In an event that has attracted nationwide attention, the President of Pakistan has presented the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, one of the country’s highest civilian awards, to his own son.
This marks the first time in Pakistan’s history that such a prestigious honor has been given to an immediate family member of the sitting President.
The award was conferred in recognition of the son’s outstanding achievements in his professional field. Supporters of the decision say it is a well-deserved honor, reflecting years of hard work, dedication, and contribution to the nation.
They believe that family ties should not overshadow merit, and that excellence should be recognized regardless of personal relationships.
However, the move has also sparked public debate and criticism. Some voices have raised concerns about the perception of favoritism, questioning whether such a decision could affect the credibility of the award process.
Others feel that while the achievements may be genuine, the optics of the President honoring his own son could have been avoided.
Despite the divided opinions, the moment remains historic. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, dignitaries, and notable figures from various sectors. The recipient expressed gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the honor to the country and pledging to continue contributing to its progress.
This unusual precedent has added a new chapter to the story of Pakistan’s civilian honors—one that will likely be discussed for years to come, both for its symbolic value and the conversations it has sparked about merit, recognition, and public perception.