Celebs Pour In Congratulatory Messages For Presidential Civil Awards 2024 Honourees
From celebrating Sajal Aly to the debatable award to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan — highlights and controversies surrounding Pakistan's 2024 Presidential Civil Awards, honouring outstanding individuals across various fields.
On a day draped in the vibrant colours of patriotism, Pakistan annually honours its distinguished citizens with the prestigious Presidential Civil Awards. This celebration, marking the achievements of exceptional individuals across various sectors, is not just a ceremony but a testament to the remarkable talent the country harbours.
The announcement of this year’s honorees on Independence Day, August 14, 2023, set the stage for a grand awards ceremony held on March 23, 2024, coinciding with Pakistan Day.
This year, the spotlight was on some familiar faces we adore, such as Sajal Aly, Adnan Siddiqui, Bilal Lashari, Juggan Kazim and many others.
Sajal Aly, a beacon of talent in the acting world, received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. She told The Express Tribune how surprised and thankful she was for this honour, saying, “It’s a great honour for me to receive this prestigious recognition…I am grateful to my fraternity, fans, and family for their constant support,”
The fraternity’s pride in her achievement was palpable, with luminaries like Amar Khan, Maya Ali, Wahaj Ali, Hareem Farooq, and Kinza Hashmi among others, extending their congratulations, further solidified by wishes from across the border by Indian-Punjabi actress Sonam Bajwa.
Sajal’s sister Saboor Aly, who was also present at the ceremony to show her support, took to her Instagram to express how proud she is of her sister. The actor wrote, “Only you know your struggles, challenges and obstacles so be proud of how far you have come. Your dedication and passion for your work is commendable. Mama must be so so soooo proud of you, smiling up in the heaven with so much pride. I feel so blessed and proud whenever people call me Sajal’s sister. YOU ARE OUR PRIDE”
Adnan Siddiqui, a revered actor, expressed his overwhelming emotions upon receiving the “esteemed Pride of Performance award.” Through an Instagram post, he shared his journey and gratitude, emphasizing the collective ownership of the award with his supporters, “It belongs to you as much as it does to me.”
His post sparked a wave of heartfelt messages from media personalities, including Mahira Khan, Aijaz Aslam, Bilal Ashraf, Humayun Saeed and Amna Sheikh, among others.
The cinematic world saw Bilal Lashari, the visionary behind ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’, being honoured with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. He wrote on his Instagram, “It is with immense humility and pride that I accept the prestigious Presidential Award – The ‘Sitara-i-Imtiaz’ 💫 (Star of Excellence), a recognition among the highest civilian honors in Pakistan. This achievement is a reflection of our joint efforts, the continuous support of my family, and the love of my friends. I’m profoundly thankful to all who have been integral to this journey.”
Bilal’s success, underscored by the groundbreaking impact of his work, was celebrated across social media, with producer Ammara Hikmat and actor Mirza Gohar Rasheed among those highlighting this proud moment for the film’s team.
Juggun Kazim reflected on her journey, expressing gratitude for the love and support from her family, friends, and fans, which has propelled her passion to new heights.
Several people from the industry congratulated her, including Sarmad Khoosat, Hassan Sheheryar Yasir, Wajahat Rauf and Sana Fakhar.
However, the glittering facade of the awards couldn’t entirely overshadow the controversies lurking beneath. Sarmad Khoosat, initially listed for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, found his name mysteriously omitted just before the official announcement, stirring a mix of confusion and disappointment within the industry and among fans.
Sarmad Khoosat revealing a last-minute snub despite earlier congratulations, wrote, “My name has vanished from the 14 August ’23 list of Presidential Awards that everyone ‘officially’ and unofficially congratulated me for.”
And then there was the eyebrow-raising inclusion of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, sparking a wave of netizen fury over allegations clouding his award, after his recent controversy of mistreating his house help.
The 2024 Presidential Civil Awards showcased the incredible talent and commitment across Pakistan, honouring individuals who’ve made a lasting impact on the nation’s culture, arts, and society. Amidst the celebrations and debates, this event highlighted how the country values its heroes, navigating through the complexities of recognition and acclaim.