King Abdullah II Awarded Nishan-e-Pakistan for Peace Efforts

Pakistan Honors Jordanian Monarch at Special Ceremony

President Asif Ali Zardari has bestowed Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, upon Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. The prestigious award recognizes the Jordanian king’s significant contributions toward promoting peace and stability in the region as well as across the globe. The special investiture ceremony took place at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, where top civil and military leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, were in attendance. The honor reflects Pakistan’s strong appreciation for Jordan’s support on issues of mutual importance.

Prior to the ceremony, President Zardari hosted King Abdullah II at a luncheon, symbolizing deep diplomatic warmth and cooperation between the two countries. The event served as a high-level reaffirmation of bilateral friendship based on shared values and long-standing collaboration.

Strengthening Diplomatic and Strategic Relations

During the engagement, King Abdullah II reciprocated the goodwill by conferring the Wisam al-Nahdah al-Mursa, or the Order of the Renaissance, upon President Zardari. The award is one of Jordan’s most distinguished state honors, traditionally presented to heads of state and notable international dignitaries.

Both leaders held discussions focused on international and regional developments, acknowledging ongoing security challenges in the Middle East. They emphasized the need to expand multilateral cooperation and humanitarian initiatives at global platforms. King Abdullah II expressed pride in the strong ties between Pakistan and Jordan, noting the shared commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors including defense, economy, and cultural exchange.

Senior officials present during the meeting included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Musadik Malik, and ambassadors from both nations. Their presence highlighted the collaborative efforts underway to enhance bilateral relations at institutional levels.

Joint Stance on Palestine and Middle East Peace

A major highlight of the discussions was the mutual reaffirmation of unwavering support for Palestinian rights. President Zardari and King Abdullah II reiterated that peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without a sustainable and just resolution to the Palestinian conflict. They underscored their strong backing for a two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

Both leaders emphasized that any plan involving displacement of Palestinians is unacceptable. They called for the creation of a Palestinian state along pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its rightful capital. Their remarks came at a time when senior Israeli officials publicly rejected the idea of Palestinian statehood, further escalating concerns over regional stability.

Pakistan and Jordan have consistently maintained a principled position on the Palestinian cause, advocating for peace based on international law and United Nations resolutions. Their shared commitment reinforces the importance of collective diplomatic efforts required to address ongoing humanitarian crises.