ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Saudi Arabia’s minister of defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, at a special investiture ceremony held at the Presidency. 

The Nishan-e-Pakistan is the second grade of the Order of Pakistan, the highest civilian award in Pakistan. It is awarded to “those who have rendered services of highest distinction” to the national interest of Pakistan. Government officials and civilians, including citizens of Pakistan and foreign nationals, have received the award. 

In the Pakistani honors system, the Nishan-e-Pakistan is equivalent to the Nishan-e-Haider, the nation’s highest military gallantry award. 

“The award was conferred in recognition of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud’s meritorious services for Pakistan and its people, enhancing defense cooperation, strengthening of bilateral ties and contributions toward peace efforts in the region,” state-run APP said.

The award ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as federal ministers, top military leaders and members of the diplomatic corps. It took place after the Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad in which the Saudi defense minister was the guest of honor.

The parade is being held on the 84th anniversary of “Pakistan Day,” marked each year to celebrate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the Muslim League which called for the creation of an independent state for the Muslims of India on March 23, 1940.

Zardari also conferred the Hilal Quaid-e-Azam award upon Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development.

The award acknowledges the fund’s contributions to enhancing critical sectors in Pakistan through financing development projects and programs. It reflects the countries’ longstanding development partnership, spanning approximately 48 years.