President Asif Ali Zardari hosted a special ceremony at the Presidency on Saturday to present the Nishan-i-Pakistan award to Saudi Arabia’s defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
The Nishan-e-Pakistan is a prestigious civilian honor in Pakistan, recognizing exceptional contributions to the country’s national interests. It’s the second-highest grade in the Order of Pakistan, similar to the Nishan-e-Haider military award.
Prince Khalid was honored for his significant role in enhancing defense cooperation, strengthening bilateral ties, and promoting peace efforts in the region, according to state-run APP.
The award ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, military leaders, and diplomats, followed the Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad, where Prince Khalid was a guest of honor.
Pakistan Day, celebrated annually on March 23rd, commemorates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, advocating for an independent state for the Muslims of India.
