The President has conferred the award of Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam for US Congressman Chris Van Hollen in recognition of the strong support extended by him to Pakistan in the House of Representatives.

Congressman Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat, was born in Karachi in 1959 where his father was serving as U.S. Diplomat. Congressman Hollen has always supported democracy and rule of law in Pakistan and opposed the imposition of emergency in November 2007.

He also supported the Bill on Reconstruction of Opportunity Zones (ROZs) which entails creation of specialized zones in the border areas including FATA for duty free export of selected products to the United States. Pakistan's Ambassador in Washington had recommended conferment of award on Congressman Hollen.

Under the rules civil awards are announced only once a year on the 14th August for investiture on the following Pakistan Day 23rd March. On the advice of the Prime Minister the President however relaxed the rules to enable conferment and investitutre of the awards at any time.