Lahore (Web Desk): A dignified investiture ceremony was held at the Governor’s House in Lahore to honour individuals who have rendered outstanding services across various fields.
On the occasion, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, on behalf of the President of Pakistan, conferred civil and military awards upon 81 distinguished personalities, including Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Presidential Award for Pride of Performance, Tamgha-i-Shujaat, and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz.
In the field of arts and culture, celebrated actress Samina Peerzada, senior actor Irfan Khoosat, and Azra Aftab were awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in recognition of their significant contributions. In music, Hadiqa Kiani, Humaira Arshad, and Saira Nasim were also honoured with the same distinction, while in fine arts, Salima Hashmi received the prestigious award for her remarkable services.
In literature and sports, poet Naseer Ahmed Nasir, literary scholar Razaullah Shah Arif Nooshahi, Syed Masood Hassan Shahab (posthumously), and para-athlete Haider Ali were conferred the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for their exceptional achievements and contributions in their respective domains.
In journalism, Muhammad Arshad Ansari and Beenish Saleem were awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in recognition of their notable professional services.
Among other award recipients included Dr. Arifa Syeda (posthumously), Sara Bilal, Anwar Hussain, Professor Dr. Shahid Malik, Maryam Jalal Chaudhry, and Professor Dr. Muhammad Sarwar Khan, who were acknowledged for their services in various capacities.
In the field of education and research, Professor Dr. Rafia Mumtaz and Professor Dr. Lubna Zaheer were awarded the Presidential Award for Pride of Performance. Within the same category, Muhammad Azam Khan (music), Zulqarnain Haider (acting), Rajab Ali (singing), Akhtar Mahmood (literature), and Tajammal Kaleem (posthumously) were also honoured for their contributions.
Recognising bravery and service to the nation, Tamgha-i-Shujaat was awarded to Essa Khan, Muhammad Naim Akhtar (posthumously), and martyred Adnan Farooq Qureshi, while Major Dr. Salma Zameer Khan was also conferred the Presidential Tamgha-i-Shujaat.
The ceremony was attended by diplomats and senior officials, including consuls general from China, the United States, Iran, and Turkiye, as well as Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Iqbal Chandr, Ali Haider Gilani, and Shehzad Saeed Cheema.
Addressing the event, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said that these honours reflect the tireless dedication, hard work, and sacrifices made by the recipients for the nation and the country. He congratulated all awardees and described their contributions as a role model for future generations.