Rahat Fateh Ali Khan honored with Hilal-e-Imtiaz

President Asif Ali Zardari bestowed Pakistan’s second highest civilian award, “Hilal-e-Imtiaz,” upon the renowned musician Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for his significant contributions to the Pakistani and South Asian music industry during a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

The legendary artist was recognized for his outstanding achievements in the fields of arts, Qawwali, and singing, as well as for elevating Pakistani arts to global prominence through his live performances of Qawwali and contemporary music.

Expressing his gratitude for the honor, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan stated, “I am deeply grateful to receive the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz & Sitara-I-Imtiaz awards from the esteemed President. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my beloved family, friends, and loyal fans, whose unwavering support has been my beacon throughout this incredible journey. Together, we remain committed to pursuing excellence.”

In an interview, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan expressed his immense pride in receiving both the Sitara-I-Imtiaz in 2018 and now the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2024.

He reiterated his commitment to promoting the softer side of Pakistan to the world and vowed to continue his efforts in upholding the legacy of his mentor, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, through contemporary Qawwali.

He extended his gratitude to the nation and his global fan base for their steadfast support.