During the Independence Day ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari awarded top civil and military personalities for their remarkable contributions to Pakistan. However, a surprising decision came from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who politely declined to receive the Nishan-e-Pakistan award.
According to official sources, the Civil and Military Awards Committee had recommended the Prime Minister’s name for Pakistan’s highest civilian honor. When the proposal was sent for approval, Shehbaz Sharif asked for his own name to be removed but gave his consent to all the other names on the list.
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At the event, several senior leaders were honored. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Adviser Rana Sanaullah all received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
Other ministers, including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Ahsan Iqbal, Sherry Rehman, Faisal Sabzwari, Mussadiq Malik, Hina Rabbani Khar, Tariq Fatemi, and Khurram Dastgir Khan, were also given top civilian awards.
In the military category, Army Chief General Asim Munir was honored with the Hilal-e-Jurat for his leadership during the “Maarka-e-Haq” operation against India. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Ahmed Sidhu was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his service to the Pakistan Air Force.
The event was more than an award ceremony. It was a celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day, where leaders from different fields were recognized for their dedication, achievements, and service to the nation.
FAQs
1. What is Nishan-e-Pakistan?
It is the highest civilian award in Pakistan, given for outstanding service to the country.
2. Why did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif refuse the award?
He requested his name be removed from the list, though he approved all other awardees.
3. Who were some key recipients of the Nishan-e-Imtiaz?
Ishaq Dar, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Khawaja Asif, and Rana Sanaullah.
4. Which military leaders were awarded?
Army Chief General Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Ahmed Sidhu.
5. When did the ceremony take place?
On August 14, 2025, during Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations in Islamabad.
