Pakistan, Aug. 20 -- Sindh Culture Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah has claimed that the federal government rejected Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa for the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz award. He said the Sindh Culture Department nominated both actors twice, but federal authorities did not include their names among the final recipients. Shah made the remarks while opening the eight-day Wes-Dhaari Sindhi Theatre Festival 2026 in Karachi, where he highlighted concerns over artists' national recognition. He said a committee comprising prominent personalities had recommended both stars, but their nominations were rejected without any explanation.

The minister questioned why two major artists from Sindh had not received federal recognition despite the...