Recognition: President okays award for Thai princess

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved conferment of Hilal-e-Pakistan upon Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand and Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Posthumous) on Dr Zaheer Ahmed. Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is an ardent supporter of closer ties between Pakistan and Thailand and has played a key role in fostering Pak-Thai relations. She has keen interest in Pakistan’s cultural heritage. She donated $20,000 to support flood relief efforts in 2010 and encouraged several other Thai businesses and foundations to provide relief assistance to Pakistan. The princess has also been involved in philanthropic activities in many developing countries including Pakistan, especially in healthcare, education and poverty eradication.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2012.