ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday conferred Pakistan’s top civil awards on prominent figures from journalism, sports, literature, public service and law enforcement at a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Senior journalist and Director North at BOL News Ihtasham ul Haque was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism.
Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi received the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for his distinguished services to sports.
In recognition of exemplary service in the police force, Jawad Qamar was awarded the Hilal-i-Shujaat, while police officer Waseem Khan also received the same honor for his meritorious services.
Several police personnel who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty were posthumously honored with the Hilal-i-Shujaat.
The recipients included 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.
Renowned writer and humorist Ata ul Haq Qasmi was awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his remarkable contributions to literature. The award was received on his behalf by his son, Muhammad Yasir Pirzada.
The late Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan was posthumously awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his invaluable services to democracy. His son, Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmad Khan, accepted the award on behalf of the family.
The late Irfan Siddiqui was also honored with the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to literature and public service. His son, Imran Khawar Siddiqui, received the award.
The investiture ceremony recognized individuals who rendered exceptional services to the nation in diverse fields, reaffirming the state’s commitment to honoring excellence, sacrifice and national service.
