Pakistan confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz award on Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne

Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) Medal by  Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi at a special investiture ceremony held in Islamabad yesterday (Feb13).

The Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence) is the highest honor given to any civilian in Pakistan based on their achievements towards world recognition for Pakistan or an outstanding service for the Country. The award is not limited to citizens of Pakistan and while it is a civilian award, it is also be awarded to military personnel and worn on the uniform.

It is regarded as the highest award one can achieve in Pakistan since higher award Nishan-e-Pakistan is awarded only to foreign Heads of States.

Nishan-e-Imtiaz or Order of Imtiaz is highly restricted and prestigious award roughly equivalent to Presidential Medal of Freedom (USA) or  Order of British Empire (UK), a statement said.

The Admiral was the first Sri Lankan Military officer to earn a BSc (Honours) (War Studies) degree from Karachi University in 1995.