LAHORE - The government of Pakistan has announced Civil Awards for nine distinguished athletes from various sports disciplines, recognising their exceptional contributions to the country’s sporting heritage. The announcement was made on the occasion of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, with the honours set to be conferred on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2026. Heading the list is former Pakistan cricket captain and legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who will be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his illustrious career spanning 524 international matches and for his role in Pakistan’s triumph at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2009.
Joining Afridi in receiving the Hilal-e-Imtiaz is renowned mountaineer Shehroze Kashif, the youngest Pakistani to summit all 14 peaks exceeding 8,000 metres, and the late equestrian Malik Muhammad Atta, honoured posthumously for his services to equestrian sports.
In cricket, Sana Mir, former Pakistan women’s team captain and ICC Hall of Fame inductee, will be conferred the Sitara-e-Imtiaz for her trailblazing contributions to women’s cricket over a 15-year career. Pakistan’s most decorated para-athlete Haider Ali, winner of four international medals including a bronze at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in discus throw, will also receive the Sitara-e-Imtiaz. The President’s Award for Pride of Performance will be given to national mixed martial artist Shahzaib Rind and kabaddi player Muhammad Sajjad for their outstanding achievements in their respective sports.Young squash sensation Hamza Khan and sharpshooter Mohsin Nawaz have been nominated for the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.
An unusual case in this year’s honours is that of Pakistan’s top ITF senior tennis player Rashid Malik, who has already been awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in the past but has again been nominated for the same honour, a situation unprecedented in Pakistan’s award history. Malik, who recently won back-to-back International Tennis Federation seniors’ titles by defeating top-ranked international players including Indians, is expected to have his award upgraded to either the Pride of Performance or the Sitara-e-Imtiaz.
Meanwhile, senior sports journalist Abdul Mohi Shah has been nominated for the prestigious civil award Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his outstanding services to sports journalism. The Rawalpindi/Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA) and the Sports Journalists Association of Lahore (SJAL) extended their heartfelt congratulations, noting that this honour is not only a proof of Mohi Shah’s remarkable contributions at the highest government level, but also a moment of immense pride for the entire community of sports journalists in Pakistan.