Islamabad hosts prestigious ceremony: Dr. Shahid Rashid Butt receives Belgium’s highest civil award

STAFF REPORT
Islamabad: A special ceremony to confer the highest civil award of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown on the former president of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and renowned businessman Dr. Shahid Rashid Butt by King Philip of Belgiumwas held at the residence of the Ambassador of Belgium to Pakistan, Charles Delegone. Dr. Shahid Rashid Butt has been conferred with this high honor in recognition of his invaluable services as a Trade Advisor to the Government of Belgium and the promotion of trade relations between the two countries of Pakistan and Belgium.
Dr. Shahid Rashid Butt has become the first Pakistani to receive this highest civilian award from Belgium.
The award is given by royal decree for outstanding service in public service and distinguished artistic, literary and scientific achievement, as well as commercial or industrial service in Belgium and Africa. In the past, this top award has also been given to former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and famous Hollywood filmmaker Stephen Spielberg. Foreign ambassadors, members of parliament, well-known Business, and other important personalities from other walks of life participated in the ceremony in large numbers.
Ambassadors of France, Poland, Finland, Jordan, and Nepal were also among the personalities who participated in the event. Other personalities included well-known businessmen, Umar Shahid Butt, Chaudhry Shahid Shafi, Saleem Saifullah Khan, Masood Khan, Chaudhry Naseer, Malik Manzoor Ahmad, Dr. Shaukat Bangash, Asad Ansari, Fatima Azim, Isfandyar Bhandara, Ghalib Nishtar, Zahid Maqbool, Basir Dawood, Dr. Rizwan Uppal Kifayat, Member National Assembly Barrister Aqeel Malik, Malik Rafay, Harris, Butt, Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, former federal minister Ijaz Durrani, Dr. Zafar Jaspal, Afzal, Wali Barrister Zafarullah Khan and Chaudhry Maqsood were included. Speaking on this occasionDr. Shahid Butt said that I am grateful to King Philip of Belgium for awarding me this high honor,
I have very good memories of Belgium, the people of Belgium are very hospitable. As a trade advisor, I made great efforts to increase trade cooperation between Pakistan and Belgium.
In the 80’s Pakistan-Belgium Friendship Society was founded, and through this platform, the business community of Pakistan and Belgium was brought together, and those who wanted to do business between Pakistan and Belgium were also brought to this platform. I wish for the revival of this association in today’s era. I look forward to working in the future for the common development and prosperity of both countries. Speaking on this occasion, the Ambassador of Belgium said that the purpose of today’s event is to honor Dr. Shahid Rashid Butt in recognition of his services.
Dr. Shahid Butt had been the Trade Advisor to the Government of Belgium for a long time and in this capacity, he has worked extensively for the promotion of economic and trade relations between the two countries. Even todayhe is very active and working to promote trade relations between the two countries. I once again congratulate him on being recognized as the rightful recipient of this award.