By Zahid Karani
KARACHI: Pakistani women were playing a remarkable role in every field of life and contributing to the country’s development, Muhammad Irfan Soomro said at an awards ceremony in Karachi.
The director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs liaison office said the daughters of Pakistan represented the country’s bright future and were bringing pride to the nation globally through education, skills and talent.
He said the Bint-e-Pakistan Awards not only encouraged women but also served as a guiding light for the younger generation.
He was speaking as chief guest at the Bint-e-Pakistan Awards Season 5 ceremony, organised by Karachi Women Entrepreneurs on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026 in Karachi.
Deputy director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sadia Gohar Khanum, was also present.
The event was held under the leadership of founding president Shama Rashid at Quaid-e-Azam House. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by hamd and the national anthem, and was hosted by Ayesha Nauman.
In her address, Shama Rashid congratulated members and award recipients from across the country and appreciated their contributions. She also highlighted the challenges faced by women and outlined the vision of the organisation.
A women’s summit was also held during the event and moderated by Iram Fawad, with participation from Khursheed Haider, Sultana Shamshal, Amara Umair and Sadaf Altaf Lohiya.
Women from various walks of life were honoured for their outstanding contributions. Among the recipients were TV actor Asma Saif, Dr Bilqees Sheikh, Mehwish Jahangir Sachwani, Chef Nazia Qaiser, Fatima Lohiya, Chef Komal Ahmer, Dr Nosheen Butt, Iram Fawad, Parveen Aslam Imdad, Nisa Chaudhry, educationist Misbah Mujeeb, Nadia Saleem, Fauzia Khan, Komal Nayab, Amara Umair, Sarwat Siddiqui, Fabiha Fatima, Faiza Siddiqui, Sabiqa Sanaullah, Syeda Zahra Asghar, senior TV actor Sabahat Bukhari, Khursheed Haider, Nuzhat Abid Jafri, Chef Ayesha Nauman, Sadaf Altaf Lohiya and Fareeha Azmat.
Sultana Shamshal was presented with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of her services.
The ceremony was also attended by Rafiq Viyani, Turab Shah, Zahid Karani, Ayaz Awan and Rais Khan, and concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony.
