President Alvi confers 'Hilal-e-Pakistan' award to Bill Gates

Islamabad: President Dr. Arif Alvi has conferred the Award of 'Hilal-e-Pakistan' on Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Bill Gates in recognition of his support for poverty alleviation and health care.

A Special Investiture Ceremony to this effect was held in Islamabad today which was attended by Federal Ministers, senior officials and members of Diplomatic Corps. 

As per details, American business magnate, philanthropist and Microsoft owner William Henry Gates III has arrived in Pakistan for a day-long official visit today. 

The philanthropist landed at Nur Khan Airbase in federal capital Islamabad via special plane where government officials received him.

During his visit, Bill Gates—world’s fourth richest person—met Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Dr. Arif Alvi, and other senior officials.   

Bill Gates also paid a visit the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) headquarters —Pakistan’s top platform for COVID response.  

Bill Gates and his delegation was apprised about NCOC role and methodology, achievements since start of pandemic, recent Covid-19 situation across Pakistan and various. 

A comprehensive review of Pakistan’s efforts against Covid-19 was presented to the visiting delegation.

The visiting delegation was also briefed on genome sequencing (prevalence of various variants in the country). 

Bill Gates took keen interest on various initiatives by NCOC particularly smart lock down and micro smart lock down strategy enforcement measures.