Sultan Ali Allana, Director of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Chairman of HBL, the largest bank in Pakistan, was conferred the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his valuable services in the field of public service. The award acknowledges his work towards financial inclusion and assistance provided to the Government of Pakistan in negotiating challenges on the economic front through advice and targeted interventions. Hilal-e-Imtiaz is one of the highest civilian awards conferred by the Government of Pakistan in recognition of meritorious contribution to national interests. This is the second recognition award conferred on Sultan Ali Allana, who was earlier conferred the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2006 for his for services to Pakistan in the economic and financial sector, specifically the creation of a framework that paved the way for establishing micro finance banks in the country and for the formation of the country’s first private sector micro finance bank.
Samina Chagani, Deputy Director of the Financial Monitoring Unit of the Government of Pakistan, was conferred the Sitara-e-Imtiaz for her valuable service in the field of public service. Samina has been recognised for her work with the national Financial Action Task Force (FATF) team in rectifying legal flaws identified by FATF in Pakistan. She dedicated her services to review provincial and federal legislation, rules, and regulations regarding hidden assets, and to provide support for international cooperation. Her efforts contributed to expanding compliance from 10 to 38 technical points, helping the task force meet the total requirement of compliance with 40 technical points to get Pakistan off FATF’s grey list.
Amin Hashwani, a businessman, social activist, and poet, was conferred the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his contributions in the field of community service and philanthropy. Over the years Amin has undertaken initiatives and established social organisations in the fields of education, health, culture, youth development and peace building between nations and societies. The NGOs founded by him operate over 35 schools, 4 vocational training centres, community sports facilities, free online mental health counselling services, 3 centres of excellence for persons with disabilities for financial inclusion, vocational training, and schooling. He has helped influence policy for a more inclusive society and created opportunities for underserved communities. He has also received an honorary doctorate for services rendered.
The President’s Award for Pride of Performance in the field of Sports – Mountaineering was conferred upon Sirbaz Khan, an accomplished mountaineer from Aliabad, Hunza. Sirbaz has climbed 12 of the 14 highest peaks in the world and holds the title of first Pakistani to summit Mount Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest mountain at 8,516m in Nepal, without supplementary oxygen. Sirbaz was also associated with the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board in Hunza and served as a master trainer for climbing and mountaineering.
These four individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have been recognised for their achievements with some of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards. Their dedication and service to their country are exemplary, and their recognition is well-deserved.
