Shahid Afridi, Sana Mir among nine icons to receive civil awards

The federal government announced civil awards for nine distinguished sports personalities on the occasion of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the nation’s sporting legacy.

The awards will be formally conferred on Pakistan Day (March 23, 2026).

According to sources, former all-rounder and captain Shahid Afridi, who would be honoured with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz.

 Afridi, who played 524 international matches across formats and was part of Pakistan’s victorious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad in 2009, is being recognised for his remarkable services to cricket.

Alongside Afridi, celebrated mountaineer Shehroze Kashif—the youngest Pakistani to scale all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres—and late equestrian Malik Muhammad Atta will also receive the Hilal-e-Imtiaz.

Former women’s cricket captain Sana Mir has been shortlisted for the Sitara-e-Imtiaz. She represented Pakistan for 15 years and became the first woman from the country to achieve Hall of Fame recognition earlier this year.

The nation’s most successful para-athlete, Haider Ali, who has won four Paralympic medals, including a bronze in discus throw at the 2024 Paris Games, will also be honoured with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz.

In addition, mixed martial artist Shahzaib Rind and kabaddi player Muhammad Sajjad will be decorated with the President’s Award for Pride of Performance (PAPP), while squash player Hamza Khan, shooter Mohsin Nawaz, and tennis veteran Rashid Malik have been nominated for the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.

These awards highlight Pakistan’s commitment to recognising excellence in sports and honouring those who have brought pride to the nation on both national and international stages.