KARACHI, Jan 7: The French prime minister has awarded the prestigious "Chevalier dans l'ordre des Palmes Academiques" to Prof Dr Naveed Ahmed Tahir, director, Area Study Centre for Europe (ASCE), University of Karachi.

France Counsel-General Jean-Yves Berthault decorated Dr Naveed Ahmad Tahir on Friday in a simple ceremony at his residence in recognition of her academic work and promotion of bilateral understanding.

Vice Chancellor of Karachi University Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui and father of Ms Naveed, former editor-in-chief of Dawn, Mr Ahmad Ali Khan, and other members of her family and the ASCE were present on the occasion.

The consul-general paid rich tribute to Dr Naveed for her contribution to promoting understanding of French policies and culture in Pakistan. "This occasion is a moment of pride and joy for all of us," he said.

He said the prime minister of France had nominated Dr Naveed for the prestigious French academic award "Chevalier I'Ordre des Palmes Academiques" or Knight in the Order of the Academic Palms for her services in creating awareness in Pakistan about French culture in general and its foreign policy in particular.

He pointed out that this award was conferred on eminent French and in special cases on international academic personalities for their exceptional contribution in enriching French culture and heritage.

Ms Naveed, who was awarded the Jean Monnet Chair for European Political Science by the European Commission's Directorate General for Education and Culture, had authored nine books, penned 27 research articles and edited 12 publications, he added.

The vice-chancellor said it was not only an honour for Dr Naveed, but also for the Area Study Centre for Europe. He thanked the embassy of France in Pakistan for its assistance towards Karachi University for the teaching of the French language.

Ms Naveed thanked the government of France for conferring the honour on her and for contributing generously in facilitating French Language course under the Areas Study Centre for Europe. Ms Naveed pointed out that there was a growing interest among the students to learn French language.