The year 2019 was a significant year for Pakistan, its fashion and entertainment industry, along with many of its luminaries.
The internet was filled with celebratory moments, incredible breakthroughs and inspiring accomplishments that we will remember for years to come.
We have compiled a list of all such viral achievements and important events from this year that promoted Pakistan, its people and their talent on a global scale.
The late legendary qawwali legend, Amjad Sabri is deeply missed after his tragic murder in 2016. Consequently, when the British band Coldplay paid homage to the sufi star, Pakistanis couldn’t help but gush with pride and pleasure.
One of the tracks ’Church’ from the album ‘Everyday Life’ has sampled music from Amjad Sabri’s track, Jaga Ji Laganay.
Consequently, the song has become special for all of Sabri’s fans as it exhibited a piece of his work for the world to laud.
Making its mark internationally, Laal Kabootar has been making rounds at various global film festivals and grabbing awards along the way.
The leading hero Ahmed Ali Akbar bagged the Best Actor award at the Washington DC South Asian Film Festival.
View this post on Instagram Tis the moment! 🥳 Best actor @dcsaff @laal kabootar @mohtaramco @kamalkay @manshapasha #LaalKabootar #pakistanicelebrities #pakistaniactor A post shared by Ahmed Ali Akbar (@ahmedaliakbarofficial) on Sep 25, 2019 at 6:15am PDT
Tis the moment! 🥳 Best actor @dcsaff @laal kabootar @mohtaramco @kamalkay @manshapasha #LaalKabootar #pakistanicelebrities #pakistaniactor
A post shared by Ahmed Ali Akbar (@ahmedaliakbarofficial) on Sep 25, 2019 at 6:15am PDT
The movie also won the Archana Soy Audience Award for ‘Best Feature Film’ at the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival 2019 in Seattle.
Much recently, it brought home the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival Award for Best Feature Film 2019.
The globe-trotter Mahira Khan has risen as a major icon in South-Asia.
To no one’s surprise, the starlet made us all proud when United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) appointed her as the UNHCR National Goodwill Ambassador.
We're delighted to announce that @themahirakhan is our newest Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan. 👏 pic.twitter.com/SAPjBY7E05— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency #RefugeeForum (@Refugees) November 6, 2019
We're delighted to announce that @themahirakhan is our newest Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan. 👏 pic.twitter.com/SAPjBY7E05
The film Baaji has been reaping praises and awards ever since its release and it seems that there is no stopping for this 2019 box-office hit!
The Meera-starrer won the Grand Jury Prize at the Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival, as well as achieving accolades for Best Supporting Actor.
What’s more, Saqib Malik’s directorial debut also made it to the DC South Asian Film Festival in the United States and Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival.
View this post on Instagram #Baaji Screened at the #Misaff2019 film festival to a packed audience and we won the grand jury prize plus best supporting actor @nayyar_ejaz the chaandest Kamal (runner up was me, that’s a win in my book being runner up to a legend like Nayyar ijaz:) it’s not only a win for us it’s a win for Pakistani cinema on a global scale! Thank you @mosaic_misaff for having us be a part of this prestigious festival with films and artists from all over the globe 🌎 and thank you the most amazing audiences that continue to keep Baaji rocking the cinemas 🤘🏼❤️its an honour! #baajithefilm #aryfilms #filmfest #pakistanicinema #actor #director #global #rammy #films #stillincinemas #arthasnoboundaries A post shared by Ali Kazmi (@thealikazmi) on Aug 5, 2019 at 8:22am PDT
#Baaji Screened at the #Misaff2019 film festival to a packed audience and we won the grand jury prize plus best supporting actor @nayyar_ejaz the chaandest Kamal (runner up was me, that’s a win in my book being runner up to a legend like Nayyar ijaz:) it’s not only a win for us it’s a win for Pakistani cinema on a global scale! Thank you @mosaic_misaff for having us be a part of this prestigious festival with films and artists from all over the globe 🌎 and thank you the most amazing audiences that continue to keep Baaji rocking the cinemas 🤘🏼❤️its an honour! #baajithefilm #aryfilms #filmfest #pakistanicinema #actor #director #global #rammy #films #stillincinemas #arthasnoboundaries
A post shared by Ali Kazmi (@thealikazmi) on Aug 5, 2019 at 8:22am PDT
Owing to its popular demand, the movie has been re-released in Pakistan for the movie-buffs to enjoy all over again.
Perhaps the most iconic event of 2019 remains the five-day tour of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to Pakistan.
Their visit not only exposed the scenic sights and landmarks of our homeland to the world but also put Pakistani fashion, flaunted exuberantly by the Duchess, on the global map.
The highlights of their trip to Pakistan include the Royal couple’s visit to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, SOS Children’s village, Lahore, Badshahi mosque and the Kalash Village.
