ISLAMABAD: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was conferred Pakistan’s second highest civilian award ‘Hilal-e-Imtiaz’ by President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Pakistan Day for his services to the Pakistani and South Asian music industry.
Khan, the star of Pakistan and music icon, was honored with the ‘Hilal-e-Imtiaz’ for his contributions to the fields of arts, Qawwali, and singing, as well as for elevating Pakistani arts to an international platform with his captivating performances of Qawwali and contemporary music. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan said he was grateful for the honour.
The singer said: “It is with profound gratitude that I accept the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz & Sitara-I-Imtiaz awards bestowed upon me by the esteemed President. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my cherished family, friends, and devoted fans whose unwavering support has been my guiding light on this remarkable journey. Together, we stand in humble reverence, inspired to continue our pursuit of excellence.”
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan expressed immense gratitude for being honored with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2018 and now the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2024, considering it a significant privilege. He pledged to continue showcasing the softer aspects of Pakistan to the international community.
Recognizing these awards as the highest civilian honors, he felt obliged to uphold the legacy of his uncle and mentor, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, through modern interpretations of Qawwali. He extended his heartfelt thanks to the nation and his global fans for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
