Islamabad, August 14, 2025 (TNS): As part of the 78th Independence Day celebrations, observed this year with a special focus on Marka-e-Haq, the recent armed conflict with India, the Presidency hosted a special investiture ceremony on Thursday, conferring top national awards on the country’s leading civil and military figures.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir received the Hilal-e-Jurat from President Asif Ali Zardari in recognition of his leadership of the army during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was also awarded the Hilal-e-Jurat.
The awards came in the backdrop of the recent Pakistan–India confrontation, which ended after the United States brokered a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The conflict erupted when New Delhi carried out strikes inside Pakistan, claiming to target militants allegedly involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, downing six Indian Air Force jets — including three Rafales — and inflicting significant losses.
In the wake of the hostilities, Pakistan launched a diplomatic campaign led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who toured the United States, United Kingdom, and several European capitals. Accompanied by a high-level parliamentary delegation, Bilawal met senior foreign officials to present Pakistan’s stance and counter Indian narratives. For these efforts, he was conferred with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
The parliamentary delegation included Hina Rabbani Khar, Sherry Rehman, Dr Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tehmina Janjua, Bushra Anjum Butt, and Syed Faisal Subzwari.
During the ceremony, the president also decorated officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force for acts of conspicuous bravery and supreme sacrifice in Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. Awards included eight Sitara-e-Jurat, five Tamgha-e-Jurat, 24 Sitara-e-Basalat, 45 Tamgha-e-Basalat, 146 Imtiazi Asnad, 259 COAS Commendation Cards, and one Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military).
