In order to recognize the outstanding contribution made by Orient Group of Companies to the government’s war against Covid-19, President Arif Alvi, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar bestowed Mian Talat with the Shaan-e-Pakistan Award in ceremony held at the Governor House on Tuesday. Mian Abdul Rehman Talat, the CEO of Blue East, received the award on the behalf of Mian Talat.  

“Pakistan’s effort to curb Corona has been recognized all over the world and many countries want to learn from us,” President Alvi said, adding that it would not have been possible to win this battle without the contributions made by the Orient Group of Companies. Through this Covid Relief Fund,  the government provided financial assistance worth Rs 12,000 each to over 16.9 million families living below the poverty line to provide a cushion to them against the impact of the economic lockdown.  

“This is a very special and auspicious occasion for everyone at Orient. We took the war against Covid-19 very personally and we are glad that our efforts have borne fruit,” Abdul Rehman Talat said, while commenting on the award. “I hope that just as we have been able to control Covid the first time, people will take the second wave seriously and will adhere to the SOPs,” he added. 

 Orient Group of Companies was the top contributor to the government’s Corona Relief Fund while Blue East, a tech intervention start up led by Abdul Rehman Talat, also played a vital role in designing ventilators for local manufacturing. 

 

The Corona Heroes Wall was also inaugurated at the Governor House in this ceremony which pays tribute to everyone who contributed to making the war against Coronavirus a success. The award was also conferred upon Gohar Ijaz, Anwar A. Ghani, Mian Anjum Nisar, Mian Ahsan; philanthropists Dr. Amjad Saqib, Chairman, Akhuwat Foundation, Muhammad Abdul Shakoor, Al-Khidmat Foundation, Muhammad Ali, Al-Maida Trust, and Mrs Perveen Sarwar-Vice-Chair Sarwar Foundation. Former Vice Chancellor Nishtar Medical University, (late) Dr. Mustafa Kamal, (late) Dr. Hafiz Maqsood Ahmed, of Services Hospital, former Medical Superintendent DHQ Teaching Hospital, Dr. Masood Qasri, and other doctors who passed away were awarded posthumously.