News Desk |
Pakistani celebrities including three famous Pakistani cricketers were awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz in a revered ceremony held in Islamabad at President House on Pakistan Resolution Day, 23rd March, 2018. The famous celebrities included Singer Shehzad Roy and Author Mohsin Hamid. Also, cricketer Younus Khan, former skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi and present captain Sarfraz Ahmed were the proud recipients of the national award of Sitara-I-Imtiaz.
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Sitara-i-Imtiaz is Pakistan’s third highest civil honor, awarded to individuals who made the significant contribution to the security or national interest of the Pakistan, world peace, cultural or other significant public endeavors.
Shehzad Roy received his first Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2015 for his humanitarian work and excellence in public service. He is recently appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador by UNODC in Pakistan. The international organization recognized his relentless efforts towards the control of drugs abuse among the children and teenagers in Pakistan.
 “I will be honored with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz tomorrow in Islamabad. I know of so many unsung heroes who may never be publicly recognized but they work every day to reform our society. I dedicate this award to their selfless dedication”.
-Shahzad Roy in his tweet
Being an ambassador to the cause, Roy shared, “These things are close to my heart, especially when children are concerned, and I will give my all to my new role as National Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan.”
Author Mohsin Hamid, who penned down famous novel ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ received his third Sitara-i-Imtiaz yesterday.
President Mamnoon Hussain conferred the award on British- Pakistani for his service to the literature. He is the author of four novels including Moth Smoke, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, Exit West, and a book of essays; Discontent, and Its Civilizations.
His writing has been featured in world’s bestseller list, adapted for the cinema, twice short-listed for the Man Booker Prize and translated into thirty-five languages.
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The Government of Pakistan also honored four cricketing champions from the national team of Pakistan for their services in sports.
Earlier, only four cricketing personalities were awarded the third highest civil award Sitara-i-Imtiaz. They include Javed Miandad (1992), Inzimam-ul-Haq (2005), Muhammad Yousuf (2011) and Saaed Ajmal (2015).
Present Captain Sarfraz Ahmed became the youngest recipient of Sitara-I-Imtiaz. He led Pakistan to the Champions Trophy last year and later was appointed the captain of the national team in all formats of the game.
Misbah ul Haq led Pakistan’s team to world top rankings for the first time in the history of Pakistan.
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Former Captain Younus Khan was also honored with Sitara-I-Imtiaz. He brought home the Twenty20 World Cup in 2009 while Shahid Afridi has been popular for his extraordinary performances as a cricketer.