President Dr Mohamed Waheed has conferred Nishaan Muleege Sharafge Izzaiy on Admiral Mohamed Asif Sandila, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The award was presented at a ceremony held this morning at the President’s Office.
Nishaan Muleege Sharafge Izzaiy (Order of Distinguished Rule of Muleege) was created in honour of Al-Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen and is one of the high ranking honours conferred by the State.
The medal was conferred upon Admiral Sandila in recognition of his dedicated efforts to provide vital humanitarian assistance in conducting search and rescue operations, evacuating of citizens and tourists from afflicted islands, conducting the initial damage assessment, and providing critical food and relief supplies to devastated islands in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami that hit the Maldives on December 26, 2004.
At the time of the tsunami, Admiral Mohamed Asif Sandila was the Mission Commander of the two Pakistan Naval Ships, P.N.S Tariq and P.N.S Nasr, which were on a goodwill visit to the Maldives. The Pakistan Navy ships went into prompt action as the initial responders to a critical situation and provided much needed support and assistance.
Speaking at the function, President Waheed noted that at the time of the worst ever natural disaster in the recent history of Maldives, Admiral Sandila proved above and beyond the call of duty to be a source of exemplary service and dedication which was symbolic of the long standing fraternal relation between the Maldives and Pakistan.
Admiral Asif Sandila also spoke at the function. He thanked the government and the people of the Maldives for awarding him the prestigious award and said he considered the award a great honour and pride for himself, the Pakistani Navy and his country. He also commended the efforts of the government, the MNDF and the people of Maldives for the prompt action taken during the immediate aftermath of the tsunami.
