President confers awards on military, political leadership for Marka-e-Haq's success

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday conferred top civil and military awards on national leaders, military commanders, and government officials in recognition of their services during Marka-e-Haq, where Pakistan inflicted a humiliating defeat on India.

At a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir received the Hilal-e-Jurat for leading the Pakistan Army from the front and formulating war strategy, while Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, were conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, and DG ISI Lt Gen Asim Malik was awarded the Sitara-e-Basalat.

Director General Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan Major General Kashif Abdullah, Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed, and Rear Admiral Shahzad Hamid received the Tamgha-e-Basalat.

President Asif Ali Zardari has also approved military awards for officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force in recognition of “conspicuous courage and supreme sacrifice” during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

According to the ISPR, the honours include 8 Sitara-e-Jurat, 5 Tamgha-e-Jurat, 24 Sitara-e-Basalat, 45 Tamgha-e-Basalat, 146 Imtiazi Asnad, 259 COAS Commendation Cards, and 1 Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military).

Those awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military) include Wing Commander Bilal Raza, Wing Commander Hammad Ibne Masood, Squadron Leader M Yousaf Khan, Squadron Leader Muhammad Osama Ishfaq, Squadron Leader Muhammad Hassan Anees, Squadron Leader Talal Hassan, Squadron Leader Fida Muhammad Khan, and Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Ashhad Amir — all from the Pakistan Air Force’s GD(P) branch.

Recipients of the Tamgha-e-Jurat include L/Hav Amir Sheraz (Shaheed), Baloch, Nk Abdul Rehman (Shaheed), SSG, L/Nk Ikram Ullah (Shaheed), AK, Sep Adeel Akbar (Shaheed), Punjab, and Capt Ali Hassan, FF.

Pakistan’s top political leadership has also been awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, for what officials described as “outstanding performance and strategic acumen” in countering India on political, diplomatic, and informational fronts.

The awards, presented at a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, recognised contributions following what Islamabad termed India’s “unprovoked aggression.” Officials said the leadership’s resolve helped secure a “historic victory” for Pakistan, earning nationwide acclaim for defending unity and sovereignty.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was honoured for “exposing India’s unilateral diplomatic offensives at global forums” and successfully presenting Pakistan’s stance on regional peace.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar was cited for providing legal guidance on “the illegal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty” and condemning the killing of civilians.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was recognised for a “decisive response” that strengthened national resolve and improved coordination.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar received the award for aligning communications between civilian and military institutions and countering “India’s disinformation campaigns.”

Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi was honoured for maintaining law and order and internal unity despite “heavy attacks by India on civilians and places of worship.”

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal was acknowledged for strategic communications and advising the Prime Minister on critical engagements.

On the diplomatic front, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, head of Pakistan’s delegation, was recognised for promoting Pakistan’s stance and “exposing India’s deceitful schemes” internationally.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah was honoured for fostering political harmony.

Members of the Prime Minister’s special diplomatic team — including Federal Minister Musadik Masood Malik, former ambassador Tariq Fatemi, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari, Senator Bushra Anjum, National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Hina Rabbani Khar, and Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan — received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for “effective, proactive, and courageous” promotion of Pakistan’s position abroad.