ISLAMABAD – President Asif Zardari conferred civil awards at Aiwan-e-Sadr to Pakistani and foreign individuals for excellence in fields such as education, health, journalism, sports, diplomacy, and public service. Top honors included Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, and Sitara-e-Shujaat.
As the list includes known personalities, a document surfaced online, claiming a wide range of financial benefits and exclusive privileges for recipients of civil awards, sparking public discussion over the scale of incentives allegedly granted to award holders.
Individuals who receive civil honors are now entitled to privileged status with access to several high-end facilities, including Access to VIP airport lounges, and recipients would reportedly be allowed free entry to VIP lounges at airports and other designated locations. They are said to be eligible for accommodation in state-run guest houses across the country.
Arms License
One of the most controversial claims in the report is exemption from firearm licensing requirements for award recipients. It stated that eligible individuals may possess the following weapons without standard licensing procedures:
- One pistol or revolver (Non-Prohibited Bore)
- One rifle (NPB)
- One .22 bore rifle
- Two shotguns
Cash Rewards
The report further claims that the government increased cash awards for acts of bravery effective from August 14, 2023, with significant monetary prizes for recipients:
| Award | Amount for Living Recipients | Posthumous Award |
|---|---|---|
| Nishan-e-Shujaat | 1,500,000 | 1,875,000 |
| Hilal-e-Shujaat | 1,250,000 | 1,625,000 |
| Sitara-e-Shujaat | 1,125,000 | 1,375,000 |
| Tamgha-e-Shujaat | 1,000,000 | 1,125,000 |
The report also mentions that individuals recognized for excellence in arts, literature, science, and other fields under the Presidential Award for Performance would receive a cash prize of Rs1,250,000.
Foreign nationals, according to the report, would only receive a commemorative plaque and would not be eligible for any financial or material benefits listed above.
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