The Government of Pakistan has unveiled this year’s Civil Awards list for sports, recognizing nine athletes and one journalist for their exceptional contributions. The honours will officially be conferred on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2026.
Afridi’s Hilal-e-Imtiaz Tops Sporting Recognitions
Leading the list is Shahid Afridi, Pakistan’s iconic former cricket captain. Afridi, who played 524 international matches and was instrumental in Pakistan’s 2009 ICC T20 World Cup victory, will be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz. His recognition comes not only for his record-breaking career but also for his enduring impact on cricket’s popularity across the country.
Sharing the same distinction is mountaineer Shehroze Kashif, who became the youngest Pakistani to climb all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres. Also honoured posthumously with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz is equestrian Malik Muhammad Atta, remembered for elevating Pakistan’s profile in horseback sports.
Women’s Cricket, Paralympic Glory Recognized
Former women’s cricket captain Sana Mir, a trailblazer who guided her team to international recognition and earned a spot in the ICC Hall of Fame, will receive the Sitara-e-Imtiaz. Joining her is Haider Ali, Pakistan’s most decorated Paralympian, whose bronze in discus throw at the 2024 Paris Paralympics capped a career of multiple international medals.
Pride of Performance and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz Winners
The President’s Award for Pride of Performance will be presented to MMA fighter Shahzaib Rind and kabaddi player Muhammad Sajjad. Rising squash star Hamza Khan and sharpshooter Mohsin Nawaz are set to receive the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.
In an unusual case, veteran tennis player Rashid Malik has again been nominated for the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, despite already holding the same award. Given his recent back-to-back ITF Seniors titles, officials are reportedly considering elevating his recognition to either the Sitara-e-Imtiaz or Pride of Performance—an unprecedented adjustment in Pakistan’s awards history.
Recognition Beyond the Field
Sports journalism has also been acknowledged this year. Veteran journalist Abdul Mohi Shah will be awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his decades of reporting and contribution to the profession. His peers in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Lahore hailed the announcement as a breakthrough moment for the recognition of sports media in Pakistan.
Pakistani Students Head to China for Green Development Training
In a separate development, 20 Pakistani students have been awarded fully funded scholarships to study ecology and green development in China.
Selected from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Women University Multan, and Bahauddin Zakariya University, the students will attend a three-month program at Shenyang Normal University beginning September 16, 2025.
The initiative, sponsored by the Chinese government, focuses on research and training in environmental sustainability—a field that has become increasingly important for Pakistan as it grapples with climate challenges.
Prof. Abid Ali, who facilitated the exchange, said candidates went through a competitive process of CV evaluations and interviews. Ahead of departure, orientation sessions were organized at their respective universities to prepare students for life and study in China.
The program, which runs until December 14, 2025, aims to strengthen educational collaboration between China and Pakistan while equipping students with skills to advance sustainability efforts back home. Participants credited the First Online Chinese Language Program at BZU for helping them prepare linguistically and culturally, and pledged to apply their learnings for the benefit of local academic and research communities.