LONDON: Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the UK Parliament, honouring her impactful contributions to women’s empowerment and her role as a cultural ambassador.
The award was presented during a ceremony held at the House of Commons, with support from British parliamentarians and notable guests.
The event was hosted by MP Afzal Khan and attended by distinguished figures such as Dr. Sarah Naeem, Pakistan’s High Commissioner, Atta Haq, Chairman of the Labour Asians Society, Shafiq Shahzad, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Manish Tiwari, co-chair of the Labour Asians Society. The gathering also included several public figures, underscoring the broad admiration and respect for Mahira Khan’s work.
Upon receiving the award, an emotional Mahira Khan took the stage to express her gratitude, sharing her commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in the entertainment industry. She reflected on how this honour symbolizes her ongoing efforts to create opportunities for women, hoping to break down barriers for future generations.
Spouse of the High Commissioner of Pakistan to UK, Dr. Sarah Naeem @drsarahnaeem2 participated in a gathering hosted by Afzal Khan MP @AfzalKhanMCR at the @UKParliament to honor Pakistan's renowned films artist Mahira Khan @TheMahiraKhan in #London.
“Through hard work,… pic.twitter.com/5xlPuwqoII
— Pakistan High Commission London (@PakistaninUK) November 6, 2024
Mahira also opened up about the personal milestones of her journey, recalling that she was the first woman in her family to travel abroad alone. Her experiences studying at Santa Monica College and the University of Southern California (USC), she said, helped build her independence and resilience. In her heartfelt address, she thanked her family, including her parents, brother, and son, for their unwavering support.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Mahira expressed her pride and gratitude in receiving the award, noting that many other artists in Pakistan’s industry are also deserving of such recognition.