Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah has claimed that the names of leading actors Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa were recommended for the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, but the federal government rejected the nominations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of Wes-Dhaari Sindhi Theatre Festival 2026 in Karachi, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said the Sindh Culture Department had forwarded the names of Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa twice for the prestigious civil award.
According to the provincial minister, the nominations were made on the recommendation of a committee comprising prominent personalities. However, the federal government rejected the recommendations to confer national honours on both actors.
He added that the Sindh government was not informed of the reasons behind the rejection of the nominations.
Shah also drew attention to the wider impact of Sindh’s artistic community, noting that performers from the province have built strong reputations not only within Pakistan but across India and the Gulf region.
He said these artists have played an important role in showcasing Pakistan’s culture internationally, but argued that their contributions have often gone insufficiently acknowledged at the federal level.
Referring specifically to Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa, the minister described both as leading figures in Pakistan’s entertainment industry who have helped strengthen the country’s image through their work and international presence.
Zulfiqar Ali Shah called on the federal government to give greater importance to the arts and cultural sector and to ensure that deserving artists receive appropriate recognition for their services.
He maintained that performers from Sindh have earned respect for Pakistan at home and abroad and should be acknowledged accordingly through national honours and institutional support.
The minister said the matter goes beyond individual artists and points to the need for a more consistent federal policy aimed at supporting, encouraging and recognising those who contribute significantly to Pakistan’s cultural and entertainment industries.