Veteran Pakistani actress Fazila Qazi has openly criticized the distribution of Presidential Awards, claiming they are often awarded based on personal connections rather than merit.

Fazila made these comments during an appearance with her husband, actor Qaiser Nizamani, on Tabish Hashmi’s show Hansna Mana Hai. During the interview, she shared her disappointment that many deserving artists are overlooked for national recognition, as reported by Express News.

She sarcastically remarked that she was thankful her husband received the Presidential Award back when it was given solely based on an artist’s work and not personal recommendations. Fazila also revealed that although files are prepared for artists under consideration, hers has been left idle for five years.

Expressing her frustration, Fazila criticized the authorities responsible for the awards, suggesting that hard-working artists are often ignored.

Presidential Award Winners Express Gratitude on Social Media

Earlier this year, recipients of the 2024 Presidential Awards celebrated their achievements on social media, with many notable figures expressing their gratitude.

Filmmaker Bilal Lashari was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for his outstanding contributions to Pakistani cinema. Riding the success of The Legend of Maula Jatt, Bilal shared two Instagram posts: one showcasing him wearing the award and another from the ceremony. He expressed immense pride and credited his family, friends, and colleagues for their support throughout his journey.

Vasay Chaudhry, another recipient, received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and shared his excitement through Instagram posts. He thanked the Government of Pakistan and those who supported him throughout his career, including his family, friends, and fans.

Sajal Ali, also awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, posted a video of herself receiving the honor. She dedicated her success to her family, especially her late mother, whose prayers and hard work, she said, were the driving forces behind her achievements.

Veteran actor Adnan Siddiqui, who received the Pride of Performance award, reflected on his 30-year journey in the industry in a heartfelt Instagram post. Sharing videos and images from the ceremony, he dedicated the award to his fans and thanked the mentors who played key roles in his career. He also acknowledged the absence of his late family members, expressing gratitude for their influence on his life and work.