Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s focal person for polio eradication and the chairperson of National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), Ayesha Raza Farooq, was conferred with France’s prestigious Ordre National du Mérite (National Order of Merit) at the rank of Chevalier by the Ambassador of France to Pakistan, Nicolas Galey.
The event, held at the French ambassador’s residence in, drew participation from government officials, diplomats, and civil society representatives who gathered to celebrate Ayesha Farooq’s distinguished public service.
Among the prominent guests were Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, former Supreme Court judge Justice (R) Khalil Ramday, former ambassador Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, and ambassadors of European Union, Ireland, Sweden among others.
🇫🇷 🇵🇰 1/3 Very pleased to have presented the National Order of Merit (Knight’s rank) to Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission for Children’s Rights and National Coordinator for the Polio Eradication Campaign!@AyeshaRaza13 @NCRC_Pakistan pic.twitter.com/m76RIZiE3u
— France in Pakistan 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceinPak) February 13, 2026
Ambassador Galey lauded Ayesha Farooq’s “exceptional commitment to the promotion and defense of human rights, access to education and the fight against polio,” as well as her role in fostering strong cooperation between Pakistan and France.
He highlighted her extensive career in public service, where she has consistently championed child rights, education and health issues.
The Ordre National du Mérite is among France’s highest civilian honors, bestowed upon individuals, both French and foreign nationals, who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their fields. Its conferment on Ayesha Farooq reflects the impact of her work both nationally and internationally.
In her acceptance speech, Ayesha Farooq thanked the French Government and Ambassador Galey for the recognition, describing it as a “singular honor.”
She dedicated the award to her late husband, Muhammad Raza Farooq, and acknowledged the steadfast support of her family throughout her public life.
She highlighted Pakistan’s progress in reducing polio cases, stressing that overcoming logistical, social and cultural barriers remains central to reaching every child, especially in remote and underserved areas.
The ceremony also brought to spotlight the ongoing cooperation between France and Pakistan in child protection, education and public health.
Mutual initiatives supported by international partners, such as awareness campaigns against child labor and abuse and efforts to increase school enrolment, were mentioned as examples of joint commitment to sustainable development goals.
