By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
PESHAWAR: Prominent businessman, senior columnist and social figure Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi has been widely congratulated by commercial, journalistic, literary and social circles after receiving the prestigious “Sitara-e-Imtiaz,” one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, in recognition of his outstanding services to the country and the nation.
The Government of Pakistan conferred the award upon Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi for his decades-long contributions to trade, journalism, social welfare and Pak-Afghan trade relations. Sarhadi currently serves as President of the Abaseen columnist association, executive member and senior vice president of the Sarhad chamber of commerce and industry, and chairman of the Pakistan Railways/Dry Port standing committee.
The award was presented by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi during a special ceremony held at the governor’s house in Peshawar. President Asif Ali Zardari had announced the award for Sarhadi on the occasion of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day.
Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi is regarded as an influential business leader and intellectual figure at the national level. He has been actively involved in promoting trade, journalism and regional economic cooperation for several decades, particularly in strengthening Pak-Afghan trade ties.
Sarhadi began regular column writing in 1980. His renowned column “Yaqeen-e-Mukhmam,” published in the daily “Aaj,” earned widespread recognition across the country. Over the years, he has written thousands of columns on the economy, trade, international relations, Pak-Afghan affairs and social issues for national and international newspapers and magazines.
Apart from writing in Urdu, he has also authored columns in Hindko and regularly appeared on Pakistan television and private television channels as an economic expert and senior analyst.
His literary contributions include a book on Sufism titled Roshni Ke Safir, while collections of his columns have also been published in book form.
Sarhadi was among the founding leaders of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry(PAJCCI) and has twice served as its senior vice president, a position he continues to hold. He has also played a key role in matters related to railways, customs and cross-border trade.
His efforts in establishing the modern Azakhel dry port in Nowshera are particularly appreciated by the business community, as the facility has significantly benefited traders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Associated with customs clearing, forwarding, shipping, exports and imports for nearly fifty years, Sarhadi was also honoured earlier this year by the Federal Board of Revenue with the title of “Father of Customs” on the occasion of International Customs Day.
He has participated in various national and international delegations and undertaken study tours to China, Iran, Afghanistan and India, while also playing a significant role in promoting Pak-China, Pak-Afghan and Pak-Iran trade relations.
