Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider on Friday announced the “Nishan-e-Kashmir” — the state’s highest official award — for Doctor Usama Riaz of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for carrying out his duty to fight Covid-19 at the cost of his life.
“Dr Usama Shaheed has set an ever-lasting example of bravery and courage and he is the pride of not just his community and country but also of entire humanity,” said the AJK premier at a meeting held to review the overall situation. The meeting also paid rich tribute to the heroic services of medical workers. He also announced a bonus equal to one-month’s basic pay for doctors and paramedical staff across AJK from grade one to 20 in recognition of their bravery. He also vowed that the government would ensure their protection and equip them with personal protective gear. Who was Dr Usama Riaz? The deceased doctor, Usama Riaz, was working at a medical facility screening pilgrims travelling to the province from the Pakistan-Iran border at Taftan.