London, November 7, 2024- Renowned Pakistani actress Mahira Khan was honoured in the UK Parliament for her outstanding contributions to global cinema and her role as a cultural ambassador. The ceremony, held in the House of Commons, was hosted by UK Member of Parliament Afzal Khan and supported by parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, who recognized Mahira’s influence on cultural exchange and women’s empowerment.
In her speech, Mahira reflected on her journey, thanking the people who helped her progress in her remarkable career. Born into a Pashtun family in Karachi, she recounted her education journey, which took her from a private school in Pakistan to Santa Monica College and the University of Southern California in the United States. She was the first woman in her family to travel abroad alone, a milestone she credits with fostering her independence and strength.
Mahira expressed deep gratitude to her parents for prioritizing equal education for their children and for always encouraging them to strive for success. She also emphasized the importance of support from mentors, directors, teachers, friends, and family, saying, “I have stood on the shoulders of teachers, directors, fans, and mentors who made everything possible.”
Rejecting the term “self-made,” Mahira acknowledged the vital role others played in her achievements. “There have been tough times but there have been people around who celebrated my success and encouraged me,” she told the audience at the House of Commons.
After receiving the award, Mahira shared her joy with the media, stating, “I am very happy at receiving this award because this award is for women empowerment. Since I started working, I have aimed to open doors for other women who don’t face the kind of difficulties I have faced.” She celebrated the advancements in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, noting the progress made in gender equality and pay parity.
MP Afzal Khan praised Mahira for her artistic accomplishments and role as a trailblazer for women. “Mahira Khan’s success story is an inspiration for young women around the world, showing them that they can achieve their dreams despite obstacles,” he said.
