ISLAMABAD — In a special ceremony marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred national awards on military and civilian leaders, as well as martyrs of the Marka-i-Haq engagement with India, in recognition of their service during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
At the Aiwan-i-Sadr, the president awarded Nishan-i-Imtiaz to key figures including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari received the honour for his diplomatic efforts following Indian aggression. Chiefs of the armed forces, senior cabinet members, civil servants, diplomats, and media personalities were also decorated.
The Hilal-i-Juraat was awarded to COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir and Air Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sindhu, while military gallantry medals, including Tamgha-i-Basalat and Tamgha-i-Jurat, were presented to officers and soldiers for courage and sacrifice. Posthumous honours were awarded to martyrs, including Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf and Havaldar Muhammad Naveed.
Civil awards recognised contributions across science, arts, sports, and public service, with recipients including Hadiqa Kiyani, Samina Peerzada, mountaineer Shehroze Kashif, and cricketers Sana Mir and Shahid Afridi. Over 260 names were announced for civil awards to be conferred on March 23, 2026.
