President Zardari to confer Nishan-e-Pakistan on Kazakh, Uzbek presidents

President Asif Ali Zardari will award the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian honour, to the visiting presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan during their upcoming official visits to Pakistan.

According to an official announcement, the investiture ceremonies will be held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where the president will formally confer the award on the two foreign dignitaries.

The Nishan-e-Pakistan is conferred on individuals who have rendered outstanding services to Pakistan’s national interests and is often awarded to visiting heads of state as a symbol of goodwill and strong bilateral ties.

State banquets will also be hosted in honour of the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Members of the federal cabinet, parliament and the diplomatic community, along with other senior officials, are expected to attend the ceremonies and related events.