KARACHI, Oct 30: Italian Ambassador Roberto Mazzotta has conferred the Italian Order of Merit award on Hameed Haroon, Chief Executive of the Dawn Group of Newspapers, for his outstanding contribution to “artistic, historical and cultural patrimony, besides his social awareness”.

The award was conferred on one of the “most outstanding public personalities in Pakistan” on behalf of the President of Italy at the residence of the ambassador last Friday.

Ambassador Mazzotta said Mr Haroon was one of the most active promoters of the cultural scene of Pakistan. He said Mr Haroon had a wide range of interests – from cinematography to historical and artistic exhibitions, traditional music, architecture, archaeological restoration and politics.

He praised Mr Haroon for his commitment to various charity activities and voluntary services to support the poor communities of Sindh and Balochistan. He added that Mr Haroon was one of the most active patrons of the reconstruction projects in the earthquake-affected areas.