ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civil award, on Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo during a special investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
In a landmark moment for Pakistan–Indonesia relations, the ceremony drew an exceptional turnout of national leadership and military brass, including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, federal cabinet members, the governors of Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan, the AJK prime minister, and the service chiefs of Pakistan’s armed forces. Members of Parliament and the diplomatic corps were also in attendance.
Ahead of the ceremony, President Zardari and President Subianto held a bilateral meeting focused on the deep historical ties and shared values that anchor the Pakistan–Indonesia relationship—foundations laid by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and President Sukarno.
Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen cooperation for regional peace, stability, and prosperity, expressing confidence in the future trajectory of bilateral relations.
President Zardari extended heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of life from the recent floods and landslides in Sumatra, praying for the victims and wishing swift recovery for the injured.
The two presidents reviewed the expanding bilateral trade relationship and welcomed the establishment of the Joint Trade Committee, calling it an effective platform to deepen business linkages. President Zardari underscored the need for balanced market access and greater diversification of Pakistan’s exports.
They also identified multiple sectors for enhanced economic cooperation, including IT, renewable energy, halal products, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, along with joint efforts on climate resilience, disaster management, and sustainable development.
On defence ties, both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in training, joint production, and capacity-building, reaffirming close coordination at multilateral forums—particularly in efforts to counter Islamophobia and promote Muslim unity.
President Zardari also briefed President Subianto on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), stressing the importance of peace and justice in the region.
The extended meeting featured senior officials from both sides. From Indonesia, key participants included Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Sugiono, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Minister of Higher Education Brian Yuliarto, senior military leaders, and the Indonesian ambassador to Pakistan.
From Pakistan, the delegation comprised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, MNA Syed Naveed Qamar, and senior Foreign Office officials.
The two leaders also held a brief tête-à-tête to review the broader contours of the bilateral partnership.
Following the award ceremony, a state banquet was hosted in honour of the Indonesian president, marking a powerful reaffirmation of the 75-year friendship between the two nations and opening a dynamic new chapter in Pakistan-Indonesia strategic cooperation.
