President Zardari approves three key summaries on PM’s advice

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved three important summaries forwarded on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, including a national civil award for a senior United Nations official, the acceptance of a resignation from a key judicial body, and a new appointment to the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).

According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the president approved the conferment of the Hilal-e-Pakistan, one of the country’s highest civil honors, on Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the United Nations’ Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

Moratinos has played a leading international role in promoting religious tolerance and raising awareness about Islamophobia through global diplomatic initiatives. The award recognizes his contributions toward encouraging interfaith harmony and advancing efforts to counter discrimination against Muslims worldwide.

In another decision, President Zardari approved the resignation of Fazal Haq Abbasi as a member of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan. No official reason for the resignation was disclosed, and authorities have not yet announced who will succeed him on the commission.

The president also gave formal approval to the appointment of Zafar Hassan as a member of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), the constitutional body responsible for recruiting civil servants for federal government departments through competitive examinations and merit-based selection.

Officials said the approvals were made following the prime minister’s recommendations in accordance with constitutional procedures.

The latest decisions reflect ongoing administrative and institutional appointments within the federal government, while also highlighting Pakistan’s continued engagement with international efforts to combat religious intolerance.

The recognition of Miguel Ángel Moratinos comes as Pakistan has consistently advocated for stronger global action against Islamophobia at the United Nations and other international forums, calling for greater protection of religious freedoms and respect for all faiths.

Meanwhile, the appointment to the FPSC and the acceptance of the Law and Justice Commission resignation are expected to support the smooth functioning of key constitutional institutions responsible for governance, legal reform and public sector recruitment.

The approved summaries take immediate effect following the president’s formal endorsement, with the relevant government departments expected to issue detailed notifications in due course.