“This recognition is not just for me"
Mahira Khan has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at UK Parliament.
It acknowledged her significant contributions to women’s empowerment and her role as a cultural ambassador.
The prestigious award was presented during a ceremony at the House of Commons on November 6, 2024.
The award recognises her dedication to bringing compelling stories to life and fostering cultural understanding.
In a heartfelt post on her Instagram stories, Mahira wrote:
“Grateful. So grateful.”
The recognition also serves to honour her as a distinguished icon in the world of entertainment, showcasing the lasting impact of her work.
The ceremony was hosted by MP Afzal Khan and attended by a notable group of esteemed guests.
This included Pakistani High Commissioner Dr Sarah Naeem, Chairman of the Labour Asians Society Atta Haq and Minister for Trade and Investment Shafiq Shahzad.
All of them displayed strong support for Mahira’s contributions to society through her art.
During her acceptance speech, Mahira Khan became emotional as she reflected on her journey and the importance of women’s empowerment in her career.
She emphasised that this award symbolises her commitment to creating opportunities for women in the entertainment industry.
She said it will ensure that future generations will not face the same obstacles she encountered.
Mahira said: “This recognition is not just for me; it represents the struggles and triumphs of many women striving for their place in this industry.”
She shared her personal story, recalling that she was the first woman in her family to travel abroad alone.
Speaking about the importance of her educational experiences at Santa Monica College and the University of Southern California (USC), she added:
“Those years helped me build a foundation that I carry with me today, allowing me to pursue my dreams and advocate for others.”
In her remarks to the media after the ceremony, Mahira expressed her honour and pride in receiving the award.
She also took the opportunity to acknowledge that many artists from the Pakistani industry deserve similar recognition.
The actress said: “While I am grateful for this honour, I believe it’s essential to recognise the contributions of many others who are making a difference in the industry.”
As she continues her work, Mahira Khan is committed to using her platform to inspire change and advocate for women’s rights.