PESHAWAR, March 23: Ten prominent persons of the NWFP were honoured with national awards on behalf of President Pervez Musharraf for rendering extraordinary achievements in their respective fields during an investiture ceremony held the Governor’s House on Pakistan Day here on Thursday.

Provincial Governor Khalilur Rehman gave away the awards, while Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani attended the ceremony.

The recipients included Dr Sania Nishter, who was honoured with Sitara-i-Imtiaz for her contribution in health reforms, while Dr Syed Abdul Raza Ali received the Presidential Award of Pride of Performance. Dr Qasim Ayub received Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for his valuable research in bio-medical and genetic engineering.

The Presidential Award of Pride of Performance in the field of science was awarded to Dr Sanaullah Khan Khattak for his valuable contribution in agriculture. In literature, Mr Mohammad Ayaz Khan Daudzai and Mr Mohammad Ghazi Siyyal were given Presidential Awards of Pride of Performance for their valuable works in Pushto literature. Prof Dr Ayub Sabir was given the Presidential Award of Pride of Performance for his appreciable contribution in the Urdu literature. Mr Sharif Farooq was awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for his valuable services in journalism.

In the field of art, Nasiruddin Mohmand and Najeebullah Anjum were honoured with Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for their valuable services in paintings and drama art, respectively.

The ceremony was also attended by members of the provincial cabinet, elected representatives, senior civil and military officials and diplomats of Peshawar-based consulates.