On the account of September 6, Defence Day, President of Pakistan Arif Alvi conferred 70 military awards to the personnel of Pakistani armed forces.
At a special ceremony held at Aiwan-i-Sadr (Presidential Palace), the President conferred awards in four categories including Sitara-i-Jurat, Sitara-i-Bisalat, Tamgha-i-Jurat and Hilal-i-Imtiaz.
The ceremony was initially scheduled on March 23, 2020, but it had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even yesterday, all the participants were seen wearing face masks as per anti-COVID SOPs.
PAF Pilots Receive Gallantry Awards
Among the meritorious soldiers and officers, Wing Commander Hassan Siddique and Wing Commander Noman Ali Khan received gallantry awards in recognition of their meritorious services and valor during the Pulwama Attack and the Balakot Air Strike.
Wing Commander Hassan Siddiqui was awarded Tamgha-i-Jurat (fourth highest military award of Pakistan) for shooting down an Indian fighter jet which led to the capture of Abhinandan Varthaman, who attempted to violate airspace along LOC on February 27, 2019.
On the other hand, Wing Commander Noman Ali Khan received Sitara-i-Jurat (third highest military award of Pakistan) for shooting down an Indian Su30 during Operation Swift Retort.
Wing Commander Noman Ali Khan has been awarded Sitara-e-Jur'at (SJ) for shoting down an Indian Aircraft (WC Abhinandan's aircraft) on 27 February 2019. pic.twitter.com/NhBgFrbItc
— Shah 🏴☠️ (@WARW0UNDED) September 6, 2020
Other Recipients of the Awards
The Operation Swift Retort team (formed after Pulwama attack) were among 70 officers and soldiers who received military awards for their services to safeguard the national frontiers.
Air Vice Marshal Zafar Aslam and GP Rana Ilyas received Sitara-i-Basalat for their respective roles in planning the Operation Swift Retort.
W/C Omar Chauhdhry was conferred Tamgha-i-Basalat posthumously.
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