Lahore (August 16, 2025): In honor of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day celebrations, the Government of Pakistan has announced civil awards for nine distinguished personalities from the field of sports. The prestigious honors will formally be conferred on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2026.

Shahid Afridi Honored with Hilal-i-Imtiaz

Among the awardees, the most celebrated name is former Pakistan cricket team captain and legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi. Known as “Boom Boom Afridi” for his explosive batting style and match-winning bowling, Afridi represented Pakistan in 524 international matches across formats. He was also a key member of the 2009 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad, which remains one of Pakistan’s most cherished cricketing triumphs.

In recognition of his stellar contributions to cricket, Afridi will be awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, the country’s second-highest civilian award. His inclusion highlights Pakistan’s tradition of honoring sports heroes who have inspired generations.

Mountaineer Shehroze Kashif and Equestrian Legend Malik Muhammad Atta

Another prominent honoree is Shehroze Kashif, the young mountaineering prodigy who has made Pakistan proud by becoming the youngest climber to scale all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters. His extraordinary achievements in extreme mountaineering have not only broken records but also brought global recognition to Pakistan in adventure sports. He too will be awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz.

The late Malik Muhammad Atta, a pioneer in equestrian sports and a revered figure in tent pegging, will also be posthumously honored with the Hilal-i-Imtiaz. His lifelong contributions helped elevate Pakistan’s standing in traditional sports.

Sana Mir: A Trailblazer in Women’s Cricket

Former Pakistan women’s cricket team captain Sana Mir, who was recently inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame (the first Pakistani woman cricketer to achieve this honor), will be decorated with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Sana represented Pakistan for nearly 15 years, serving as an inspiration for young girls across the country. Her leadership and achievements have been pivotal in transforming women’s cricket in Pakistan.

Haider Ali: Champion Para-Athlete

Pakistan’s most successful para-athlete, Haider Ali, will also receive the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Haider has brought immense pride to Pakistan by securing four medals at the international level, including his recent bronze medal in discus throw at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. He remains a symbol of determination and perseverance for differently-abled athletes worldwide.

Pride of Performance for Shahzaib Rind and Muhammad Sajjad

In the martial arts and kabaddi arenas, Shahzaib Rind, Pakistan’s leading Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, and Muhammad Sajjad, a renowned kabaddi player, will be awarded the Presidential Award for Pride of Performance. Both athletes have played vital roles in popularizing and excelling in their respective sports.

Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for Rising Stars

The Tamgha-i-Imtiaz has been reserved for three more sporting talents:

• Hamza Khan – the squash prodigy who continues Pakistan’s proud legacy in the sport.
• Mohsin Nawaz – a rising star in shooting sports, known for his consistency and medal-winning performances.
• Rashid Malik – a veteran tennis player and coach, recognized for his services in promoting the sport in Pakistan.

National Recognition and Legacy

The distribution of civil awards reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing excellence beyond politics and entertainment, focusing on athletes who bring pride to the nation on international platforms. From cricket to mountaineering, and from para-sports to martial arts, this diverse list reflects Pakistan’s sporting diversity and talent pool.

This year’s awards are also symbolic, as they coincide with the country’s 78th Independence Day, reminding citizens of the importance of celebrating those who raise the national flag high across the world.

In summary, Pakistan’s announcement of civil awards for Shahid Afridi, Sana Mir, Shehroze Kashif, Haider Ali, and other icons underscores the government’s appreciation for sporting excellence. As these awards are conferred on March 23, 2026, the nation will celebrate not just their achievements, but also the values of courage, determination, and resilience that they embody.