Independence Day 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari Honours Field Marshal Asim Munir, PAF Chief, and Other National Heroes

On 14 August 2025, Pakistan celebrated its 78th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotism. In a grand ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred prestigious military and civil awards on distinguished individuals who rendered exceptional services to the country, honouring both military leaders and civilian heroes.

The highest military honour of the day went to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who was awarded the Hilal-e-Jurat (Military) for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the defence of Pakistan. Similarly, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu was also awarded the Hilal-e-Jurat (Military) in recognition of his outstanding role in safeguarding Pakistan’s airspace.

Other senior military leaders, including General Sahir Shamshad Mirza (Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee) and Admiral Naveed Ashraf (Chief of Naval Staff), received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military). Director General ISI Lieutenant General Asim Malik was honoured with the Sitara-e-Basalat, while officers such as Major General Kashif Abdullah, Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed, and Rear Admiral Shehzad Hameed were awarded the Tamgha-e-Basalat for their courage and dedication.

In the civilian category, several political and public figures were honoured for their contributions to the nation. Recipients included Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Other notable awardees were Sherry Rehman, Faisal Sabzwari, Hina Rabbani Khar, Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, and Tariq Fatemi, who were conferred with Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Civil) and Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Civil) for their exceptional public service.

The Pakistan Air Force was also in the spotlight as several of its brave officers received honours. Wing Commander Bilal Raza, Wing Commander Hammad Ibn Masood, Squadron Leader Muhammad Yousaf Khan, Squadron Leader Usama Ashfaq, Squadron Leader Muhammad Hassan Anees, Squadron Leader Talal Hassan, Squadron Leader Fida Muhammad Khan, and Squadron Leader Muhammad Ashhad were awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat for their gallantry in service.

Tribute was also paid to the martyrs. Lance Havaldar Amir Shiraz, Lance Naik Ikramullah, and Sepoy Adeel Akbar were posthumously awarded the Tamgha-e-Jurat, while Sepoy Nisar Ahmed Shaheed received the Sitara-e-Basalat. Other high-ranking officers, including Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, Lieutenant General Noman Zakaria, Lieutenant General Zafar Iqbal, Lieutenant General Syed Amir Raza, Lieutenant General Shahid Ijaz, and Lieutenant General Ahmad Shareef Chaudhry, were honoured with the Sitara-e-Basalat. Officers from the Pakistan Navy and Air Force also received the same recognition for their dedicated service.

In his speech, President Asif Ali Zardari stated that these awards are a testament to the sacrifices and dedication of those who serve Pakistan with loyalty, courage, and commitment. He urged the nation to uphold unity, sacrifice, and solidarity to ensure that Pakistan continues to progress and raise its flag high on the global stage.