Pakistan, Aug. 16 -- President Asif Ali Zardari approved civil awards for 263 outstanding personalities. The awards recognize contributions in arts, literature, sports, education, science, medicine, journalism, and social services. The ceremony will take place on March 23, 2026, at the Presidential Palace.

Among the awardees are artists like Hadiqa Kiani, Samina Peerzada, and Fazeela Qazi. They will receive the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz award. Several other artists will be honored with Tamgha-e-Husn-e-Karkardagi and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for excellence in acting, visual arts, and naat recitation.

In literature, Irfan ul Haq Siddiqui, Ata ul Haq Qasmi, and Mustansar Hussain Tarar will receive Nishan-e-Imtiaz for poetry and writing. Other wri...