ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan's civil awards on a number of distinguished individuals, both Pakistani nationals and foreigners, in recognition of their contributions in various fields during a ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the investiture event was attended by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, federal ministers, the Chairman of the Senate, parliamentarians, members of civil society, diplomats, media, and a large number of attendees. The awards acknowledged services in health, education, literature, journalism, public service, research, diplomatic matters, sports, and the economy.

Among the notable awardees, Nishan-i-Imtiaz was posthumously conferred on Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan and Irfan ul Haq Siddiqui. Attaul Haq Qasmi received the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, while Shahid Khan Afridi, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, and several others were awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz. Posthumous honors of Sitara-i-Shujaat were given to various individuals, including Javed Ullah Khan Mehsood and Nawab Ali Shaheed. The event also recognized contributions with awards such as the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pride of Performance, Sitara-i-Khidmat, and Tamgha-i-Shujaat.