President Arif Alvi on Friday conferred Pakistan's highest civil award — Nishan-e-Pakistan — on Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad during a ceremony held at President House in Islamabad.

Mohamad, the oldest currently-serving state leader, was honoured by Pakistan "in recognition of his outstanding achievements, invaluable contributions, steadfast friendship and inspiring role as an iconic visionary", according to a citation.

The investiture ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan, federal ministers, parliamentarians and senior military and civilian officials.

The Malaysia premier is paying a three-day visit to Pakistan along with a high-level delegation including leading businessmen, on Prime Minister Khan's invitation.

A banquet was held in his honour at the Aiwan-i-Sadr following the investiture ceremony.

The last foreign dignitary to be awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan was Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who was honoured during his visit to Islamabad last month.

Tomorrow, Mohamad will be the chief guest at the Pakistan Day parade.