The Government of Pakistan conferred Nishan-e-Khidmat to Sultan Ali Allana, Chairman – HBL, for public service. The citation acknowledged his long and meritorious services to nation building via the development of the agricultural sector and in the economic, social and cultural spheres of the country. He is the first Pakistani national to be conferred this award.
Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, conferred Pakistan’s civil awards on 69 Pakistani and foreign nationals on Pakistan Day, 23 March 2025, for exceptional achievements, excellence, and courage in their respective fields. The ceremony was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad. The Nishan-e-Khidmat is one of the highest civilian awards and honors. This is the third recognition award being conferred on Sultan Ali Allana. He was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2006 and Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2023 for valuable services to Pakistan.
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Getting Pakistan Off from FATF Grey List:
The citation read that Sultan Ali Allana has consistently and significantly performed public services in various fields and has played a major role in Pakistan’s economic, social, and cultural landscape. For years, he has been advising the Government of Pakistan on the stability of the economy. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the action plan that enabled Pakistan to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “Grey List”.
Founder of Microfinance Banking in Pakistan
He closely worked with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Ministry of Finance in preparing the basic ordinance of microfinance institutions. In 2001, he established Pakistan’s first private-sector microfinance bank. HBL Microfinance Bank is working to enhance social and economic improvement throughout the country by providing economic opportunities to millions of disadvantaged households.
HBL in China:
Sultan Ali Allana paved new ways to promote international investment in Pakistan. Under the Economic Advisory Council, he played a central role in the creation of the Roshan Digital Account. In addition, he established Pakistani banking in China, and in 2018, HBL Pakistan obtained the status of a member bank in the SCO-Interbank Association.
Promoting Agriculture and Social Work
He is committed to the protection of natural resources and the environment for the people of Pakistan and future generations. Under this commitment, he has taken effective steps for the development of the agricultural sector. HBL has established a special arm, HBL Zarai Services, to provide financial and advisory services to farmers. His deep concern about climate change was evident in the relief efforts by his subordinate institutions after the devastating floods of 2022.
In recognition of his extraordinary services, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has conferred the award of Nishan-e-Khidmat upon him.
