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Humayun Saeed, Ali Zafar among celebrities who were awarded on Pakistan Day

Humayun Saeed, Ali Zafar among celebrities who were awarded on Pakistan Day

A number of stars were honoured by the government for their contributions to the entertainment industry.
Updated 24 Mar, 2021

On Pakistan's 74th Independence Day, the government announced civil awards for 184 Pakistanis and foreigners in recognition of their dedicated services to the country and for displaying excellence in their respective fields, including a number of our favourite celebrities.

At the time it was decided that the awards would be handed out by President Dr Arif Alvi on Pakistan Day and on Tuesday, the stars were recognised for their tremendous contributions to the entertainment industry in Pakistan.

Here are some of the celebrities who were honoured.

Resham

"This moment in life felt like a dream, but my God fulfilled it," she said. "This isn't just a Pride of Performance medal — it is the fruit of my hard work which my God gave me the opportunity to taste."

Stars including Azfer Rehman, Nausheen Shah, Neelum Munir Khan and Hadiqa Kiyani congratulated the Toofan star for her achievements. She had earlier said that the Lux Style Awards seemed so nominal compared to Pride of Performance now.

Sakina Samo

The actor, producer and director was another recipient of the Pride of Performance Award, who called the moment wonderful. She was congratulated by fellow actors and well-wishers from the industry.

Ali Zafar

Granted the same honour was singer Ali Zafar, who was humbled at the recognition in the field of music and arts.

"I bow down my head in humility for this honour. Thank you for your prayers, support and well wishes. I pledge to do as much as I can for the arts, the artists, my country and the people," he promised.

Humayun Saeed

The Meray Paas Tum Ho star received the Pride of Performance award with the nation cheering him on. Numerous stars from the industry took to social media to appreciate him for his hard work.

Ahmed Ali Butt, Hira Mani, Sami Khan, Adnan Siddiqui, Aijaz Aslam and Sajal Aly were just a few of the people who praised his talent.

Maulana Tariq Jameel

Religious cleric Maulana Tariq Jameel received the award for his contributions as one of the most renowned Islamic scholars in Pakistan.

Bushra Ansari

The actor, comedian, singer and playwright who started her career as a child performer in the 1950s was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz. Her niece and fellow actor Zara Noor Abbas had celebrated the announcement of the award with a mini-celebration at home.

"40 years of hard work and lots and lots of talent. Decade after decade. You do us proud. Congratulations Khala. Sitara-e-Imtiaz Mubarak," she had said.

Sultana Siddiqui and Momina Duraid

Mother-in-law-daughter-in-law duo Sultana Siddiqui and Momina Duraid also received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz for their contributions to both the big and the small screen.

Abida Parveen

Musical legend Abdia Parveen was conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz during the ceremony.

Last year's recipients included actors Babra Sharif, Mehwish Hayat, Reema Khan, Iftikhar Thakur and Shabbir Jan as well as singers Attaullah Essakhelvi, Sajjad Ali and Sardar Ali Takkar.

You can find the complete list of winners here.

Comments

Fajar Mar 24, 2021 12:54pm
Dhairon Mubarak to all honorable recipients, such a well deserved award for serving our Pakistan, keep on shining and making us all proud in the world. We were, we are, and inshaAllah we will always remain Pakistanis.
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Abood Mar 24, 2021 01:25pm
We dont see any academics getting it .all these tv stars what good have they done for the nation.its not like the whole world started watching pakistani cinema now.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Mar 24, 2021 02:00pm
Welcome to the unique club and the distinguished clubhouse. As always, keep it up and hang on tough.
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Riaz Mar 24, 2021 04:11pm
Congratulations on your achievements. I hope the govt and the nation remembers and confers the same live 20 years from now when these stars will be out of focus and in need for money to survive. Recalling what happened to Mehdi Hasan Saheb, Reshma Ji, etc. in their last moments of life. Sad state of affairs. These awards were worthless at that time.
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Farrukh Arshad Mar 25, 2021 11:27am
@Abood There usually are also scientists and doctors as well but since they are not at celebrity level so they don't get any special reporting, which they should, to inspire newer generations.
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ak4pk Mar 27, 2021 05:27am
My opinion : Ali Zafar should have been left out until such time as he will have won his case against Mesha Shafi in court. Until that happens, he’s got a cloud hanging over his head. The President has erred on principle.
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ak4pk Mar 28, 2021 05:29am
@Riaz , the awards were not the cause of their destitution towards the end of their lives, they mismanaged their finances, did not have a nest egg for rainy days. You have to admit they did earn massive amounts in their hay days.
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