Islamabad: A prominent Dubai-based Pakistani businessman Sadruddin Hashwani has been honoured by the Belgium government for his role in the socio-economic development of his country and improving relations between the two countries.
Peter Claes, Ambassador of Belgium to Pakistan, officially presented Hashwani with the jewel and diploma of Knight-Commander in the Order of Leopold II during an official ceremony in Islamabad last week.
The Order of Leopold II is one of the three national Belgian Orders of chivalry. All three Orders have the Belgian Sovereign as Grand Master. They have 5 grades: Knight, Officer, Knight-Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross.
The Order of Leopold II, instituted by the King Leopold II in 1900, is awarded for loyal services to the Belgian monarch and as a sign of his personal gratitude. It is awarded both to distinguished Belgian military and senior civil servants and to foreign nationals. The grade of Knight-Commander is usually reserved for captains of industry and high dignitaries.
Hashwani thanked the ambassador for his kind support and expressed his gratitude to the King of the Belgians for the honour and reiterated his commitment to the promotion of good relations between the two countries.
In his address Ambassador Claes thanked Hashwani, who is also honorary consul general of Belgium in Pakistan, for his commitment to the Belgium and his active support to the Embassy over the past 25 years.
Belgium has had a diplomatic presence in Karachi since 1948 and the Honorary Consulate, the ambassador said, symbolises the long-term commitment of Belgium to Pakistan’s success and the indelible bonds of friendship between the people.
