Pakistan to honor 3 Turkish ministers with award

ANKARA

Pakistan will confer its “Sitara-i-Pakistan” civil award on Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Trade Minister Ömer Bolat in recognition of their contributions to relations between the two countries, Turkish media reported Aug. 18.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the conferment of the Sitara-i-Pakistan, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, on the three Turkish ministers, daily Milliyet said.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 27, 2027, in recognition of the deep and enduring bonds of friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye.

The Sitara-i-Pakistan is regarded as Pakistan’s third-highest civilian award and can be bestowed on both Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals. It is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Pakistan, its foreign relations, culture or world peace.

The decision comes as Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a defense pact on Aug. 7. Under the agreement, known as the Mecca Pact, an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be treated as an attack against all three.