Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem, who made history by winning the country's first-ever individual gold medal at the Paris Olympics, will be honoured with the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz, as directed by President Asif Zardari.
In recognition of Nadeem's remarkable achievement, President Zardari will confer the civil award in a special ceremony, in accordance with Article 259(2) of the Constitution. The Presidency has officially communicated this directive to the Cabinet Division.
President Zardari lauded Arshad Nadeem for making the nation proud through his outstanding performance in athletics on the global stage. In a formal letter, the president highlighted Nadeem's outstanding success as a significant source of pride for Pakistan, emphasizing that his accomplishment has elevated the country's reputation in the field of sports.
The award, one of the highest civilian honours in Pakistan, will celebrate Arshad Nadeem's dedication, hard work, and the glory he has brought to the nation.
Besides Hilal-e-Imtiaz, following is how many cash rewards and gifts have been announced for the young athlete and by whom:
- Hailing him as a "hero", Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a reward of Rs100 million. She also announced a sports city in Arshad's of Mian Channu named after him.
- Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan announced a cash reward of Rs2 million. He said Nadeem would be formally invited to the Governor’s House upon his return to Pakistan.
- Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the Sindh government announced Rs50 million "for the national hero". He also said that a sports academy named after Arshad Nadeem would also be established in Karachi.
- Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced Rs1 million for Arshad on the "historic victory".
- The World Athletics Federation has announced $50,000 or Rs13.9 million for Arshad Nadeem as the prize money for winning the gold medal and creating a world record in the javelin throw category.
- Singer Ali Zafar announced a reward of Rs1 million for Arshad Nadeem and urged the government to welcome him like a hero and establish a sports academy in his name.
- Cricketer Ahmad Shahzad has also announced Rs1 million for the "Olympian hero" on behalf of his Ahmad Shahzad Foundation and Reportage Properties Group. He said he always believed in Arshad Nadeem's potential, and called him "our proud Champ ".
Furthermore, a foreign ice cream chain has also announced a cash reward of Rs2 million for the national hero, while a Karachi-based business tycoon has announced a luxurious apartment for him.
Moreover, the National Assembly has passed a resolution recommending the government to honour Nadeem with the highest civil award. Senate Deputy Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar plans to arrange an honorary dinner for Arshad once he returns to Pakistan.
Sindh government spokesperson and Sukkur Mayor Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh has announced that a gold crown will be presented to gold medalist Arshad Nadeem upon his arrival in Sukkur. He further said an under-construction new sports stadium in Sukkur will be named "Arshad Nadeem Stadium" in recognition of the athlete’s extraordinary accomplishments.
Also, a solar energy firm has promised a solar energy system for Arshad as a "tribute to his grand achievement for the nation".
