Pakistan will honour legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi with the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, the nation’s second-highest civilian award, in recognition of his extraordinary impact on sport, society, and humanitarian causes. The announcement comes on the eve of the country’s 78th Independence Day, with the formal investiture scheduled for March 23, 2026 at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad.
Shahid Afridi: From 37-Ball Century to Nation-Builder
- Featured in 524 international fixtures for Pakistan across Tests, ODIs, and T20s
- Scored 11,196 runs and claimed 541 wickets, cementing his reputation as one of cricket’s most dynamic all-rounders
- Captained Pakistan to the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup title in 2009, inspiring a generation to believe in big-game breakthroughs
- Post-retirement, founded the Shahid Afridi Foundation, driving projects in clean water, healthcare, and girls’ education across remote districts
- Serves as a Global Ambassador for youth cricket development, regularly hosting coaching camps and talent hunts nationwide
- A familiar voice on PSL broadcasts and international commentary panels, he continues to galvanize cricket fans with his insights and infectious passion
Shehroze Kashif: Youngest to Conquer All 14 “Eight-Thousanders”
- At just 23, scaled every mountain above 8,000 meters, including Everest, K2, Kanchenjunga, and Annapurna
- Overcame severe altitude sickness and logistical hurdles, setting multiple speed-ascent records en route
- Authored a bestselling memoir in 2024, chronicling his mental resilience, emergency rescues, and culturally immersive base-camp experiences
- Actively mentors aspiring climbers through the Alpine Club of Pakistan, championing safety protocols and sustainable expedition practices
- Plans to lead a Pakistani women’s mountaineering team in the Himalayas next spring, expanding high-altitude access to underrepresented communities
Malik Muhammad Atta: Equestrian Visionary Remembered
- Pakistan’s foremost show-jumper and polo pioneer, who represented the nation at the Asian Equestrian Cup and multiple South Asian Games
- Captured 12 national equestrian titles and introduced adaptive riding programs for veterans and persons with disabilities
- Founded the Atta Polo Academy, training hundreds of young riders in Sindh and Balochistan, fostering rural economic opportunities
- Honoured posthumously for blending athletic excellence with community uplift, his legacy endures through scholarships and annual trophy events
A Broader Celebration of Sporting Excellence
Alongside Afridi, Kashif, and Atta, the government will confer Hilal-i-Imtiaz on a select group of athletes whose achievements span cricket, mountaineering, equestrian sports, and beyond. The full roster highlights the evolution of Pakistan’s sports culture—from women’s cricket trailblazers and para-athletes to emerging stars in squash, shooting, and tennis—underscoring a national commitment to nurture talent at every level.
As Pakistan commemorates its Independence Day, these honours pay tribute not only to individual brilliance but also to the enduring spirit of perseverance, service, and unity that defines the nation’s sporting fabric.
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