View this post on Instagram The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Badshahi Mosque, the most iconic Islamic site in Lahore, set in the heart of the Walled City. The Duke and Duchess toured the mosque and courtyard, before joining a discussion with faith leaders to learn how they are promoting interfaith harmony within their communities. The couple’s visit to Badshahi sees them follow in the footsteps of The Duke’s father, The Prince of Wales @ClarenceHouse, who visited the Mosque with The Duchess of Cornwall during a tour of Pakistan in 2006, and his grandmother Her Majesty The Queen @TheRoyalFamily, who visited in 1961. 📷 PA / Kensington Palace #RoyalVisitPakistan #pakistan A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Oct 17, 2019 at 9:40am PDT
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Badshahi Mosque, the most iconic Islamic site in Lahore, set in the heart of the Walled City. The Duke and Duchess toured the mosque and courtyard, before joining a discussion with faith leaders to learn how they are promoting interfaith harmony within their communities. The couple’s visit to Badshahi sees them follow in the footsteps of The Duke’s father, The Prince of Wales @ClarenceHouse, who visited the Mosque with The Duchess of Cornwall during a tour of Pakistan in 2006, and his grandmother Her Majesty The Queen @TheRoyalFamily, who visited in 1961. 📷 PA / Kensington Palace #RoyalVisitPakistan #pakistan
A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Oct 17, 2019 at 9:40am PDT
Kate’s desi fashion statements became the talk of the town while she donned popular local brands like Zeen, Ideas Pret, Bonanza Satrangi, Elan and most importantly, Maheen Khan.
View this post on Instagram At the iconic Pakistan National Monument The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrated the very best of Pakistani music and culture, as well as highlighting the prosperous UK-Pakistan relationship. The Duke and Duchess met well-known individuals from business, the creative arts, the Pakistan music and film industry, and members of Government. Thank you to the people of Pakistan for offering such a warm welcome to The Duke and Duchess on the first full day of their visit to the country! 📷 PA @UKinPakistan #RoyalVisitPakistan #Pakistan A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Oct 15, 2019 at 10:34am PDT
At the iconic Pakistan National Monument The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrated the very best of Pakistani music and culture, as well as highlighting the prosperous UK-Pakistan relationship. The Duke and Duchess met well-known individuals from business, the creative arts, the Pakistan music and film industry, and members of Government. Thank you to the people of Pakistan for offering such a warm welcome to The Duke and Duchess on the first full day of their visit to the country! 📷 PA @UKinPakistan #RoyalVisitPakistan #Pakistan
A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Oct 15, 2019 at 10:34am PDT
Pakistan’s forever favorite, Mahira Khan turns heads wherever she goes and Paris Fashion Week was no different!
View this post on Instagram Fit for fittings? 💅🧚🏼♀️👠 @lorealmakeup @lorealhair @lorealpakistan @parisfashionweek #lorealpakistan #pfw A post shared by Mahira Khan (@mahirahkhan) on Sep 26, 2019 at 9:19am PDT
Fit for fittings? 💅🧚🏼♀️👠 @lorealmakeup @lorealhair @lorealpakistan @parisfashionweek #lorealpakistan #pfw
A post shared by Mahira Khan (@mahirahkhan) on Sep 26, 2019 at 9:19am PDT
Representing her country as the brand ambassador of L’Oreal, she walked the ramp for the brand’s makeup collaboration with the late fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld.
View this post on Instagram Aaaah, thank you @loreal for bringing together such amazing and inspiring women. Each one pumping the other, patting each other on the back. Time and again I realize that we all are the same.. discussing our children, our lives, careers, our vulnerabilities.. and its these shared experiences that make us feel like we are all in this together. And together we are stronger! Was so proud to represent my country at this platform. So much love and gratitude to have been part of this 🖤♥️ @lorealmakeup @lorealhair @thevalgarland @stephanelancien @lorealpakistan #lorealparis #lorealpfw #karlxloreal A post shared by Mahira Khan (@mahirahkhan) on Oct 1, 2019 at 3:50am PDT
Aaaah, thank you @loreal for bringing together such amazing and inspiring women. Each one pumping the other, patting each other on the back. Time and again I realize that we all are the same.. discussing our children, our lives, careers, our vulnerabilities.. and its these shared experiences that make us feel like we are all in this together. And together we are stronger! Was so proud to represent my country at this platform. So much love and gratitude to have been part of this 🖤♥️ @lorealmakeup @lorealhair @thevalgarland @stephanelancien @lorealpakistan #lorealparis #lorealpfw #karlxloreal
A post shared by Mahira Khan (@mahirahkhan) on Oct 1, 2019 at 3:50am PDT
She nailed her punk, leather jacket, rocker chic look and danced the night away with Helen Mirren.
