President Asif Ali Zardari has ordered the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz to be awarded to Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem for his record-breaking performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
According to state media, the President will personally present the civil award to Nadeem in a special ceremony, recognizing his outstanding contributions to sports. Following this directive, the Aiwan-e-Sadr has officially communicated with the Cabinet Division to formalize the award process.
In his letter, President Zardari praised Nadeem’s achievements, stating, “Arshad Nadeem’s remarkable performance has made the nation proud on the global stage. His outstanding success in athletics is a source of pride for the country.”
The Hilal-e-Imtiaz will be conferred under Article 259(2) of the Constitution, which authorizes the President to bestow honors on Pakistani citizens for distinguished services in various fields.
Arshad Nadeem made history by securing Pakistan’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics, clinching the top spot in the men’s javelin throw at the 2024 Paris Games. His triumph, particularly over the defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India, has earned him national hero status.
Nadeem set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters, an achievement that has inspired the nation’s youth and solidified his legacy.
In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a special directive to commemorate Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day with a stamp titled “Azm-e-Istehkam” (Commitment to Stability), featuring Arshad Nadeem’s image. This commemorative stamp, which also includes the iconic Minar-e-Pakistan, symbolizes the nation’s dedication to progress and stability.
The government hopes that this stamp will educate future generations about the sacrifices made for the nation’s freedom and the continued efforts toward national stability.
