A Sindh culture minister says Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa were recommended for national recognition but were not selected by the federal government.
Pakistan’s entertainment industry is once again debating the absence of two of its most prominent stars, Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa, from the country’s national awards. A new statement by a Sindh government minister has added fresh context to the discussion, suggesting that the actors were recommended for recognition but were not ultimately selected at the federal level.
Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa are among Pakistan’s best-known television and film performers. Both have built successful careers across multiple platforms and have played leading roles in projects that attracted significant audiences at home and abroad.
According to a statement made during a press talk, the Sindh minister for culture said the provincial government had submitted the names of Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa for national recognition. However, the minister claimed that the federal government did not include the two stars in the final list.
The revelation has prompted renewed discussion on how national honours are awarded to personalities from Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Several other actors, including Mehwish Hayat and Sajal Aly, have received national recognition, while Mahira and Fahad have yet to receive a comparable national honour.
Both performers have received numerous industry and international awards during their careers, but national recognition carries a different significance because it formally acknowledges contributions considered important to Pakistan.
The minister’s comments have also triggered mixed reactions online. Some social media users argued that both actors have made substantial contributions to Pakistani cinema and television and deserve national recognition. Others disagreed, reflecting the broader debate over which performers should qualify for state honours.
For now, the minister’s statement has brought renewed attention to the issue, while the reasons for the federal government’s final decision remain a matter of public discussion.
Here what he said:
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