July 28, 2020: Amidst the strained relation with India, Pakistan has honoured Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani with its highest civilian award.

Pakistan on Monday has bestowed its highest civilian award "Nishan-e-Pakistan" on Geelani. The decision was taken by the Pakistani Senate.

Senate member Mushtaq Ahmed proposed Geelani's name and was approved unanimously by voice vote.

The resolution, jointly moved by both the government and opposition benches, commended the ailing leader’s “unwavering commitment, dedication, perseverance and leadership,” and acknowledged his role in “exposing Indian atrocities, suppressive measures and human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir (Jammu and Kashmir).”

The resolution also urged upon the government to name the proposed Pakistan University of Engineering and Emerging Technologies after Geelani.

Geelani had recently resigned from Hurriyat Conference owing to his poor health.