President of Pakistan conferred civil awards on various distinguished personalities in recognition of their outstanding services to the country in various fields.
These personalities, including Pakistani nationals and foreigners, were decorated with awards at an investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad. A total of one hundred twenty-five personalities were conferred awards in different categories. Out of these, three personalities were given Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Posthumous) in recognition of their outstanding services to the country. The awards cover a wide range of fields, including six people in science, two in engineering, 21 in education, 10 in medicine, 53 in arts, 29 in literature, 9 in sports, 11 in journalism, 10 in social service and 67 in public service. A total of 95 individuals are set to be recognized for acts of exceptional bravery. In addition, 22 foreign nationals are being honored for services to Pakistan, while 20 overseas Pakistanis have also been approved for civil awards. The wide-ranging list reflects recognition of contributions made by Pakistani citizens and international figures across professional, public-service and social sectors.
Pakistan’s economy is facing serious structural and fiscal pressures, although some indicators have recently stabilized. The IMF currently projects real GDP growth of about 3.6% for 2026, while the State Bank says economic activity is expected to recover gradually. The economic circumstances of Pakistan make this issue particularly relevant. At the same time, when millions of citizens are struggling with inflation, unemployment, high electricity and fuel costs, and reduced purchasing power, government institutions must demonstrate responsible use of public resources. The FY2026–27 budget also prioritizes debt and defense expenditures while keeping development spending constrained. Pakistan’s economic problems are not the result of one particular policy or one government. They are the outcome of several long-standing structural weaknesses. Low tax collection, a narrow export base, high public debt, energy-sector inefficiencies, political uncertainty and repeated balance-of-payments pressures have limited the country’s ability to achieve sustained economic growth. The government’s fiscal position is particularly constrained. In the FY2026–27 budget, Pakistan has had to balance debt servicing, defense requirements, revenue targets and development expenditures while remaining committed to its IMF programme.
For example, recognition of a Pakistani scientist may encourage young people to pursue scientific research. Honoring an outstanding teacher can strengthen the social importance of education. Recognizing an entrepreneur can encourage innovation and business development, while acknowledging a doctor or social worker can inspire greater commitment to public service. These effects are indirect, but they can be significant over the long term. Human capital, innovation and productivity are fundamental components of economic development. Therefore, if civil awards encourage people to contribute more effectively to society, they can produce benefits that extend well beyond the individual recipient. The real concern is not necessarily the existence of civil awards but how they are distributed. An award carries value only when society believes that the recipient genuinely deserves it. If awards are perceived to be influenced by political connections, personal relationships, institutional pressure or social status, their motivational value can decline. A merit-based system should make it possible to identify why an individual has been selected and what measurable contribution that person has made. Greater transparency would reduce criticism and strengthen the credibility of the awards. At a time when the country needs greater productivity, technological advancement, export growth, education, healthcare and employment, national recognition could be used strategically to highlight people whose achievements contribute directly or indirectly to these goals. Pakistan should not necessarily reduce or eliminate its civil award system. Instead, it should improve the system in the following ways; strengthen merit based selection, increase transparency, give greater recognition to grassroots contributors, encourage economic contribution, improve regional representation, prioritize national development achievements, conduct periodic reviews, maintain fiscal responsibility.
Pakistan’s current economic difficulties make every aspect of public policy worthy of careful examination. The country is experiencing significant fiscal and structural challenges, and economic growth remains modest despite signs of gradual stabilization. A well designed civil award system can actually support economic development by motivating excellence and highlighting individuals who contribute to education, science, healthcare, entrepreneurship, innovation and public service. Their economic impact is largely indirect. An award itself does not create economic growth, but the recognition of scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, doctors, social workers, public servants, and other contributors can motivate individuals and inspire wider society. In a country such as Pakistan, where improving productivity, human capital, innovation, and public service is essential for sustainable economic growth, a credible and merit-based civil award system can make a meaningful contribution. Conversely, an award system perceived as politically influenced or lacking transparency can weaken public confidence. Therefore, Pakistan does not necessarily need fewer national civil awards; it needs more credible, merit based and development oriented awards. At a time of economic hardship, every national honor should carry a clear message that Pakistan values those who genuinely serve the country and contribute to its social and economic progress.
The author, Muhammad Shahbaz, is affiliated with the School of Economics at Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
