President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday conferred upon Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan the highest civil award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz, in recognition of his meritorious services to the people of Sindh.
The honors were conferred upon the governor by the president at Sindh governor house on Tuesday. In his felicitation message the President said that the conferment of the award upon Dr Ebad was well-deserved and was recognition of his devotion, dedication and outstanding contributions for the cause of public service. The President also congratulated MQM chief Altaf Hussain on the occasion.
The citation of the occasion read: “Dr. Ishrat-Ul- Ebad Khan, was appointed as the youngest governor of Sindh province on December 27, 2002, and has now become the longest serving Governor in the country.
Dr Ebad during his tenure made significant contributions in sectors, such as foreign investment, infrastructure development, law & order, education, interfaith harmony and relief activities. During his tenure a massive infrastructure, in terms of networks of roads, flyovers, bridges, underpassess, water supply schemes, public transport system, public housing and support facilities were built. Sindh witnessed phenomenal infrastructural growth during his Govenorship. The development of “Bagh-e-Ibne Qasim” park is a case in point. He ensured qualitative development in the Higher Education sector.
Similarly Trade and Industry witnessed an accelerated growth and public private partnership flourished. Realizing the importance of energy for growth of industry, he strenuously pursued Oil and gas investment and exploration in the Province. Owing to his passion for the promotion of art and culture, he revitalized institutions such as “Arts Council of Pakistan”, “the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA)” and Koocha-e-Saqafat. He also infused a new spirit in the Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC). He was instrumental in steering legislation against social evils such as “Karokari”. He led from the front the release of crew members of two cargo ships from the Somalian pirates.