ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari formally instituted Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Award and Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah Award for excellence in vocational and professional fields by women, on Wednesday.

Approved by the prime minister, the awards will be called President’s Medal —Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and President’s Medal — Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah respectively, to recognise the two iconic ladies as national leaders and internationally acclaimed upholders of women rights.

According to a press release, the awards have been divided into several categories. A financial allocation has also been made for the awards in this year’s budget under the Ministry of Women Development. These awards have been initiated in accordance with the Decorations Act 1975, which states, “The president may, by warrant, institute or create, from time to time, any decorations in recognition of ‘gallantry’, meritorious service in the armed forces, academic distinction or distinction in the field of sports or nursing, and prescribe the conditions under which a decoration may be awarded, conferred, withdrawn, forfeited or annulled.”

Source: Daily Times

Date:3/18/2010