Pakistan honors 69 individuals with civil awards for their contributions to public service, research, business, arts, and security.
Pakistan Honors 69 Outstanding Individuals with Civil Awards:
Honoring those who make contributions to society has a long history in Pakistan. Through its esteemed civil awards, the government recognizes the accomplishments of exceptional individuals each year. These honours excellence in several areas, including public service, research, education, literature, journalism, health, diplomacy, and economics.
President Asif Ali Zardari presented civil awards to 69 notable individuals at a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on March 23, 2025, Pakistan Day. Government representatives, diplomats, members of the media, and civil society representatives attended the event.
These honours demonstrate Pakistan’s dedication to recognizing those who contribute to the nation’s progress. These honorees’ commitment and diligence have inspired generations, whether in the fields of science, industry, the arts, or security services.
Understanding Pakistan’s Civil Awards:
Pakistan’s civil awards are the highest honours granted to both nationals and foreigners in recognition of their contributions to the country. These awards are granted under Article 259(2) of the Constitution and Decorations Act, 1975.
Purpose of Civil Awards:
The purpose of these awards is to:
- Recognise outstanding contributions in various fields.
- Encourage excellence by inspiring others.
- Promote national pride through appreciation of talent.
- Strengthen international relations by recognizing foreign contributions.
These awards are a way of saying “thank you” to those who serve Pakistan with their efforts, bravery, and innovation.
Categories of Civil Awards:
Pakistan’s civil awards are divided into several categories, with each one signifying a different level of achievement.
- Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan): The highest civilian award.
- Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence).
- Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence).
- Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence).
- Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence).
- Hilal-e-Shujaat (Crescent of Bravery).
- Sitara-e-Shujaat (Star of Bravery).
- Tamgha-e-Shujaat (Medal of Bravery).
- Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam: recognizing contributions to Pakistan’s growth.
- Tamgha-e-Pakistan: given to those who bring honour to Pakistan.
- Presidential Award for Pride of Performance for recognizing contributions in arts, literature, and sports. These awards are traditionally granted every year on Pakistan Day (March 23) and Independence Day (August 14).
Notable Award Recipients in 2025:
Nishan-e-Pakistan for Zulfikar Ali Bhutto:
The highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, was posthumously awarded to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan and the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He was recognized for his contributions to democracy, economic reforms, and the country’s progress.
- Revolutionized Pakistan’s economic policies.
- Established Pakistan’s nuclear program.
- Strengthened democracy in the country.
Hilal-e-Imtiaz Recipients:
The Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence) is one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields. In 2025, several distinguished personalities were honoured with this prestigious award for their dedication and achievements. Dr. Tauqir Hussain Shah was recognized for his groundbreaking work in medical research, contributing to advancements in healthcare.
Ali Haider Gilani received the award for his remarkable efforts in public service, while Professor Dr. Shaheryar was honoured for his contributions to education and research. Javed Jabbar, a well-known journalist and media personality, was awarded for his influence in journalism and media.
Mohtarma Sadia Rashid was acknowledged for her efforts in social services, playing a vital role in improving community welfare. In the business and economy sector, Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim was recognized for his leadership and contributions to economic growth. Jimmy Engineer, a renowned artist, was awarded for his impact on art and culture.
Lastly, Umar Farooq Zahoor, a Dubai-based Pakistani businessman, was honoured for bringing foreign investment and economic growth to Pakistan. These recipients have significantly contributed to the country’s progress, making a lasting impact in their respective fields.
Hilal-e-Imtiaz for Umar Farooq Zahoor:
Umar Farooq Zahoor, a businessman of Pakistani descent located in Dubai, was among the most prominent recipients. He received recognition for his attempts to attract hundreds of millions of US dollars in international investment to Pakistan.
Contributions:
- Investment in infrastructure, ports, and logistics.
- Projects worth over $2 billion in energy, IT, agriculture, and real estate.
- Strengthening Pakistan’s economic ties with international investors.
- By recognizing Umar Farooq Zahoor’s contributions, the government hopes to encourage more overseas Pakistanis to invest in the country.
Awards for Bravery and Sacrifice:
Several law enforcement officers and security personnel were honoured posthumously for their bravery and sacrifice in protecting the nation. The Hilal-e-Shujaat (Crescent of Bravery) was awarded to SP Muhammad Ejaz Khan (Shaheed), DSP Allama Iqbal (Shaheed), DSP Sardar Hussain (Shaheed), and constables Irshad Ali and Jahnzaib (Shaheed) for their extraordinary courage in the line of duty.
Additionally, the Sitara-e-Shujaat (Star of Bravery) was conferred upon Captain (Retd) Hamza Anjum (Shaheed) and Malik Sabz Ali (Shaheed) for their fearless service to the country. These officers made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety and security of their fellow citizens, and their heroic contributions will always be remembered with pride and gratitude.
Honouring Achievements in Various Professions:
Pakistan bestowed distinguished civic awards to deserving people in a variety of professions. Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) for his research and agricultural contributions, Professor Dr Ziaul Haq for his contributions to medical science, Sardar Muhammad Aftab Ahmed Khan Watoo for his public service, and Muhammad Samiur Rehman for his inventiveness in engineering.
Dr Sara Qureshi received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for environmental engineering, Dr Usman Qamar for artificial intelligence research, and Rehan Mahtab Chawla for entrepreneurship. Rashid Waheed Khawaja also received the Presidential Pride of Performance Award for his literary and artistic endeavours. Aniqa Bano for social services, and Barkat Shah for contributions to music and performing arts. These awards highlight their dedication and impact in their respective fields.
Conclusion:
The 2025 Pakistan Civil Awards Ceremony honoured 69 exceptional people in a spectacular ceremony. The celebration showcased Pakistan’s greatest skill and commitment, from recognizing courageous security officers to business executives and researchers.
These honours will remain a form of national gratitude for those who support Pakistan’s development and prosperity because of the government’s dedication to praising excellence.
