In commemoration of the 78th Independence Day, with a special emphasis on the recent armed conflict with India known as Marka-e-Haq, a unique investiture ceremony took place at the President House. The event honored top civil and military officials with national awards for their distinguished services.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir was awarded the Hilal-i-Jurat by President Asif Ali Zardari for his leadership during a particularly challenging period. Similarly, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also received the Hilal-i-Jurat at the ceremony.
These awards were presented against the backdrop of the recent Pakistan-India conflict, which began when India launched strikes inside Pakistan, claiming to target terrorists it held responsible for the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, downing six Indian Air Force fighter jets, including three Rafales.
Following the conflict, Pakistan initiated a diplomatic offensive. A delegation led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari traveled to the United States, the UK, and other European nations. Their mission was to present Pakistan’s perspective to the international community. The parliamentary delegation, which included prominent figures like Hina Rabbani Khar, Sherry Rehman, and Jalil Abbas Jilani, held key meetings and played a crucial role in promoting Pakistan’s narrative and countering Indian propaganda. In recognition of these efforts, Bilawal was bestowed with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
