Islamabad. President Prabowo Subianto received Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, from President Asif Ali Zardari in a formal investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday, underscoring strengthening ties between the two Muslim-majority nations.

Pakistan awarded Prabowo the distinction for what it described as his “extraordinary contributions” to advancing bilateral cooperation and his role in elevating Indonesia’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific. The award, established in 1957, is the highest grade within the Order of Pakistan and is granted to both Pakistani nationals and foreign leaders for “services of the highest distinction.”

President Zardari, accompanied by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, personally decorated Prabowo with the medal during the ceremony held in the historic Iqbal Hall. Senior ministers, parliamentarians, and ambassadors from several countries were also in attendance, a turnout that officials said reflects the depth of Pakistan–Indonesia relations.

Islamabad’s decision to honor Prabowo highlights its recognition of Indonesia’s growing geopolitical influence and the Indonesian president’s efforts to strengthen cooperation in defense, economic development, and broader Muslim solidarity.

The award also carries symbolic weight, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Pakistan—two nations that have maintained close relations since the early years of their independence and have frequently coordinated positions in international forums.

Several prominent global and regional leaders have previously received the Nishan-e-Pakistan, including Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Pakistani officials said Prabowo’s recognition reflects a shared commitment to deepening collaboration in areas such as security, trade, and humanitarian cooperation amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

The honor, they added, is also an affirmation of both nations’ aspirations to strengthen unity within the Muslim world and expand strategic partnerships in Asia and beyond.