President Zardari Confers Civil Awards on Distinguished Personalities at Aiwan-e-Sadr Ceremony

ISLAMABAD: Asif Ali Zardari conferred national civil awards on prominent personalities from various fields during a prestigious ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.
Federal Minister Awais Leghari was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his contributions and reforms in the energy sector. Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali also received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his services in the energy sector and public service.
Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi was honoured with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his outstanding contributions to sports.
Mountaineer Shehroze Kashif was also awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, which was received by his mother on his behalf.
Bahraini diplomat Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed Abdulqader was presented with the Sitara-e-Pakistan award.
Late politician Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz posthumously for his services to democracy.
Renowned writer Ata ul Haq Qasmi was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for his literary contributions, while late senator and writer Irfan Siddiqui was also honoured with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for services in literature and public affairs.
Playwright and author Asghar Nadeem Syed received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his services in literature.
In recognition of extraordinary bravery, Sepoy Azhar Mahmood was awarded the Hilal-e-Shujaat, while Sepoy Shah Wali Khan, who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, was also honoured with the same award.
Additional bravery awards including Hilal-e-Shujaat and Sitara-e-Shujaat were conferred posthumously upon several police and security personnel for their sacrifices and acts of courage in defending the country.