ISLAMABAD: Shahid Afridi received the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sports and cricket in Pakistan.
A special investiture ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where Asif Ali Zardari presented national civil awards to personalities from various fields. The event honored individuals for their exceptional services and achievements.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi received the award for his remarkable contributions to cricket and for his services to the country through sports. Fans and former players also praised the decision on social media after the ceremony.
During the event, mountaineer Shehroze Kashif also received recognition. However, his mother accepted the Hilal-e-Imtiaz award on his behalf during the ceremony.
The government distributed several prestigious honors at the event. These included Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, and Sitara-e-Shujaat awards. Moreover, officials recognized people from sports, science, social services, and other important sectors.
After receiving the award, Shahid Afridi expressed gratitude and called the moment a great honor for him and his family. He said the recognition reflected the love and support he received from the people of Pakistan throughout his career.
Furthermore, the former captain thanked his fans for standing by him throughout his cricket journey. He added that public prayers and encouragement helped him achieve success on and off the field.
Shahid Afridi also dedicated the award to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. He said their bravery and sacrifices continue to inspire the nation. In addition, he prayed for peace, stability, and prosperity in Pakistan.
The former all-rounder remains one of Pakistan’s most popular cricket personalities. He represented the national team for many years and earned global recognition for his aggressive batting style and match-winning performances.
Over the years, Shahid Afridi also participated in charity and welfare activities through his foundation. Therefore, many supporters believe the award recognizes both his cricket achievements and humanitarian work.
The ceremony attracted attention from sports fans across the country. Meanwhile, congratulatory messages continued to pour in from former cricketers, celebrities, and supporters after Shahid Afridi received one of Pakistan’s highest civil honors.
