Top Pakistani celebrities set to receive highest civilian honours

ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi  has revealed a distinguished list of 694 recipients, both local and international, set to receive civil awards for their outstanding contributions across various domains.

According to the media reports, the prestigious accolades will be presented during the upcoming Pakistan Day celebrations on March 23, 2024.

The media reports said that the upcoming Pakistan Day festivities will honour  various group of individuals who have left a significant impact including singer Rahat Ali Khan, a qawwali and singing maestro, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, a cultural patron instrumental in promoting Pakistan’s heritage, and Muhammad Anwar Masood, a distinguished poet and literary figure.

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Satish Anand’s pioneering efforts in movie production and distribution were also recognised along with talented Javed Bashir Ahmad, singer Faakhir Mehmood, and legendary starlet Shabnam, who ruled Pakistan cinema in the 1970s.

Meanwhile, filmmaker Bilal Lashari’s impressive skills in direction, cinematography, and scriptwriting earned him the prestigious Sitara-i-Imtiaz award, whereas Sarmad Khoosat will also be bestowed with the same honour.

As per the official reports, in the category of President’s Award for Pride of Performance, the spotlight shone on exceptional contributors. The late Inayat Hussain Bhatti’s multifaceted contributions to acting, production, direction, and scriptwriting will be celebrated. Zulfiqar Ali Attre’s compositions would also be honoured while Ajab Gul’s acting and direction prowess was recognised.

Furthermore, the distinguished individuals such as Adnan Siddiqui, Zubaida (Naghma), and Hassan Askari, who have made remarkable contributions to acting, hosting, and movie direction respectively, were among the recipients. The iconic Sheema Kermani, known for her classical dancing and choreography, was honoured as well.

Meanwhile, writer-producer Naseer Baig Mirza, calligrapher and painter Ajab Khan and renowned flute player Baqir Abbas will also be receiving accolades for their valuable contribution.

The reports said that the Grammy winner Arooj Aftab has been conferred with a Pride of Performance award, the highest literary award showcasing excellence in art and music.

On the other hand, Gulab Khel will be honoured for his rubab playing skills, while Shazia Manzoor, folk singer Mai Dhai, and Hamayoon Khan will also receive recognition for their contributions to singing. Ishrat Abass, a notable figure in drama, theater, and radio acting, was also among the awardees. Similarly, the accomplished music maestro Shakir Zeb, comedy virtuoso Qadir Bux Mithoo, artist and designer Mehboob Ali, and Urdu/Saraiki writer Mussarrat Kalanchvi will also be granted the President’s Award for Pride of Performance.

According to the media reports, the recipients of the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz award also included Muhammad Shahbaz Qamar as his naat khawani continues to resonate deeply, while Sajal Aly’s acting prowess and her global presence has fetched her the prestigious honour.

The versatile Juggan Kazim will also be awarded for her hosting and acting contributions. Abdul Batin Farooqi and Vasay Chaudhary will also be honored for their contributions to acting, as reported by the media.

The media reported that the esteemed honorees also included Almas Khan Khalil, who has revived the enchantment of folk Pashto singing. Fazal Wahab Dard’s soul-stirring singing, Ustad Rustam Fateh Ali Khan’s and Imran Aziz Mian, masters of classical singing and qawwali respectively, will be honoured too.

Meanwhile, Dr Khalid Bin Shaheen will be recognised for his acting and production endeavors. Shahzad Rafique and Fizza Ali Meerza will be honored for their roles in direction, production, and screenwriting respectively. Amjad Sheikh will receive recognition for his contributions to movie production and distribution. Farooq Hassan will be commended for his hosting skills.

The awards underscore Pakistan’s commitment to recognise exceptional talent across various fields and reflect the nation’s cultural richness and global contributions.