Pakistani designers Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer, along with writer Muneeza Shamsie, have been honored with the prestigious Sitara-i-Imtiaz for their remarkable contributions to Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zardari made the announcement on Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, acknowledging their excellence in fashion and literature.
The awards recognize 104 Pakistani and foreign nationals for their service, sacrifice, and distinction in their respective fields. The formal ceremony is scheduled for March 23, 2025.
Sana Safinaz, a brand launched by Hashwani and Muneer in 1989, has since expanded into retail, lawn, couture, and prêt-à-porter. Muneeza Shamsie is being honored for her extensive literary work, including her book Hybrid Tapestries: The Development of Pakistani English Literature. She is a noted columnist and editor.
In addition, the late poet Nasir Kazmi was posthumously awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to literature, while actor, writer, and former senator Javed Jabbar received the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for his work in literature and film. Jabbar is also known for his documentary Separation of East Pakistan: The Untold Story.
Other notable recipients include Salman Awan and Zafar Waqar Taj (Sitara-i-Imtiaz), Syed Jawad Hussain Jafari (Tamgha-i-Imtiaz), and Ambreen Haseeb (Pride of Performance Award), with recognition spanning fields such as science, engineering, education, medicine, arts, social services, and public service.
