Pakistan Honours Civil & Military Leaders, Martyrs of Marka-i-Haq with Independence Day Awards
ISLAMABAD – On the occasion of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, the nation’s highest civil and military honours were conferred upon political leaders, armed forces officials, and martyrs who played a pivotal role in Marka-i-Haq — the state’s official name for the recent conflict with India. The ceremony, held at the Presidency on August 14, was led by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking a day of pride, sacrifice, and unity.
Marka-i-Haq: A Defining Chapter in Pakistan’s History
The term Marka-i-Haq refers to the confrontation between Pakistan and India, beginning with the April 22 Pahalgam incident and ending with the US-brokered ceasefire on May 10 after Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. Officials hailed it as a decisive victory in defending Pakistan’s sovereignty on political, diplomatic, and military fronts.
Top Military Awards for Courage & Leadership
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, received the Hilal-e-Jurat, Pakistan’s second-highest wartime gallantry medal, for leading the army from the front and crafting the winning war strategy.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu was also honoured with the Hilal-e-Jurat for his exceptional command during the critical aerial battles of May 6-7.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Naval Staff, was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) for strengthening Pakistan’s naval defence and forcing the Indian Navy into retreat.
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, was also presented with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for strategic military advisory during the conflict.
Civilian Leaders Recognised for Strategic Brilliance
Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for countering India’s diplomatic offensives on the global stage and securing support for Pakistan’s peace narrative.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was honoured for his decisive role in coordinating national defence efforts during the war.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar was recognised for effectively countering Indian propaganda and uniting civil-military communication strategies.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar earned recognition for his legal resistance against India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi received honours for maintaining internal security and unity during heavy civilian attacks.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was commended for leading Pakistan’s diplomatic delegation to New York, London, and Brussels, exposing India’s misinformation campaigns.
Members of the diplomatic team — including Dr Musadik Malik, Senator Sherry Rehman, Hina Rabbani Khar, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Senator Faisal Subzwari, Tehmina Janjua, and Jalil Abbas Jilani — were each awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for defending Pakistan’s position internationally.
Honouring the Martyrs of Marka-i-Haq
Posthumous awards paid tribute to the soldiers and airmen who made the ultimate sacrifice. Among them were Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf (Shaheed), Naik Waqar Khalid (Shaheed), Lance Naik Dilawar Khan (Shaheed), and several others who were awarded Tamgha-e-Basaalat, Sitara-e-Basaalat, and Tamgha-e-Jurat for their bravery.
A Day of National Pride
The awards list also included 8 Sitara-e-Jurat, 5 Tamgha-e-Jurat, 24 Sitara-e-Basaalat, 45 Tamgha-e-Basaalat, 146 Imtiazi Asnad, 259 COAS Commendation Cards, and 1 Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military), acknowledging both wartime and peacetime achievements.
Both President Zardari and PM Shehbaz used the occasion to remind the nation of the unity, resilience, and sacrifices that led to Pakistan’s creation — and which continue to protect its independence today.