ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday conferred Pakistan’s top civil awards on prominent figures from journalism, sports, literature, public service and law enforcement at a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Senior journalist and Director North at BOL News Ihtasham ul Haque was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism.
Ihtasham ul Haque stands among Pakistan’s most distinguished journalists, whose illustrious career spanning over four decades reflects an unwavering commitment to truth, objectivity, and the highest ideals of the profession.
A graduate with a Master’s in Political Science from the University of the Punjab, he began his journalistic journey in 1979 with the local newspaper, later serving two decades with leading English newspaper as special correspondent in Islamabad.
Domestically, he has held senior directorial positions with top news channels including BOL TV networks, serving also as a respected senior political and security analyst.
Renowned for his incisive political and economic reporting, he has represented Pakistan’s media at international forums across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa accompanying Presidents and Prime Ministers on high-level diplomatic engagements.
His global repute is further evidenced by his long association with Khaleej Times, BBC, and Tokyo Shimbun. Recipient of the United Nations Correspondents Association’s prestigious Dag Hammarskjöld Memorial Scholarship, four All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) Best Journalist Awards, the Citibank Award, and the KC Kulish International Award, Mr. Haque’s career embodies integrity, professional excellence, and unconditional loyalty to Pakistan, democracy, and human rights.
In recognition of his meritorious services in journalism, the President Asif Ali Zardari conferred upon Ihtasham ul Haque the honor of Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
