of disciplines.