Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi Awarded Presidential Medal of Merit for Youth and Social Welfare Services

Batrassi— Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi, Minister for Social Welfare and Women Development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), has been awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Merit in recognition of his exceptional contributions to social welfare, youth development, and his unwavering support for the scouting movement in the region.

The award was conferred by the President and Chief Scout of Pakistan during a special ceremony held at the Pakistan Scouts Cadet College (PSCC), Batrassi. The event was attended by prominent scout leaders, cadets, government officials, and dignitaries from across the country.

The ceremony was chaired by Sahibzada Sajjad Masood Chishti, Pakistan’s senior-most Leader Trainer and Treasurer of the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association (PBSA). Syed Bazil Naqvi graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Upon arrival, Mr. Naqvi was warmly welcomed by Deputy Secretary Scouts Mr. Daniyal Mumtaz, who presented him with a symbolic scout scarf in the national colours of AJK. Provincial Secretary Scouts Mr. Tahir Masood Chughtai and Commissioner Training and Youth Program Mr. Abdul Samad Chishti greeted the guest of honour with floral bouquets. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented by a smartly turned-out contingent of scouts from the cadet college.

During his visit, the chief guest also paid homage at the inauguration plaque laid by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the memorial of Shaheed Captain Usman. Group photographs were taken to commemorate the occasion. Later, Mr. Naqvi held a detailed meeting with PBSA leadership, including Prof. Naik Akhtar Javed, National Secretary of the PBSA, to discuss future initiatives and institutional development.

A special tribute was paid to the late Syed Shaukat Hussain Naqvi (Advocate), the former Deputy Speaker of the AJK Legislative Assembly and uncle of the minister, for his long-standing affiliation with PSCC Batrassi.

The highlight of the event was the award presentation at the Usman Shaheed Auditorium, where over 500 cadets and scout leaders rose in a symbolic salute to honour Syed Bazil Naqvi. The ceremony featured the recitation of the Holy Quran, a Naat, and the national anthem of Pakistan, followed by a tribute to national martyrs.

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The event also marked a solemn remembrance of July 13, 1931, a pivotal day in Kashmiri history, when 22 Muslims were martyred in Srinagar’s Central Jail during a protest against the desecration of the Holy Quran — an act often likened to the sacrifices of Karbala.

Also present at the ceremony was Mr. Sonny Kim, internationally renowned scouter and former World Scout Director, currently serving as the Principal of PSCC Batrassi Hills.

The event stood as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of community service, youth empowerment, and national pride, honouring both past sacrifices and present contributions to the nation’s welfare.