In all 14 national awards, including one Sitara-e-Imtiaz; six Presidential Awards of Pride of Performance and seven Tamgha-e-Imtiaz were given to illustrious persons of the province for their extra ordinary achievements in their respective professions in a simple but impressive ceremony held on the eve of Pakistan Day; the 23rd March at Governors House Peshawar.
On behalf of the President of Pakistan, the NWFP Governor, Owais Ahmed Ghani gave away the awards while the Chief Secretary, Sahibzada Riaz Noor read out the citations of the recipients of the awards.
Renowned poet and writer, Mukhtiar Ali Khan Parto Roheela achieved Sitara-e-Imtiaz for his literary services. In the field of Literature, Muhammad Qasim Naseem and Abdul Wahid Yousafi also got Presidential Award of Pride of Performance for their extra-ordinary services in journalism while Omer Nasir got this honour for his literary works in radio dramas.
Similarly, Professor Dr Saqib Ali was honoured with Presidential Award of Pride of Performance for his research services in the field of Chemistry. In the field of Art, Abdul Rasheed Naz got Presidential Award of Pride of Performance for his services as drama artist whereas, Muhammad Gul achieved this honour for his creative services in manufacturing of Swati Shalls (lady blankets).
As far as Tamgha-e-Imtiaz is concerned, Late Professor Dr Sabir Kalorvi achieved this honour after death for his achievements in Urdu Literature whereas; Dr Sherzaman Taizai and Professor Dr Salma Shaheen got this award for their extra-ordinary achievements in Pushto literature.
Similarly, Professor Dr Wadood Manzar achieved the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for drama writing. Beside, renowned ultra light aircraft pilot Qazi Tufail also Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in the field of sports whereas Hassan Asad achieved this honour in this field - the mountaineering. In the field of public service, a police officer, Saood Ahmed was honoured with the honour of Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his extra ordinary services. The ceremony, besides some of the provincial ministers, elected representatives, senior officials, and prominent citizens was also attended by well wishers of the recipients.