Pakistan government refuses to give national awards to Mahira-Fah

Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Minister for Culture and Tourism of Pakistan's Sindh province, has claimed that the federal government has rejected the nomination of two of Pakistan's leading actors, Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa, for the prestigious national civilian award 'Sitara-e-Imtiaz'.

He said this at the inauguration ceremony of the eight-day 'Wes-Dhari Sindhi Theatre Festival 2026' held in Karachi. Zulfiqar Shah said that the names of Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa were recommended for the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the Sindh Culture Department in two rounds.

He mentioned that the nomination was given on the recommendation of a committee comprising eminent personalities. But the central government rejected the proposal without giving any clear or explained reason.

In this incident, he questioned why two talented stars from Sindh were not appreciated at the national level despite their outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry.

Highlighting the overall contribution of artists from the Sindh region of Pakistan, the Culture Minister said that the artists of this province have made their acceptance and reputation not only in Pakistan but also in India and the Gulf countries.

He stressed that the artists of the province have played an important role in promoting the cultural heritage of the country across borders, but a large part of them have not received the desired recognition from the Center. He specifically mentioned the contribution of Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa as representatives of Pakistan on the international stage.

Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Zulfiqar Ali Shah urged the central government to give more importance to the evaluation of Pakistan's cultural sector and artists. He said that the renowned artists of Sindh have brought honor to the entire Pakistan, so they deserve due recognition at the national level.

"I will urge the Center to consider the artists and the cultural sector of the country seriously," he said.

He reiterated that the failure to receive a prestigious award like the Sitara-e-Imtiaz highlights the lack of central support for artists in Pakistan's cultural and entertainment arena.

Source: Samaa TV