President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved conferment of Hilal-e-Pakistan upon Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand and Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Posthumous) on Dr Zaheer Ahmed. Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that Princess Sirindhorn is an ardent supporter of closer ties between Pakistan and Thailand and has played a key role in fostering Pak-Thai relations.
She has keen interest in Pakistan's cultural heritage. She donated $20,000 to support flood relief efforts in 2010 and encouraged several other Thai businesses and foundations to provide relief assistance to Pakistan. Princess has also been involved in philanthropic activities in many developing countries including Pakistan, especially in healthcare, education and poverty eradication.
The citation said that the award was being conferred upon her in recognition of her outstanding public service, promotion of international goodwill and cooperation and contribution to promote Pakistan-Thailand relations. The president also approved conferment of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Posthumous) upon the pioneer of Shifa International Hospitals Limited, Dr Zaheer Ahmed who expired on October 7, last year in recognition of his meritorious services in the filed of healthcare in Pakistan.
Dr Zaheer Ahmed had many accomplishments to his credit. A pharmacist and medical doctor by training, Dr Zaheer Ahmed returned from US in early seventies with tremendous experience and passion to serve the people of Pakistan in the medical and healthcare field. His contributions include setting up of Shifa International Hospitals Limited, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa College of Nursing and two NGOs namely Shifa Foundation and Tameer-e-Millat Foundation.
He also developed quality healthcare facilities for less-fortunate Pakistanis who suffer because of non-affordability. In recognition of his invaluable services in the field of healthcare and education, the award of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Posthumous) was being conferred upon him, the citation said. The awards have been approved on the advice of the Prime Minister.-PR
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