A LEADING political figure from East Lancashire has been given Pakistan’s highest national honour for non-nationals – and earned the praise of the prime minister.

Simonstone-based MEP Sajjad Karim has been presented with the Sitara-i-Qaid-i-Azam in Islamabad by Pakistani president Mamnoon Hussain, joining the likes of The Queen and Nelson Mandela.

The Blackburn-born former Pendle councillor was instrumental in cementing a trade deal between the European Union and the country and has been a major player in Strasbourg’s Friends of Pakistan group.

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David Cameron saluted his fellow Conservative.

Mr Cameron said: “Saj is a hardworking MEP who spearheaded tariff-free access to the EU for Pakistan and has done much to promote relations between the UK, EU and Pakistan.

“I congratulate him on being awarded the Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam.”

The Euro MP was also recently awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Management and Technology in Lahore, which he received from governor of Punjab, and ex-British MP Mohammad Sawar.

Dr Karim said: “ So many individuals played a role in developing stronger links between the EU and Pakistan, I am merely fortunate to be recognised on all of their behalf.

“I feel truly privileged to be presented with this award and I will never forget this day.

“It has been a long road towards achieving what we set out to do and we still have far to travel, encouraging Pakistan on the route to greater economic and political stability, as well as growth.”