How To Apply For Rewards Of 24 August From Cm Child Programe
Pakistan achieved a 2.7% GDP growth in the fiscal year 2024-25, which is a slight increase from 2.5% the previous year. Although this is below the initial goal of 3.6%, it still shows positive economic development
The country reported a current account surplus of approximately USD 1.9 billion from July to April, successfully turning around last year’s deficit of USD 200 million .
Inflation has notably slowed, now at an annual rate of 4.6%, down from nearly 28% just a year prior. By January 2025, it fell even further to 2.4% from 28.3% in January 2024
2. Fiscal Management & Development Spending
The Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) utilization reached Rs 1,046 billion in FY2024-25—a remarkable 96% of its total allocation, setting a new record for a single year
This investment has been channeled into key areas, such as roads, education, health, energy, water resources, and recovery initiatives from natural disaster impacts in provinces like Balochistan ([pid.gov.pk][4]).
3. Trade, Exports, and Digital Leap
Exports have shown strong growth, with exciting goals set to reach USD 60 billion by 2029 through policy reforms and tariff adjustments
The ICT sector experienced substantial advancements, with USD 3.2 billion in exports last year, aiming for USD 4 billion and beyond. This growth includes a national AI policy and improved broadband access for over 100 million people
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (KSE-100) skyrocketed from about 62,000 in February 2024 to over 114,000 in January 2025, reflecting a resurgence in investor confidence
4. Infrastructure and CPEC Achievements
Through CPEC and related initiatives, Pakistan completed an impressive 888 km of motorways, featuring key routes like the Multan–Sukkur, Hakla–DI Khan, Khuzdar–Basima, and the Havelian–Thakot section of the Karakoram Highway.
Additional infrastructure improvements include:
Enhanced land-sea connectivity via the New Gwadar International Airport and fully operational Gwadar Port and Free Zone,A Pilot Free Zone in Gwadar that is attracting investments in logistics, fisheries, and manufacturing.
5. Energy, Water & Renewable Progress
Major dams, including Mohmand and Diamer-Basha, are under construction to tackle long-term water and energy shortage
FtRenewable energy now constitutes about 10% of the national power mix, with efforts underway to reduce circular debt and ensure dependable electricity supply for industrial needs .
6. Social Development and Regional Inclusion
Budget allocations are heavily focused on education, healthcare, and population welfare, with special investments aimed at AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and unified tribal areas for balanced regional advancement
The latest updates from the federal development office highlighted digital connectivity projects spanning 30 cities in AJK and G-B, enhancing access to education, health, tourism, and job opportunities .
7. Stability, International Standing, Remittances
Remittances exceeded USD 38 billion, marking a 27% increase in just one year—boosting foreign exchange reserves by around 26% year-on-year.Through the URAAN Pakistan initiative, administrative and structural reforms have elevated Pakistan’s global stance, especially in areas of defense, diplomacy, and regional policy amidst various tensions (like those between Iran and Israel) ([pid.gov.pk][4]).
The ranking of the Pakistani passport improved from 113th in 2021 to 100th in 2025, showcasing an enhanced perception of travel freedom (
🎖️ Part II: Awards and Honors Announced on August 14
1. Overview: National Awards System
Every year on August 14 (Independence Day), the government announces prominent civil and military honors, which are formally conferred on March 23 during Pakistan Day celebrations ([en.wikipedia.org][8]).
Awards for bravery include Nishan-e-Shujaat, Hilal-e-Shujaat, and others, announced on the same day but presented later.
2. 2024 Awards (latest full details as of 2024)
In August 2024, a total of 104 individuals (both Pakistani and foreign) received civil awards covering various sectors like science, education, medicine, arts, sports, public service, gallantry, and more ([dawn.com][10]).
Sports honors included the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for Arshad Nadeem (gold medalist at Paris 2024), a posthumous Sitara-e-Imtiaz for Murad Sadpara, alongside Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance for other athletes.
On August 14, 2015, the President awarded 44 non-operational military honors to Pakistan Air Force officers, including:
2 × Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military),
16 × Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military),
15 × Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military),
2 × Sitara-e-Basalat,
9 × Tamgha-e-Basalat ([The News][1]).
While specific 2025 numbers for Army awards haven’t been disclosed yet, it’s common for the government to announce a series of Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-e-Basalat, Tamgha-e-Basalat, etc.—military honors that parallel civilian awards.
Notably, the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military gallantry award, has historically been awarded posthumously only 11 times (last time in 1999). However, no recent announcements have been made in this regard, but it remains a crucial part of the official awards hierarchy
Achievement: Strong macro-economic indicators, infrastructure progress, and export growth.
Critique: There are still significant gaps in rural inclusion, especially at the district level, with health and education outcomes continuing to lag despite funding.
Alternative: Spread PSDP and provincial development budgets more effectively through grassroots monitoring, especially in southern Punjab, southern Sindh, and merged tribal areas. Eligiblity
Achievement: The awards system highlights excellence across sectors and inspires citizens.
Critique: It tends to favor high-profile or elite individuals; grassroots heroes (like local teachers, nurses, and amateur athletes) are seldom recognized.Alternative: Initiate community-level recognition awards every Independence Day to celebrate unsung local heroes: schoolteachers, community health workers, and grassroots peace-builders.
C. Military Recognition vs. Civil Society Support
Achievement: There is regular formal recognition for Pakistan Army and Air Force officers.Critique: While military awards receive much media attention, acknowledgement for civil defense volunteers, paramedics, or humanitarian workers in times of crises is limited.
Alternative: Broaden the Tamgha-e-Shujaat or introduce new civilian awards for crisis response volunteers, disaster rescue teams, and health workers.
Achievement: Enhanced macro-economic data is now accessible to the public.
Critique: The nomination and selection processes for awards lack transparency, leaving citizens often unsure why specific individuals were recognized.
Alternative: Provide short citations or selection criteria summaries for each awarded person, easily accessible via government websites and media outlets, boosting legitimacy and trust.
E. Youth, Innovation & Technology Focus
Achievement: Increasing tech export targets, unveiling an AI framework, and a growing student population in IT fields.Critique: Recognition systems often overlook promising young innovators and tech entrepreneurs.
Aternative: Establish an award category within the Imtiaz system—like “Youth Pioneer Award” or “Innovators Prize”—to shine a light on emerging talent in AI, biotechnology, clean energy, and civic technology.
✅ Summary & Outlook
As Pakistan celebrated August 14, 2025, the government was at the helm of achieving macroeconomic stabilization, a boost in development spending, CPEC-driven infrastructure enhancement, and the expansion of both exports and the digital economy. The awards system—both civil and military—continues to play a ceremonial yet meaningful role in honoring excellence and service to the country.
However, to ensure sustainable growth, Pakistan should proactively work on fostering greater inclusivity in recognitions, ensuring transparency in award selections, and introducing targeted awards for grassroots initiatives and youth innovators. These measures can help not only show appreciation but also encourage inspiration across all levels of society.
Looking ahead, focusing on community-based recognitions, expanding awards to volunteers and crisis responders, and aligning awards more closely with national priorities—like technology, climate action, health, and youth development—could significantly enhance both symbolic and tangible progress, transforming awards from mere honors into engines of nation-building.