WEBDESK: In a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday, the country’s civil and military leadership is honored with top national awards in recognition of their outstanding services on 14 August 2025 Independence Day.
President Asif Ali Zardari is personally presenting the awards to all recipients during the ceremony.
The ceremony is in honor of those great personalities whose courage ensured the ultimate success of the operation. The united resolve of the civil leadership and its steadfast support for the operation reinforced national unity. Attendees include the Prime Minister, his cabinet, and distinguished guests who have elevated Pakistan’s stature on the global stage.
Civil leaders honoured with Awards
In recognition of resolute decision making and a united response to India’s unprovoked aggression, Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar and Ishaq Dar were honored with the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for his services to the nation. He played a key role in thwarting India by ensuring complete coordination between the civil and military leadership in the transmission of information.
For outstanding unity on the internal front and for maintaining law and order, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also received the award for providing legal guidance through available channels against the illegal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the killing of innocent Pakistani citizens.
Several senior political leaders were honored with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards. The recipients included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.
Members of the diplomatic delegation formed by the Prime Minister were presented with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for their contributions to strengthening foreign relations. The awardees included Tariq Fatemi, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Faisal Sabzwari, Hina Rabbani Khar, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Federal Minister Ahad Cheema, and Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan.
Military leadership honoured with Awards
Field Marshal Asim Munir has been conferred with the prestigious Hilal-e-Jur’at for his exemplary service and leadership. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad was also awarded the Hilal-e-Jur’at. Meanwhile, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza were decorated with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military).
Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has been honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) in recognition of his services during Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. Several Pakistan Air Force officers also received gallantry awards: Wing Commander Bilal Raza, Wing Commander Hammad Ibne Masood, Squadron Leader Muhammad Yousuf Khan, Squadron Leader Muhammad Osama Ashfaq, Squadron Leader Muhammad Hassan Anis, and Squadron Leader Talal Hassan were awarded the Sitara-e-Jur’at.
Additionally, Squadron Leader Fida Muhammad Khan and Squadron Leader Muhammad Ashab were presented with the Sitara-e-Jur’at, while Lance Havaldar Aamir Sheraz and Lance Naik Ikramullah were posthumously honored with the Tamgha-e-Jur’at. Sepoy Adeel Akbar was posthumously awarded the Tamgha-e-Jur’at, Captain Ali Hassan also received the Tamgha-e-Jur’at, and Sepoy Nisar Ali Shaheed was posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Basalat.
Lt Gen Noman Zakaria, Lt Gen Syed Aamir Raza, and Lt Gen Shahid Imtiaz, along with Lt Gen (R) Muhammad Saeed, were awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military).
Journalists honoured with Awards
Awards are also conferred on journalists, including renowned media personalities Hamid Mir and others, in recognition of their contributions to journalism and his contributions during Pakistan India war.
Renowned journalist Mansoor Ali Khan also awarded by Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his contributions as journalist during war.
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