President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday conferred 'Nishan-e-Imtiaz' on Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan in recognition of his meritorious services in the field of public service. A special ceremony in this regard was held at the Governor House here. Federal and provincial ministers, parliamentarians, businessmen and people from various walks of life attended the ceremony.
Prominent among those, who attended the meeting, included federal ministers Rehman Malik, Naveed Qamar and Dr Farooq Sattar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain, Federal Ombudsman Salman Faruqi, Sindh ministers Pir Mazharul Haq, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Manzoor Wassan, Syed Murad Ali Shah and Syed Sardar Ahmed, and Special Assistant to Sindh Chief Minster Ms Sharmila Faruqui.
The citation read on the occasion said, "Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, was appointed as the youngest governor of Sindh province on December 27, 2002, has become the longest serving governor in the country. "Dr Ishrat made significant contributions in the diverse sectors, such as foreign investment, infrastructure development, law and order, education, interfaith harmony and relief activities.
"During his tenure a massive infrastructure, in terms of networks of roads, flyovers, bridges, under-passes, water supply schemes, public transport system, public housing and support facilities were built. "Sindh witnessed phenomenal infrastructural growth during his governorship.
"The development of "Bagh-e-Ibne Qasim" park is a case in point. He made qualitative development in the higher education sector. "Under Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, major improvements in foreign investment were observed. Trade and industry witnessed accelerated growth and public private partnership in identified areas flourished. "Realising the importance of energy for growth of industry, he made strenuous efforts in oil and gas investment and exploration in the province.
"Owing to his passion for the promotion of art and culture, he revitalised institutions such as "Arts Council of Pakistan", "the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA)" and Koocha-e-Saqafat. He also infused a new spirit in the Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC). He was instrumental in steering legislation against social evils such as "Karokari". He led from the front the release of crew members of two cargo ships from the Somalian pirates. "In recognition of his meritorious services in the field of public service, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been pleased to confer on Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, the award of 'Nishan-e-Imtiaz'".
The President, in his felicitation message, said that the conferment of award upon Dr Ebad was well-deserved and recognition of his devotion, dedication and outstanding contributions for the cause of public service. The President also congratulated MQM chief Altaf Hussain on the occasion.-PR