LAHORE: Ambassador of France to Pakistan Martine Dorance on Tuesday gave a French national award (Ordre des Palmes Academiques) to Prof Hafeez Mirza for his contribution and services to promotion of French culture in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore.

The award ceremony was organized by Alliance Francaise de Lahore (French Cultural Centre), Upper Mall.

Hafeez Mirza has rendered his services for the French language over 40 years. He was one of the very first French teachers in Pakistan. He wrote several books, including Moalam-e-Francesi and Guide to Lahore(English and French versions).

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Dorance congratulated Hafeez Mirza for his valuable services for the French language. She said she had not only come to give award to Mr Mirza but also to meet the new committee of the French Cultural Centre which has Nilofer Shahid, Shoukat Hassan, Hamid Zaman, Walid Iqbal and Ashiq Qureshi in it.

She lauded the services of the current director of the French Cultural Centre, Dominique Scorby, who would return to his country after some four weeks. She also expressed her liking for Lahore, saying she always loved visiting the city.

Hafeez Mirza made his address both in Urdu and French and thanked the French government for giving him the award. French Cultural Centre officials, family and friends of Hafeez Mirza and others were present.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2015

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