Brazilian highest civil award conferred on Pakistani trader

In a special investiture ceremony held at the residence of the Ambassador of Brazil, Claudio Lins, the 'Ordem of Nacional do Cruzeiro do Sul' (National Order of the Southern Cross) was conferred on Irfan Hameed Kiani for his services for Brazil, says a press release.
This award is the highest civil award that can be awarded to a foreigner for extraordinary services for Brazil. It is mainly awarded to the head of foreign states; persons of similar importance or high rank for their services for Brazil. The name derives from the geographical position of the country, under the constellation of the Southern Cross and also in memory of the name - Terra de Santa Cruz - given to Brazil at the time of its discovery.
The event was attended by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Rodolfo Martin Saravia and other guests.
Irfan Hameed Kiani established business relations with a number of Brazilian defence companies in 1998. Through his efforts, he introduced Brazilian made goods to the Pakistani armed forces and worked as a bridge between them. He has been instrumental in the development of a very dependable and long lasting relationship between Brazil and Pakistan.