Pakistan recently celebrated its Independence Day on August 14, 2026, by announcing 355 national civil awards. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the honors to recognize outstanding achievements across multiple sectors. However, while mainstream media heavily focuses on celebrities and politicians, the real story lies in the technology sector. The state has officially recognized the IT professionals, engineers, and scientists driving innovation in Pakistan.
Trailblazers in IT & Artificial Intelligence
The government awarded some of the brightest minds in computing. Dr. Shahid Mahmud received the prestigious Hilal-i-Imtiaz for his services to science and technology. As the CEO of the Interactive Group of Companies, he boasts over 33 years of experience in the ICT sector. He is a pioneer in integrating artificial intelligence, telecom, and wireless media infrastructure to improve public health and education systems.
Similarly, Prof. Dr. Aneela Zameer Jaffery earned the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for her groundbreaking work in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. She currently serves as a Deputy Chief Scientist at the Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS). Her academic research heavily focuses on device modeling, stochastic optimization, and evolutionary computing.
Masters of Space, Engineering & Spatial Data
Data and engineering also took center stage this year. Dr. Urooj Saeed secured the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for her contributions to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Working as a Senior GIS Specialist at The Urban Unit in Lahore, she leverages spatial data engineering to map urban sustainability and environmental changes.
Furthermore, international collaboration in technology received a major nod. Yang Baoning of the China Academy of Space Technology was awarded the Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam. Consequently, this highlights the growing significance of space technology and Sino-Pak aerospace partnerships.
Additionally, top engineering minds earned the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz. Dr. Muhammad Sadiq, Vice Chancellor of UET Peshawar, was recognized for his academic leadership in engineering. Meanwhile, Prof.Dr. Naeem-ul-Haq Tariq, a Principal Engineer at PIEAS, received the award for his extensive research in metallurgy and materials science.
Leaders Advancing Scientific Research Recognized at Pakistan Civil Awards 2026
The civil awards also celebrated core scientific research and administration. Prof.Dr. Syed Zafar Ilyas, Vice Chancellor of Kohat University of Science and Technology, and Prof. Dr. Mudassir Asrar earned the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Prof.Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director at ICCBS and a UNESCO Chair, also received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for his scientific contributions.
Moreover, Dr. Sajjad Hussain received the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for his critical work as the focal person for One Health and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
These brilliant minds will formally receive their medals at an investiture ceremony on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2027. Ultimately, this recognition proves that Pakistan’s tech and science ecosystem is producing world-class talent. The country is steadily shifting its focus toward digital transformation, AI, and advanced engineering.
For a rapid overview, here is the official list of the key IT, engineering, and science professionals recognized this year:
| Name | Civil Award | Field / Expertise | Affiliation |
| Dr. Shahid Mahmud | Hilal-i-Imtiaz | ICT & Artificial Intelligence | CEO, Interactive Group |
| Prof. Dr. Aneela Zameer Jaffery | Tamgha-i-Imtiaz | Computer Science & AI | Deputy Chief Scientist, PIEAS |
| Dr. Urooj Saeed | Tamgha-i-Imtiaz | Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | Senior GIS Specialist, The Urban Unit |
| Yang Baoning | Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam | Aerospace & Space Technology | China Academy of Space Technology |
| Dr. Muhammad Sadiq | Tamgha-i-Imtiaz | Engineering Leadership | Vice Chancellor, UET Peshawar |
| Prof. Dr. Naeem-ul-Haq Tariq | Tamgha-i-Imtiaz | Metallurgy & Materials Science | Principal Engineer, PIEAS |
| Prof. Dr. Syed Zafar Ilyas | Sitara-i-Imtiaz | Scientific Research | Vice Chancellor, KUST |
| Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah | Sitara-i-Imtiaz | Chemistry & Sciences | Director, ICCBS / UNESCO Chair |
| Prof. Dr. Mudassir Asrar | Sitara-i-Imtiaz | Science & Higher Education | Member, Balochistan PSC |
| Dr. Sajjad Hussain | Tamgha-i-Imtiaz | One Health & AMR | Government of Pakistan |
