Independence Day Honours: Field Marshal Asim Munir, Bilalwal Bhutto among top awardees

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conferred the highest state awards on national civil and military figures in recognition of their distinguished services to the nation.

A grand ceremony was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr to mark Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day.

The ceremony, also attended by PM Shehbaz Sharif, reflected the country’s gratitude for their contributions to national defense, governance and public service.

Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was awarded the Hilal-e-Jurat. The award recognized his exceptional leadership during a critical national moment known as “Mark Haq”, where he displayed unparalleled bravery, operational expertise and unwavering patriotism under immense pressure.

From the military leadership, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), while Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu was awarded the Hilal-e-Jurat for his exemplary courage and determination.

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, was also awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) for his strategic leadership and dedicated services.

Several senior political leaders were also honoured at the ceremony for their distinguished public services. Former Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar were awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. Similarly, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also conferred with the same prestigious award for his services in national politics and democratic development.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, dignitaries and members of the armed forces, and was held with traditional solemnity and patriotic fervor.