KARACHI: On the 23rd of March, in a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, President Arif Alvi presented Pakistan’s civil awards to 135 citizens and foreign nationals. Amongst the list of recipients of the Sitara–e- Imtiaz was Pakistan’s cricket team captain Babar Azam who is the youngest cricketer to receive the third highest civilian award.
In a heartwarming post, Babar Azam called it an “immense honor” to have been awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in the presence of his parents. He dedicated his award to parents, fans and the people of Pakistan. Babar Azam is the youngest cricketer to be awarded the Sitara-e-Imitaz at just 28 years of age. Previously, Sarfraz Ahmed was the youngest to have received the award at 31 years of age.
Immense honour to have received Sitara-e-Imtiaz in the presence of my mother and father.
This award is for my parents, fans and the people of 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/Gafwlu3rUC
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) March 23, 2023
However, Babar Azam wasn’t the only cricketer to have been awarded with honors at the ceremony. Former Captain of the Pakistani women’s cricket team was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. She dedicated her award to her father, “Who stood by me through thick and thin.” The ceremony wasn’t just about cricketers. Fakhr-e-Alam was awarded the Sitara e Imtiaz for his hosting and Behroz Sabzwari received the award under the arts category.
Humbled and honoured to receive the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. I dedicate this award to my parents especially for my baba, who stood by me through thick and thin. His cheers for me got through my hardest days ❤️🇵🇰🏅 #PakistanZindabad #TamghaeImtiaz pic.twitter.com/ycKyAE6Vaq
— Bismah Maroof (@maroof_bismah) March 23, 2023
Bilquees Edhi and Ramzan Chhipa were awarded the second highest award, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for their efforts in social services.
