Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the UK Parliament for her contributions to women’s empowerment and her role as a cultural ambassador.
The ceremony occurred in the House of Commons, attended by British parliamentarians and other distinguished guests. Afzal Khan MP hosted the event, which featured prominent attendees such as Dr. Sarah Naeem, the Pakistani 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.
Many public figures also attended, showcasing broad support for Khan’s contributions.
During her acceptance speech, an emotional Khan discussed the importance of women’s empowerment in her career. She highlighted her commitment to enhancing opportunities for women in entertainment, aiming to eliminate the obstacles she faced.
Khan also reflected on her journey, being the first woman in her family to travel abroad alone. She studied at Santa Monica College and the University of Southern California and credits her experiences with fostering her independence and resilience.
After the event, Khan thanked her family, including her parents, brother, and son, for their constant support. She spoke to the media, emphasizing the honour and pride she felt upon receiving the award and acknowledged that many other Pakistani artists also merit similar recognition.
