Senator John William Warner (R-Virginia), Chairman Senate armed services committee, was presented with the coveted 'Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam,' on Wednesday in recognition of his singular services towards the cause of promotion of Pakistan-US relations. The award-giving ceremony followed a befitting reception at the spacious Jamshed Marker Hall of the Pakistan Embassy, where Ambassador Jehangir Karamat decorated Senator Warner with the illustrious award.
Reading out the citation, Ambassador Karamat detailed the valuable contribution made by Senator Warner, saying: "He has played an important role in creating an understanding of Pakistan's contribution to peace and amity among nations."
In the context of the global war on terror, he said Senator Warner has been appreciative of Pakistan's vital role. "Senator Warner is supportive of closer Pakistan- US defence requirements."
"As Chairman of the Senate armed services committee, he has extended tangible support in this regard," the citation added.
In his brief remarks on the occasion, Senator John William Warner said without "the courageous co-operation" extended by Pakistan, the success in the war on terrorism was not possible.
Senator Warner said: "The war on terror is a war, which has no boundaries- unless we maintain strong relationship, we cannot achieve objective of defeating terrorism."
He referred to the strong working relationship existing between Pakistan and the United States.
To strengthen relationship between our two nations, he s id "we are engaged in a war against international terror, which has no boundaries, no state."
He said defeat of terror would not be achieved unless strong relationship with other nations was maintained, so as to "enable many peoples of the world enjoy the fruit of this relationship."
Senator Warner has visited Pakistan a number of times. Those attended the event, includ Peter Flory, Assistant Secretary of State for Defense; Ms Christina Rocca, Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs; Michael Green, Advisor to the US President; Shirin Tahirkheli, Senior Advisor on UN to the State Department; former ambassador William B. Milam, Professor Stephen Cohen, Dennis Kux, Hanif Akhtar, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Charlie Wilson; worthy guests from various friendly countries, think tanks, scholars and media representatives: besides Pakistan Embassy officials and their families, as well as a number of noted members of the Pakistani community.
He thanked President Musharraf and the people of Pakistan for the honour. He referred to the work he had done for strengthening Pakistan- US relationship, serving in different capacities.
Ambassador Karamat referred to Senator Warner's visits to Pakistan and said, Senator Warner had been appreciative of Pakistan's role in the ongoing war on terrorism.
Earlier at the flag-hoisting ceremony, Ambassador Karamat read out the messages of President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz issued on the occasion of Pakistan Day.