Field Marshal, PAF chief, PPP chief among others conferred with national awards

ISLAMABAD: On Independence Day, Field Marshal and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir received the prestigious Hilal-e-Jurat award. The ceremony took place at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad, where President Asif Ali Zardari presented the honour.

The award was given to Asim Munir for his outstanding leadership of the Pakistan Army during very difficult times. The citation praised his clear vision and firm command that helped protect Pakistan’s security and stability.

Alongside the COAS, many other top leaders were honoured for their service. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, provincial chief ministers, military chiefs, and other government officials.

Other Important Awards

• Nishan-e-Imtiaz was given to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Law Minister Nazir Tarar, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

• Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi received the same award for maintaining law and order.

• Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal was honoured for his strategic contributions.

Military Honours

• Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza was awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz.

• Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu earned the Hilal-e-Jurat for his role in neutralising enemy air threats.

• Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf received Nishan-e-Imtiaz for securing maritime defence.

• DG ISPR Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry was also honoured with Nishan-e-Imtiaz.

Several brave officers were honoured with the Sitara-e-Jurat for their courage, including Wing Commanders Bilal Raza and Hammad Ibn Masood, and Squadron Leaders Muhammad Yousaf Khan, Muhammad Sama Ashfaq, and Talal Hassan.

Senior politicians and diplomats such as senators Sherry Rehman, Bushra Anjum, Faisal Sabzwari, and Hina Rabbani Khar were also recognised for their services.