LONDON: High Commissioner to United Kingdom, Syed Ibne Abbas has conferred Sitara-i-Shujaat on Malala Yousafzai on behalf of the president of Pakistan.
In a reception held to mark the Pakistan Day here at a local hotel on Wednesday, the High Commissioner termed Malala a symbol of hope and courage.Malala, who has been awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz in recognition to her bravery and unwavering courage for the cause of education, in her remarks thanked the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan for conferring on her the prestigious civil award.
She reiterated her commitment to the cause of education and dedicated her award to the children of Pakistan fighting for their rights, a statement by the High Commission said. Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women was the guest of honour whereas Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General also attended the event.
In his welcome address, the High Commissioner said the nation and its entire leadership were committed to upholding the ideals envisioned by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said despite formidable challenges, the achievements of Pakistan were exemplary.
The High Commissioner said Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, was consolidating democracy, stimulating economic growth, empowering the people and defeating the forces of darkness which want to stall its progress.
He said through the countless sacrifices, Pakistan was succeeding in defeating terrorism especially in tribal areas. The courage, with which Pakistani people and our valiant armed forces are fighting this menace, is un-paralleled, he added.
“The courage of the students and teachers of the Army Public School in Peshawar is unprecedented and deserves our special tributes,” he said while acknowledging the presence of Muhammad Nawaz, the father of two brave students, Harris Nawaz who was martyred and Ahmed Nawaz, critically injured in
the Peshawar school terrorist attack.
The High Commissioner expressed satisfaction over strong bilateral relations and excellent understanding between leadership of Pakistan and the UK. He also commended the role of Pakistani diaspora in the UK in further strengthening the existing ties between the two countries.
In her address, Nicky Morgan gave an overview of the friendly relations between the two countries. She specifically mentioned UK’s assistance in the education sector of Pakistan, which had been institutionalized by signing of ‘Education and Cultural Roadmap’ between Pakistan and the UK.
Commending Malala’s campaign for education, Secretary Morgan reiterated British government’s commitment to promoting girls’ education in Pakistan. She particularly appreciated the constructive role played by over a million Pakistani diaspora in British politics, culture and economy.
The Secretary condemned horrific terrorist attack on Peshawar school in December last year and assured that UK would stand by Pakistan as a firm and enduring friend.