Islamabad, March 23, 2025 – On the occasion of Pakistan Day, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred military awards upon more than 750 officers and soldiers from the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force, recognizing their exceptional bravery, dedication, and service to the nation. The prestigious ceremony, steeped in tradition, highlighted the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security amid ongoing challenges.
According to a press release by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the awards included two Sitara-i-Basalat, 227 Tamgha-i-Basalat, 82 Imtiazi Sanad, 185 COAS Commendation Cards, 23 Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), 112 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), and 133 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military). These honors were bestowed upon personnel who demonstrated gallantry in the face of adversity, exemplary leadership, and unwavering commitment to duty.
Sitara-i-Basalat: Recognizing Supreme Sacrifice
Among the highest honors conferred were the Sitara-i-Basalat awards, given posthumously to Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ali Shaukat (Shaheed) of the Frontier Force Regiment and Sepoy Soban Majeed Baloch (Shaheed) of the Azad Kashmir Regiment. These awards symbolize the ultimate recognition of valor for those who laid down their lives in defense of the nation. The families of these fallen heroes were present at the ceremony, their presence a poignant reminder of the cost of peace and stability.
The Tamgha-i-Basalat, another prestigious award for gallantry, was conferred upon numerous personnel, many of whom were also honored posthumously. Among them were Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali (Shaheed) of the Air Defence and Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Hassan Haider (Shaheed) of the Signals Corps. Other recipients included Major Babar Khan (Shaheed) of the Punjab Regiment, Major Amir Aziz (Shaheed) of the Punjab Regiment, and Captain Hussain Jahangir (Shaheed) of the Punjab Regiment. The list also featured soldiers from various units, such as Havildar Sikandar Hayat (Shaheed) of the Air Defence and Naik Muhammad Imran (Shaheed) of the Army Service Corps, reflecting the diverse contributions of the armed forces in operations across the country.
Tamgha-i-Basalat: A Testament to Bravery
The Tamgha-i-Basalat recipients spanned ranks and units, showcasing the breadth of courage displayed by Pakistan’s military personnel. From Lance Naik Haseeb Javed (Shaheed) of the Artillery to Sepoy Muhammad Javed Iqbal (Shaheed) of the Air Defence, the awardees included soldiers who faced hostile environments, often in the treacherous terrains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as part of counter-terrorism and border security operations. The Frontier Corps (FC) was prominently represented, with soldiers like Havildar Abdul Sattar (Shaheed) of FC Balochistan (North) and Lance Naik Sher Azam Khan (Shaheed) of FC Balochistan (North) receiving the honor for their sacrifices in maintaining peace in volatile regions.
The ceremony also highlighted the contributions of junior ranks, with soldiers like Sepoy Abdul Hakeem (Shaheed) of the Punjab Regiment and Sepoy Sheryar Ahmed (Shaheed) of the Baloch Regiment being recognized for their bravery. These awards underscore the military’s ethos of valor, where every soldier, regardless of rank, plays a critical role in the nation’s defense.
Imtiazi Sanad and COAS Commendation Cards: Celebrating Excellence
Beyond gallantry awards, the Imtiazi Sanad and COAS Commendation Cards were presented to personnel for distinguished service and operational excellence. Officers like Lieutenant Colonel Moeen Ud Din of the Corps of Military Intelligence and Major Ahmed Adnan Ur Rasheed of the Punjab Regiment were among those honored with the Imtiazi Sanad. The COAS Commendation Cards were awarded to a wide array of personnel, including Lieutenant Colonel Naveed Abbas of the Baloch Regiment and Major Muhammad Abid Saleem of the Armoured Corps, reflecting the diverse roles played by the military in both combat and administrative capacities.
Senior Officers Honored with Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military)
The Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), a prestigious award for meritorious service, was conferred upon 23 senior officers. Among the recipients were Major General Amer Ashfaq Kayani of the Air Defence, Major General Haroon Ishaq Raja of the Azad Kashmir Regiment, and Rear Admiral Adnan Majeed of the Pakistan Navy. Air Vice Marshal Shahid Mansoor Jehangiri of the Pakistan Air Force was also among the awardees, highlighting the collaborative efforts of all branches of the armed forces in ensuring national security.
Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz: Recognizing Leadership and Service
The Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) was awarded to 112 officers, including Brigadier Farhan Saqib of the Punjab Regiment, Brigadier Talha Altaf of the Armoured Corps, and Commodore Syed Sajid Raza Rizvi of the Navy. The Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) recognized 133 officers for their exemplary service, with recipients such as Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Kamran Khan of the Armoured Corps and Wing Commander Ammar Shoaib Malik of the Air Force being honored.
A Nation’s Gratitude
Speaking at the ceremony, President Zardari emphasized the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made by the armed forces. “Pakistan Day is not just a celebration of our independence, but also a moment to honor those who continue to protect it,” he said. “These awards are a small token of the nation’s gratitude for the immense sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors, and airmen.”
The ceremony was attended by senior military officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff, alongside families of the awardees. The event was marked by a somber yet proud atmosphere, with moments of reflection on the lives lost and the bravery displayed.
The Broader Context: Challenges and Resilience
The conferment of these awards comes at a time when Pakistan’s armed forces are engaged in multifaceted challenges, including counter-terrorism operations, border security, and disaster response. The posthumous awards, in particular, highlight the ongoing threats faced by the military in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where insurgency and cross-border tensions remain persistent concerns.
The recognition of personnel from the Frontier Corps, such as Naik Sher Khan (Shaheed) of FC Balochistan (South) and Lance Naik Tahir Abbas (Shaheed) of FC Balochistan (South), underscores the critical role played by these units in maintaining law and order in restive areas. Similarly, the inclusion of Navy and Air Force personnel among the awardees reflects the integrated approach of Pakistan’s military in addressing modern security challenges.
A Legacy of Valor
As Pakistan commemorates its founding on this significant day, the military awards serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that have shaped the nation’s history. From the battlefields of the frontier to the skies and seas, the armed forces continue to uphold a legacy of valor and service. The names of the fallen, etched into the annals of history, inspire future generations to carry forward the torch of duty and honor.
For the families of the awardees, the ceremony was a bittersweet moment—a recognition of their loved ones’ contributions, but also a reminder of their absence. As the nation moves forward, the stories of these heroes will remain a cornerstone of Pakistan’s identity, a testament to the unyielding spirit of its people and its defenders.
