President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan’s highest civil awards on leading personalities from sports, literature, arts, science and public service during ceremonies held across the country on Wednesday.

The main ceremony took place at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, where Zardari presented Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Hilal-e-Shujaat and Pride of Performance awards.

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The honours recognised contributions to democracy, literature, sports, public service, education, tourism, engineering, science and national security.

Renowned writer Attaul Haq Qasmi received Nishan-e-Imtiaz for distinguished literary services.

The late Irfanul Haq Siddiqui also received Nishan-e-Imtiaz for contributions to literature and public service. His son, Imran Khawar Siddiqui, accepted the award on his behalf.

The late politician Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan received Nishan-e-Imtiaz for his services to democracy. His son, Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmed Khan, received the honour.

Celebrated poet Zehra Nigah and playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed received Hilal-e-Imtiaz for services to literature.

Singer Hadiqa Kiani received Sitara-e-Imtiaz for contributions to music. Photographer Irfan Ahson and visual artist Hamra Abbas also received Sitara-e-Imtiaz awards for services to the arts.

 

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Actors Rashid Waheed Khawaja and Zahid Ahmed received the President’s Pride of Performance Award.

Shahid Afridi, Sana Mir and Shehroze Kashif honoured for sports

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi received Hilal-e-Imtiaz for “outstanding and distinguished services in the sports sector.”

Mountaineer Shehroze Kashif and the late equestrian Malik Atta Muhammad Khan also received Hilal-e-Imtiaz awards for services to sports.

Shooter Mohsin Nawaz and artist Waseem Ahmed received Tamgha-e-Imtiaz honours.

In Peshawar, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz to former women’s cricket captain Sana Mir.

Squash champion Muhammad Hamza Khan received Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for achievements in sports.

Governor Kundi also presented Pride of Performance awards to Jamshid Ali Khan for arts and direction and Aminullah Daudzai for literature and poetry.

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Awards also recognise bravery, reforms and science

Several security personnel and civilians received honours for bravery and sacrifice.

Sepoy Azhar Mahmood, Sepoy Shah Wali Khan, Constable Muhammad Ijaz and martyred ASI Ijaz Khan received Hilal-e-Shujaat awards.

Sub-Inspector Laiqzada Shaheed and Constable Alam Zeb also received Hilal-e-Shujaat for extraordinary courage.

Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Leghari and privatisation adviser Muhammad Ali received Hilal-e-Imtiaz for public service and energy sector reforms.

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Senior journalist Ehteshamul Haq, tourism expert Azizuddin Bolani and politician Taj Haider also received national honours.

Professor Dr Ikramul Haq, Dr Amir Muhammad, scientist Muhammad Yousuf Khan and engineer Jamaluddin Ahmed received Hilal-e-Imtiaz for services in education, science and engineering.

In Karachi, Governor Nehal Hashmi awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz to actors Fazila Qazi and Savera Nadeem.

Singer Mukhtiar Naz Taj Mastani received Pride of Performance, while naat khawan Qazi Shujaat Qadri received Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.