President approves military awards for armed forces personnel

President Asif Ali Zardari has officially approved a significant number of military awards for personnel in the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force, coinciding with the nation's Independence Day. These accolades comprise 23 Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), 112 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), 128 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military), six Tamgha-i-Basalat, and 32 Imtiazi Asnad, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The President's decision was based on recommendations from the government.

Among the recipients of the prestigious Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) are 17 major generals from the Pakistan Army, three rear admirals from the Pakistan Navy, and three air vice marshals from the Pakistan Air Force. Notable honorees include Maj Gen Saad Al Abd, Maj Gen Fahham Bin Sultan, and Maj Gen Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gillani, among others.

The Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) was bestowed upon numerous Army officers, including brigadiers, colonels, and senior officers from various branches and formations, such as infantry, artillery, aviation, engineering, signals, medical, logistics, and specialist services. Several women officers, such as Brig Syeda Shazia Musawir and Col Uzma Naeem, were recognized for their service.

The Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) was awarded to officers from all three branches of the armed forces, encompassing ranks like lieutenant colonels, majors, commanders, group captains, and wing commanders. These recipients serve in combat and support roles, aviation, engineering, signals, artillery, medical, logistics, nursing, and other specialized fields. Six naval personnel, including Captain Shujaat Abbas Raza and Commander Ali Muhammad, were also honored with the Tamgha-i-Basalat.

Additionally, 32 officers and personnel from the Navy and Air Force received the Imtiazi Sanad. Rear Admiral Shahid Wasif and numerous senior naval officers were honored with this distinction. In the Pakistan Air Force, group captain, wing commander, squadron leader, and flight lieutenant ranks were awarded to officers such as Shahzad Nawab and Muhammad Akbar Khokhar.

The President House confirmed that President Zardari had approved a total of 1,172 military and civil armed forces personnel for awards on Independence Day and Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ. The President has also granted a 100-day special remission for deserving prisoners and approved national awards for citizens excelling in various fields. Furthermore, sessions of the National Assembly and Senate were summoned for August 17, with the National Assembly convening at 5pm and the Senate at 4pm.