akistan’s acclaimed actress and global cultural icon, Mahira Khan, recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the United Kingdom Parliament. Held at the historic House of Commons, the ceremony recognized Khan’s influential role as a cultural ambassador and her significant contributions to women’s empowerment, making her the first Pakistani actress to receive this honor on this platform.

The award ceremony, hosted by UK Member of Parliament Afzal Khan was attended by notable figures such as Pakistan’s High Commissioner Dr. Sarah Naeem, Atta Haq of the Labour Asians Society, Shafiq Shahzad, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Manish Tiwari, co-chair of the Labour Asians Society. This high-profile event celebrated Mahira Khan’s achievements in the arts, her efforts in bridging cultural divides, and her ongoing commitment to gender equality.

During her acceptance speech, an emotional Mahira Khan reflected on her journey as a female artist in Pakistan and abroad. She shared how the award symbolizes her dedication to empowering women and creating more opportunities for future generations.

Reflecting on her life, she credited her parents, brother, and son, who supported her desire to pursue the arts. She recalled her English teacher, who once told her she would “see her at the UN one day,” unknowingly inspiring a young Mahira to pursue her dreams in cinema.

Her speech emphasized the importance of support systems and mentorship for women, highlighting how her journey has been supported by family, friends, colleagues, and mentors. Khan encouraged the audience to actively support women in their dreams, underscoring the importance of teaching daughters and sisters to celebrate each other’s successes rather than compete. She also advocated for raising sons, brothers, and fathers to be allies to women, recalling how her own brother “fiercely” protected her reputation and supported her journey. She crediting her accomplishments to the teachers, mentors, and supporters who stood by her, “I stand on the shoulders of those who lifted me up,” she said, adding that while her success is her own, it is also a result of collective encouragement.

In her media address following the ceremony, Mahira emphasized that the recognition she received should extend to all artists in the Pakistani entertainment industry, many of whom also deserve such acknowledgment. Her words underscored her dedication to both her personal growth and the growth of Pakistan’s cinematic landscape. She urged others in positions of influence to support gender equality and representation across all fields, fostering environments where young girls can dream freely and confidently pursue their aspirations.

Her closing message was a call to action, reminding everyone that they have been “chosen” to make a difference. Khan shared a photo of the award on Instagram, expressing gratitude to her fans and supporters.

Mahira Khan’s recognition by the UK Parliament is a testament to her dedication to cultural diplomacy, women empowerment, and artistic excellence. As she continues to champion these causes, her journey serves as an inspiring example to future generations in Pakistan and beyond. With this achievement, she has not only marked a personal milestone but also solidified her role as a powerful advocate for women and a celebrated ambassador for Pakistani culture on the global stage.