Summary:
- President Asif Ali Zardari has announced the conferment of national awards to 104 distinguished individuals and foreigners on Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day.
- The awards will be formally presented in a ceremony scheduled for March 23, 2025.
- The recipients include notable figures in science, education, sports, and philanthropy, reflecting their outstanding contributions to Pakistan and beyond.
On August 1, 2024, President Asif Ali Zardari announced a significant tribute to exceptional individuals and foreign nationals by awarding them Pakistan’s prestigious national honors. This announcement, made on the country’s 77th Independence Day, recognizes 104 individuals for their remarkable achievements across various fields including science, engineering, education, and public service. The awards will be presented at an investiture ceremony on March 23, 2025.
Among the notable recipients is former Pakistani President and Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who will receive the Nishan-e-Pakistan for his public services. The Hilal-e-Imtiaz has been awarded to Olympian Arshad Nadeem for his gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, while mountaineer Murad Sadpara is honored with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz for his contributions to sports.
In the field of literature, the late Nasir Kazmi will be posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. Saudi Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Al Saud will receive the Hilal-e-Pakistan for his support to Pakistan. Several other distinguished individuals are recognized, including Amir Hafeez Ibrahim and Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, who are honored in science, and Sadia Rasheed and Dr. Suleman Shahabuddin, who are acknowledged for their contributions to education.
The awards also extend to fields such as arts, with Collin David receiving the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and sports, with Maqsood Ahemd and others recognized for their achievements. In public service, several individuals are honored with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and gallantry awards are given to heroes who have made significant sacrifices.
Foreign nationals, including Saudi Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Al Saud and various others, are also honored for their contributions to Pakistan. This extensive list of awardees reflects the broad spectrum of excellence and service recognized by Pakistan on its Independence Day, showcasing the country’s appreciation for both domestic and international contributions to its growth and development.