View this post on Instagram Aint no party like a #LOreal party cuz a L'Oreal party has #MahiraKhan and #HelenMirren dancing the night away #NotJealous #ALittleJealous #ParisFashionWeek A post shared by IMAGES (@dawn_images) on Sep 28, 2019 at 11:24pm PDT
Aint no party like a #LOreal party cuz a L'Oreal party has #MahiraKhan and #HelenMirren dancing the night away #NotJealous #ALittleJealous #ParisFashionWeek
A post shared by IMAGES (@dawn_images) on Sep 28, 2019 at 11:24pm PDT
Not to forget, she flaunted all her chic ensembles like a boss in France and was also spotted hanging out with Desperate Housewives star Eva Langoria while wearing a Zara Shahjahan floral sari.
Almost five years ago, Sarman Khoosat owned the entertainment industry with Manto. And now he is determined to make waves worldwide all over again with his upcoming movie ‘Zindagi Tamasha’.
View this post on Instagram And last but not the least, this one has a piece of my heart ❣@emansuleman as Sadaf in #zindagitamasha A post shared by Sarmad Khoosat (@sarmadkhoosat) on Sep 20, 2019 at 9:30am PDT
And last but not the least, this one has a piece of my heart ❣@emansuleman as Sadaf in #zindagitamasha
A post shared by Sarmad Khoosat (@sarmadkhoosat) on Sep 20, 2019 at 9:30am PDT
The film is slated for a January 2020 release in Pakistan, however, it already had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea in October.
The cherry on the top, his directorial project also won the Kim Ji-Seok Award at the festival, an accolade named after the festival’s co-founder and executive programmer.
While we can’t wait for it to hit the cinemas, its gripping trailer became a viral sensation upon its release.
Watch it below here.
After being bestowed by Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Mehwish Hayat added yet another feather to her cap!
We all applauded for her after she was appointed a goodwill ambassador for girls’ rights by the Ministry of Human Rights.
View this post on Instagram Every child deserves a proper upbringing. They should be at school getting educated not having to work. Let’s make sure we don't take away their precious childhoods. These young minds have to be nurtured as they’re the future of Pakistan ! 🇵🇰 #MehwishHayat #MinistryofHumanrights #Goodwillambassador #saynotochildlabour❌ #PakistanZindabad A post shared by Mehwish Hayat (@mehwishhayatofficial) on Oct 13, 2019 at 7:41am PDT
Every child deserves a proper upbringing. They should be at school getting educated not having to work. Let’s make sure we don't take away their precious childhoods. These young minds have to be nurtured as they’re the future of Pakistan ! 🇵🇰 #MehwishHayat #MinistryofHumanrights #Goodwillambassador #saynotochildlabour❌ #PakistanZindabad
A post shared by Mehwish Hayat (@mehwishhayatofficial) on Oct 13, 2019 at 7:41am PDT
Many might not be aware but Hayat was also awarded the Pride of Performance in Norway and also made it to the list of The Muslim Vibe’s top five Muslim women in the world.
With Pakistani movies already making their mark at international film festivals, one of the local documentaries unlocked even a greater feat by bagging a prestigious Emmy.
The hard-hitting documentary, Armed With Faith won the award in Outstanding Politics and Government Documentary category and brought the Emmy home.
View this post on Instagram Pakistan film-maker @AsadFaruqi wins his first Emmy as a director for "Armed With Faith" in the "Outstanding Politics and Government Documentary" category! He has previously already worked as a cinematographer on Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Oscar and Emmy winning films. #AsadFaruqi #ArmedWithFaith #NewsEmmys A post shared by Rohail Amjad (@amjad.rohail) on Sep 25, 2019 at 4:53am PDT
Pakistan film-maker @AsadFaruqi wins his first Emmy as a director for "Armed With Faith" in the "Outstanding Politics and Government Documentary" category! He has previously already worked as a cinematographer on Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Oscar and Emmy winning films. #AsadFaruqi #ArmedWithFaith #NewsEmmys
A post shared by Rohail Amjad (@amjad.rohail) on Sep 25, 2019 at 4:53am PDT
Directed by Asad Faruqi and produced by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the documentary paid homage to the brave men working in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bomb Defusal Squad.
Pakistanis are always ecstatic when their work and talent is praised in India. While this seldom happens due to cross-border tensions, such achievements surely become a reason for a massive celebration.
This year, Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat’s Load Wedding created massive hype across the border after bagging the Best Feature Film (International) at Rajasthan International Film Festival 2019.
