President Asif Ali Zardari has approved civil awards for 355 individuals in recognition of their contributions to Pakistan.
The awards cover public service, science, education, healthcare, arts, literature, journalism, sports and other fields. The list also includes security personnel, martyrs, philanthropists and foreign nationals.
Ministers Recommended for Nishan-i-Imtiaz
Several senior government officials have been recommended for the Nishan-i-Imtiaz.
The list includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani.
In addition, several senior officials have been recommended for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, including Intelligence Bureau Director General Fuad Asadullah and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan.
Scientists and Educationists Recognised
The science and education categories include academics, researchers, engineers and university leaders.
Dr Shahid Mahmud has been recommended for the Hilal-i-Imtiaz. Meanwhile, several professors and researchers have been proposed for Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz.
The list also includes senior figures from institutions such as UET Peshawar, PIEAS and NUTECH.
Doctors and Healthcare Professionals
Fifteen medical and healthcare professionals have been recognised for their services.
The nominees include Prof Dr Syed Jamal Raza, Prof Faisal Saud Dar, the late Prof Dr Tahir Shamsi and the late Dr Naseem Salahuddin.
DRAP Chief Executive Officer Dr Obaidullah has also been selected for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz.
Artists, Writers and Journalists
The awards also recognise contributions to Pakistan’s arts and cultural sectors.
Actor Balqees Bano, comedian Iftikhar Ahmed Thakur and Naat Khawan Syed Fasihuddin Soharwardy are among those proposed for Sitara-i-Imtiaz.
In literature, writer and poet Asad Muhammad Khan has been recommended for Nishan-i-Imtiaz. Several other writers and poets have also been proposed for national honours.
Journalists Muhammad Saleh Zaafir and Haji Nawaz Raza have been recommended for Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Several other journalists and news anchors have also been proposed for civil awards.
Sports Personalities Included
The sports category features athletes and professionals from boxing, wrestling, shooting, squash and cricket.
Boxing coach Atta Mohammad Kakar and martial artist Dr Waseem A. Tai have been recommended for Sitara-i-Imtiaz.
Meanwhile, wrestler Bashir Bhola, shooter Kishmala Talat, squash player Noor Zaman, boxer Muhammad Waseem and cricketer Sadiq Muhammad have been proposed for PAPP.
Gallantry Awards for Security Personnel
A significant part of the list honours security personnel and martyrs.
Several Federal Constabulary personnel have been recommended posthumously for Sitara-i-Shujaat. Police personnel, intelligence officials and civilians have also been nominated for gallantry awards.
Moreover, senior law-enforcement officers have been recommended for Sitara-i-Imtiaz for their public service and gallantry.
Foreign Nationals Receive Recognition
The list also includes foreign nationals recognised for their services to Pakistan.
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has been recommended for Nishan-i-Pakistan.
Several Saudi, Turkish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese and other foreign personalities have also been proposed for national honours.
Overseas Pakistanis Also Recognised
The recommendations extend to overseas Pakistanis who have contributed to the country.
Several individuals have been proposed for Nishan-i-Imtiaz and Hilal-i-Imtiaz in recognition of their services to Pakistan.
Overall, the 355 civil awards reflect contributions across a broad range of fields, from public service and national security to science, healthcare, culture, sports and international cooperation.
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