Pakistan, May 16 -- Renowned Pakistani singer Hadiqa Kiani has been awarded the prestigious Sitara-i-Imtiaz in recognition of her outstanding services to the music industry.

The award was conferred during a dignified civil awards ceremony held at the Governor House in Lahore, where Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan presented the honour on behalf of the President of Pakistan.

Sharing her emotions on Instagram, Hadiqa Kiani said she felt "extremely proud, happy and humbled" after receiving the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, adding that the moment still felt 'unbelievable' to her.

"It is still hard to believe that 20 years after receiving the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, I have now been honoured with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz," she wrote.

The singer dedicated t...