View this post on Instagram “Every Family has a story to tell. Welcome to ours!” #LoadWedding family portrait is out 💫 And oh! The very genuine selfie posing can’t be overlooked! 🤳 😜 The movie is officially releasing on #EidulAzha ✨ @Filmwalapictures #LoadWedding #Filmwalapictures #NabeelQureshi #FizzaAliMeerza #MehwishHayat #FahadMustafa #FaaizaHasan #DistributionClub #HarPalGeo #GeoFilm #EidulAzha #BariEidKiBariFilm A post shared by Loadweddingofficial🎬 (@loadwedding) on Jul 9, 2018 at 3:29am PDT
“Every Family has a story to tell. Welcome to ours!” #LoadWedding family portrait is out 💫 And oh! The very genuine selfie posing can’t be overlooked! 🤳 😜 The movie is officially releasing on #EidulAzha ✨ @Filmwalapictures #LoadWedding #Filmwalapictures #NabeelQureshi #FizzaAliMeerza #MehwishHayat #FahadMustafa #FaaizaHasan #DistributionClub #HarPalGeo #GeoFilm #EidulAzha #BariEidKiBariFilm
A post shared by Loadweddingofficial🎬 (@loadwedding) on Jul 9, 2018 at 3:29am PDT
While the social-drama based on dowry is already a hit in Pakistan, it was indeed a moment of deep pride when it received appreciation from the neighboring nation.
The Qawwali maestro, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has the whole world singing praises for him!
View this post on Instagram Here to the world and all the well wishers of #UstadRahatFatehAliKhan – Presenting Dr Rahat Fateh Ali @oxford_uni A post shared by Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (@officialrfakworld) on Jun 26, 2019 at 5:39am PDT
Here to the world and all the well wishers of #UstadRahatFatehAliKhan – Presenting Dr Rahat Fateh Ali @oxford_uni
A post shared by Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (@officialrfakworld) on Jun 26, 2019 at 5:39am PDT
Consequently, we were not surprised when the University of Oxford awarded him with an honorary degree of Doctor of Music at a ceremony this summer.
#UstadRahatFatehAliKhan – After receiving Honorary Degree from @UniofOxford pic.twitter.com/0FRwTNdnsr— Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (@RFAKWorld) June 26, 2019
#UstadRahatFatehAliKhan – After receiving Honorary Degree from @UniofOxford pic.twitter.com/0FRwTNdnsr
Ever since Ahad Raza Mir swooped into Pakistan’s entertainment industry, time and again he has proved his mettle with his acting prowess.
This year he made us all proud by winning the coveted Betty Mitchell Award for his work in Canadian theatre play ‘Hamlet’ in the category of Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama.
View this post on Instagram "To be or not to be…" #Worldtheatreday PC:@citrusphoto Costumes: @hanneloosen Lighting: @thefraserhead @calgarycraig @shakespeareyyc @vertigotheatre @hitmyth A post shared by Ahad Raza Mir (@ahadrazamir) on Mar 29, 2019 at 8:46am PDT
"To be or not to be…" #Worldtheatreday PC:@citrusphoto Costumes: @hanneloosen Lighting: @thefraserhead @calgarycraig @shakespeareyyc @vertigotheatre @hitmyth
A post shared by Ahad Raza Mir (@ahadrazamir) on Mar 29, 2019 at 8:46am PDT
The veteran actor, Asif Raza Mir is a household name in Pakistan and his fans were ecstatic when he bagged probably the most substantial achievement of his career- a role in HBO Series ‘Gangs of London’.
The hero will be seen across actors like David Bradley and Ray Pathaki in the ten-episodic web series. Fingers crossed for its release!
View this post on Instagram Another day filming this beaut! What I really love about this show other than it’s going to be action packed and epic is that it has diversity written all over it! #acting #gangsoflondon #skyatlantic #pulsefilms #hbo #tvseries #diversityincasting #kvhcasting @kvhcasting @corinhardy @serhatmetin84 #filming A post shared by Elif (@elifknight) on Sep 26, 2019 at 3:34am PDT
Another day filming this beaut! What I really love about this show other than it’s going to be action packed and epic is that it has diversity written all over it! #acting #gangsoflondon #skyatlantic #pulsefilms #hbo #tvseries #diversityincasting #kvhcasting @kvhcasting @corinhardy @serhatmetin84 #filming
A post shared by Elif (@elifknight) on Sep 26, 2019 at 3:34am PDT
When the video of the polio worker, Irfanullah striding through the harsh snow to deliver polio vaccines went viral worldwide, it also caught the eye of Hollywood superstar Ashton Kutcher.
Here’s to hoping that the New Year brings even more glories for Pakistan!
Ghazala is a business grad by books, a writer by passion and a foodie at heart. With an experience of 5 years in digital publishing, she has blogged for publications like Brandsynario, Veryfilmi and Hum TV Spotlight. She lives in the moment, enjoys great music, is a die-heart Potterhead and loves to volunteer for social causes. You can follow her on Twitter @GhazalaSulaiman
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