Pakistan’s federal government has rejected nominations for the prestigious Sitara-i-Imtiaz civilian award for actors Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa, according to Sindh’s Culture and Tourism Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah.
According to Dawn, the Sindh Culture Department had twice recommended the two actors for the honour. Zulfiqar Shah disclosed this while speaking at the opening of the eight-day Wes-Dhari Sindhi Theatre Festival 2026 in Karachi.
He said a committee comprising prominent personalities had recommended their names. However, the federal government rejected the nominations without giving a clear explanation.
The minister questioned why the two celebrated actors from Sindh had not received national recognition despite their contributions to Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
Zulfiqar Shah also highlighted the achievements of artists from Sindh, saying they had built strong reputations not only in Pakistan but also in India and the Gulf. He said Sindhi artists had played an important role in taking Pakistan’s cultural heritage beyond its borders.
He specifically cited Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa as artists who have represented Pakistan on international platforms.
The minister urged the federal government to give greater importance to the country’s cultural sector and its artists.
“I would urge the federal government to take artists and the country’s cultural sector seriously,” he said.
Zulfiqar Shah said the decision not to confer the Sitara-i-Imtiaz on the two actors reflected what he described as inadequate federal recognition and support for artists in Pakistan’s cultural and entertainment sectors.
He added that prominent artists from Sindh had brought honour to the country and therefore deserved appropriate recognition at the national level.
