Pakistan awards top military leaders Gen Qamar Bajwa and Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat with 'Nishan-i-Imtiaz'

Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain conferred on Saturday country's highest civilian honour 'Nishan-i-Imtiaz' on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat and army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa in recognition of their services. 

The generals were awarded at a ceremony held at the Awan-e-Sadr (President House). 

According to a statement by the President House, the President conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on General Hayat and General Bajwa "in recognition of their services." 

Last month, President Hussain appointed Bajwa as Chief of Army Staff and Hayat as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee on the recommendation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. 

The Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence) is one of the state organised civil decorations of Pakistan. It is the highest honour given to any civilian in Pakistan based on their achievements towards world recognition for Pakistan or an outstanding service for the country. The award can also be given to military personnel.