Sajal Ali, Adnan Siddiqui among other celebrities decorated with civil awards

Various celebrities of the country were conferred civil awards for their excellence and work in the entertainment industry at the civil awards ceremonies held in the federal and provincial capitals on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

Renowned Pakistani actress Sajal Ali was conferred with the prestigious honour, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence), in recognition of her talent in the field of acting, especially her work across the borders.

The actor was given the award during a ceremony in Lahore, where Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman conferred the honour on Sajal on President Asif Ali Zardari’s behalf.

President Asif Ali Zardari has conferred Pakistan's second highest civilian award "Hilal-e-Imtiaz” on iconic musician Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for his services to the Pakistani and South Asian music industry at Aiwan-e-Sadr on the eve of the Pakistan Day.

The music sensation was awarded for his services in the areas of arts, Qawwali and singing and for taking Pakistani arts to the global level through his live rendition of Qawwali and modern music.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan said he was grateful for the honour. The singer said: “It is with profound gratitude that I accept the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz & Sitara-I-Imtiaz awards bestowed upon me by the esteemed President. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my cherished family, friends, and devoted fans whose unwavering support has been my guiding light on this remarkable journey. Together, we stand in humble reverence, inspired to continue our pursuit of excellence.”

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan told Geo News it’s a huge honour for him that he was first given Sitara-I-Imtiaz in 2018 and now Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2024. “I will do my best to continue promoting the soft side of Pakistan to the world. These are the highest civilian honours and I am inded for this. It’s my duty to promote the legacy of my uncle and teacher Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan through modern Qawwali. I am thankful to the whole nation and my fans globally from across the world who have always stood by me.”

Seasoned actor and host Adnan Siddiqui received the Presidential Pride of Performance award, which is the recognition of people’s "notable achievements in the field of art, science, literature, sports, and nursing".

Moreover, TV host Juggun Kazim also received Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for hosting the country’s biggest Ramdan transmission.

Filmmaker Bilal Lashari, who is known for “The Legend of Maula Jatt” movie, was conferred the third-highest honour and civilian award, Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence).

Other celebrities who received the honours include classical dancer Sheema Kirmani, TV host Vasay Chaudhary and others.