In a prestigious ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military)—Pakistan’s highest military award—upon Vice Admiral (Staff) Muhammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghuraibi, Chief of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, on Monday. The solemn event was attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, senior military officials, and dignitaries, reflecting the deepening defence ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. 

The Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), awarded only to individuals with exceptional service and distinguished military achievements, recognises Vice Admiral Al-Ghuraibi's outstanding contributions to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations. The decoration is Pakistan’s top military honour and is comparable to the Presidential Medal of Freedom (USA) or the Order of the British Empire (UK). This elite honour is traditionally reserved for top-ranking military personnel such as generals, air chief marshals, and admirals and signifies exceptional dedication to national and regional security. 

While it is primarily a military award, it can also be presented to civilians for bringing international recognition to Pakistan. It is one of the few Pakistani awards conferred upon foreign military officials in recognition of bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership. The badge, a gold star with white enamel and green emerald borders, was formally presented to the Saudi naval chief in front of national media and a ceremonial military presence. The award’s ribbon and medal insignia reflect both honour and the prestigious nature of the decoration.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)