A prestigious investiture ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday, where President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan’s highest civil and military awards upon eminent national figures in recognition of their exceptional services to the country.
The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, senior federal ministers, and high-ranking civil and military officials, marked the formal acknowledgment of distinguished contributions in governance, national security, defence, and public service.
President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz upon Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah. The awards recognised their notable roles in national governance, policymaking, and strengthening the democratic process.
In the military category, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza was decorated with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) for his strategic leadership in safeguarding Pakistan’s defence interests. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, received the Hilal-e-Jur’at for his exemplary courage, exceptional warfighting skills, and unwavering patriotism in leading the armed forces during one of the most challenging phases of the nation’s history.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) in recognition of his efforts in ensuring the security of Pakistan’s maritime frontiers, while Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu was conferred the Hilal-e-Jur’at for decisively neutralising enemy superiority in aerial combat.
The solemn yet celebratory occasion reflected the nation’s gratitude to its civil and military leadership for their dedication, bravery, and service to Pakistan. The ceremony concluded with a note of resolve to continue serving the country with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to national interests.
