ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved several summaries, including the conferment of civilian and military awards and a 100-day remission in prisoner sentences, Pakistani state media reported, as the nation celebrated its 80th Independence Day.
The South Asian country announces state honors on its national days to recognize gallantry, scientific, public and social services of security personnel and civilians.
President Zardari approved military awards for 1,172 personnel of the armed forces and civil armed forces, the state-run APP news agency reported.
“President Zardari approved a special 100-day remission in the sentences of eligible prisoners,” the report said.
“In addition, the president approved the conferment of national civil awards on citizens from various civilian fields in recognition of their contributions and services.”
Pakistan achieved independence from British colonial rule on August 14, 1947 after the United Kingdom partitioned the Indian sub-continent into two independent dominions, Muslim Pakistan and Hindu-majority India.
This year’s celebrations included the inauguration in Islamabad of the “Yadgar-e-Fatah,” or Monument of Victory, commemorating what Pakistan calls the “Battle of Truth” against India last year.
The fighting erupted after gunmen killed 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants, an allegation Islamabad denied. The nuclear-armed rivals exchanged missile, drone and other strikes before a ceasefire halted the fighting.
