President Zardari confers 47 military awards at Aiwan-e-Sadr ceremony

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday conferred 47 military awards on officers and soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces in recognition of their bravery, leadership and meritorious services for the defence of the country.

The investiture ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr and was attended by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, senior government officials, and families of the award recipients. The event highlighted the sacrifices and professional excellence of personnel from the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy.

According to details shared at the ceremony, three personnel, including one officer and two soldiers who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, were posthumously awarded the Sitara-i-Basalat. The honours were given in recognition of their exceptional courage and sacrifice while serving the nation. The recipients included Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ali Shaukat Shaheed, Sepoy Soban Majeed Baloch Shaheed, and Sepoy Israr Muhammad Shaheed.

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In addition, the president conferred the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon 44 senior officers from the armed forces in recognition of outstanding leadership and distinguished services. The awardees represented various branches and ranks, reflecting contributions across operational, administrative and strategic domains.

From the Pakistan Air Force, several senior officers including Air Marshal Kashif Qamar, Air Marshal Amir Shahzad, and multiple Air Vice Marshals were among those honoured. The Pakistan Army’s list included a large number of major generals who have served in key command and staff positions, contributing to national defence readiness and operational excellence.

From the Pakistan Navy, senior officers including Rear Admirals Mazhar Mahmood Malik, Rizwan Sadiq, Adnan Majeed, Shahzad Hamid, Azhar Mahmood, Shahzad Iqbal and Muhammad Khalid were awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military).

The ceremony underscored the state’s recognition of the armed forces’ role in safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining operational preparedness across all domains of defence.