Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa are among the prominent names in Pakistan’s film and television industry. Both actors have appeared in numerous successful films and dramas and have received several awards at national and international platforms.
However, neither actor has so far received a national civil award.
According to a report, their names were once again absent from this year’s list of national award recipients, while some of their contemporaries and younger actors, including Mehwish Hayat and Sajal Aly, have already received national honours.
Sindh Culture Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah recently addressed the issue and revealed that the provincial government had recommended Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa for national awards.
According to the minister, the Sindh government had formally proposed the names of both actors for the honour, but the federal government did not approve their nominations.
The statement was made during an event attended by Fahad Mustafa’s father and veteran actor Salahuddin Tunio.
The minister’s remarks have since sparked discussion on social media, with users expressing mixed reactions over the decision.
Many users argued that Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa deserved national recognition for their contributions to Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Some questioned why the two actors were not selected despite their long careers and popularity in Pakistan and abroad.
The latest revelation has also renewed debate over the process used to select recipients of national awards and the role played by provincial and federal governments in recommending and approving nominations.
