ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—In a strong reaffirmation of deep historical and fraternal bonds, Pakistan conferred its highest civil award, the ‘Nishan-e-Pakistan’ (Order of Pakistan), upon Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The special investiture ceremony, held at the Presidency in Islamabad, was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, top military leadership, and parliamentary heads, underscoring the significance of the bilateral relationship.
Following the ceremony, President Zardari and President Subianto engaged in a bilateral meeting, where both leaders expressed full consensus on shared values and long-standing goodwill. They committed to enhancing cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.
President Zardari offered heartfelt condolences over the recent floods and landslides in Sumatra, conveying prayers for the victims and the speedy recovery of the injured. Both presidents reiterated their commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and tolerance globally, agreeing to build future partnership on the principles of inclusive development.
In a separate event at the Prime Minister’s House, Pakistan and Indonesia signed numerous agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in critical areas, including Halal trade, IT, agriculture, energy, tourism, higher education, anti-narcotics efforts, and health. The leaders expressed satisfaction over the increase in bilateral trade and emphasized the need for better trade balance and diversification, identifying the Joint Trade Committee as an effective forum for boosting business links.
On the security front, President Subianto also met with Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, where both nations renewed their commitment to strengthen defense cooperation, training exchanges, and joint production. Both countries pledged joint efforts against the rising threat of Islamophobia globally. President Zardari stressed the vital need for peace and development in the region, taking the opportunity to brief the Indonesian President on the current situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
