EVERY year civil awards comprising Orders (of Pakistan, Shujaat, Imtiaz, Quaid-i-Azam, Khidmat) and the President's Award for Pride of Performance are conferred under Article 259(2) of the Constitution, 1973 read with Decorations Act, 1975 and Notification No.1/10/79 Awards dated 13th January, 1983.

Each of these orders has four descending categories, namely Nishan, Hilal, Sitara and Tamgha. The processing of these awards is done through the cabinet division.

For the selection of candidates, recommendations for awards are invited from ministries/divisions and provincial governments.

Recommendations received are considered by three awards committees whose composition and credibility is not open to the public.

A summary containing final recommendations is then submitted to the president through the prime minister for approval. After the president's approval, awards are announced on the Independence Day and their investiture takes place on the Pakistan Day.

A thorough look at the credentials of the individuals given these awards over the years speak for itself the hollowness of this selection process, thus rendering these awards simply meaningless.

Talking of quality and excellence, a model example which stands out is that of the Nobel Prize honouring men and women for outstanding achievements in different fields.

Each year the respective Nobel committees (each committee comprising noted experts in that particular area/field) send individual invitations to thousands of members of academies and others to submit candidates' names for the Nobel prizes.

This extensive selection process ensures the repute, quality and the credibility of the award. will carry no meaning until they are detached from the shackles of the bureaucratic processes.

The concerned government officials should look into this issue and ensure credibility.

DR IRFAN ZAFAR

Islamabad