Karachi: The national series of awards in Pakistan has concluded, and the Civil Award has lost its former prestige. Once a highly esteemed honor, it has now become more of a recommendation-based accolade. This was stated by legendary film star Mustafa Qureshi during the Icon of the Nation Award distribution ceremony. Qureshi, who has dominated the film industry for fourty years, emphasized the importance of selecting deserving heroes without bias for such awards. He expressed that the Icon Award, given by civil society, holds greater significance and brings more joy than official awards.
Qureshi congratulated the winners, who were recognized for their exceptional achievements across various fields.
Chief Secretary of Sindh, Syed Asif Hyder Shah, honoured the 9th Icon of the Nation award as the chief guest and presented the awards. In his speech, Shah highlighted the honor of the ninth ICON Awards ceremony and praised the merit-based selection process. He stressed that the Sindh Government supports these positive activities and encourages recognizing educational, professional, and creative achievements Shah highlighted the importance of merit-based recognition for deserving individuals. He stated that the Icon Award, holds greater value.
Founder of Icon Awards and Chairman of ICON Award, Rahmatullah Memon, and CEO Uzma Sabir, expressed their gratitude to the attendees and reiterated their commitment to merit-based awards. They mentioned that the ICON Awards are awarded purely on performance and reject any monetary influence or favoritism. They also announced plans to continue and expand the awards series, emphasizing the need to provide opportunities for youth to utilize their potential.
The event was graced by prominent personalities from various sectors, who were honored with the Icon Award for their outstanding contributions. Prominent personalities who have received the Icon Award include Qari Sabihuddin Sabih Rahmani, Dewan Muhammad Yusuf Farooqui in business, Mian Mumtaz Umar, Aslam Mianoor, Film Star Adnan Jilani, female film Star Amar Ahsan Khan, Comedian Naima Gurj, Ali Gul Malah, Sohrab Soomro, Managing Editor Qazi Asad Abid in journalism, Mansoor Mugheri, Shan Chaudhary, Maqsood Yousfi, Drama Director Qasim Ali Mureed, Dance. Sheema Kirmani, Imran Sonu, singer Arusa Alig, Shazia Kausar, Shabana Kausar, Ayat Shaikh, Muhammad Ashraf Palari in engineering, Qasim Rahim in talent, Waqas Talib Syed in Business HR, Anchor Baakh Pirzada, Film Director Neha Laj, National Foods in Quality Standard Food, Season Canola, Tapal Tea, Electric Motorcycle Dewan Motors, Chief Secretary Syed Asif Haider Shah, Secretary Information Nadeem ur Rehman Memon, Syed Imtiaz Ali Shah, Secretary Agriculture Rafiq Ahmad Buriro. Legend Mustafa Qureshi was given the Icon of the Nation Award for Lifetime Achievement.
PMLN Senator Nahal Hashmi, MPA Halar Wasan, Sana Aqeel, Film Star Aslam Sheikh, General Manager PTV Amjad Shah, Tanveer Abbasi, Nisar Solangi, Shams Jafrani, Umar Hanif, Tariq Mehmood, Salim Sharif, Shahzeb Sultan. Hundreds of people participated in the program, and many artists performed.
