Mahira Khan, Fahad Mustafa nominations rejected for Sitara-e-Imtiaz
Sindh Culture and Tourism Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah has claimed that leading Pakistani actors Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa were not selected for the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz.
According to the minister, the Sindh Culture Department had recommended both actors for the national award on two separate occasions.
He said the recommendations were prepared by a committee that included prominent personalities. However, the federal government did not include the two actors among the recipients.
The minister made the remarks while speaking at the opening of the eight-day Wes-Dhaari Sindhi Theatre Festival 2026 in Karachi.
Sindh minister questions award decision
Zulfiqar Ali Shah said Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa had been nominated twice by the Sindh Culture Department.
He claimed that the federal government rejected the recommendations, while no clear reason was provided for the decision.
The minister questioned why two well-known actors from Sindh had not received national recognition despite their contributions to Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
Mahira Khan is among Pakistan’s most recognised actors and has appeared in major television and film projects. Fahad Mustafa has also built a strong career as an actor, producer and television host.
Both stars have a large audience in Pakistan and among overseas Pakistanis.
Sindh artists gaining international attention
The minister also highlighted the wider contribution of artists from Sindh.
He said performers from the province have gained recognition not only in Pakistan but also in India and Gulf countries.
According to Shah, these artists have helped introduce Pakistani culture and entertainment to audiences outside the country.
He argued that their work has contributed to Pakistan’s cultural image and deserves greater recognition at the national level.
The minister specifically mentioned Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa as prominent stars who have represented Pakistan through their work.
Call for greater recognition of artists
Zulfiqar Ali Shah urged the federal government to give more attention to artists and the cultural sector.
He said talented performers have helped bring recognition and pride to Pakistan but many still do not receive adequate official recognition.
"I urge the federal government to pay attention to artists and the cultural sector," Zulfiqar Ali Shah said.
The minister repeated that Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa had been nominated for Sitara-e-Imtiaz twice but were ultimately not selected.
His comments have again drawn attention to the process through which national awards are recommended and approved.
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Why the nominations matter
Sitara-e-Imtiaz is one of Pakistan’s important civilian awards and is given to individuals for outstanding contributions in different fields.
The minister’s remarks place the focus on whether artists receive the same level of recognition as professionals from other sectors.
The claims also raise questions about how recommendations from provincial departments are assessed at the federal level.
However, the minister’s statements do not provide an official explanation from the federal government for why the two nominations were not accepted.
For now, the issue remains a matter of concern raised by the Sindh culture minister.
