By Farooq Mirza
LONDON, UK — The 5th Farzand-e-Pakistan Awards 2026 were held in London, bringing together prominent Pakistanis from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and other parts of Europe for an evening recognising achievements in community service, business leadership, journalism, social work, entertainment and other professional fields, as well as contributions to Pakistan’s image abroad.
The ceremony was organised under the leadership of Z.A. Bhutto, Founder and Chairman of the Farzand-e-Pakistan Awards, and was held at the Mayfair Venue on Chadwell Heath High Road, Romford, East London.
The event attracted a large gathering of Pakistani-origin businessmen, community leaders, journalists, political and social figures, media personalities, artists and emerging entrepreneurs.
According to the organisers, the awards are intended to recognise what they describe as the “unsung heroes” of the Pakistani diaspora — individuals whose professional and community contributions have made an impact while living overseas.
Speaking about the initiative, Z.A. Bhutto described the awards as a platform for recognising overseas Pakistanis and highlighting their achievements before an international audience.
Mr. Bhutto said the central concept behind the annual awards is to acknowledge Pakistanis who have established successful careers and businesses abroad while continuing to contribute to their communities and maintain connections with Pakistan.
The 2026 ceremony was presented as another chapter in that effort, with honourees receiving awards, titles and ceremonial recognition during the gala evening.
Mr. Bhutto also described the event as part of a broader effort to promote what the organisers call a positive or “soft image” of Pakistan through stories of achievement among Pakistanis living around the world.
Legendary film personality Shahid Hameed attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest, while renowned former hockey champion Ch. Akhtar Rasool presided over the event.
Shabzada Amir Jahangir, described by the organisers as a former adviser to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, attended as a Special Guest.
The event also featured businessman Jaan G Saqalian, Managing Director of Absolute Cabs and Al-Mahdi Real Estate in Doncaster, as a special guest, along with numerous personalities from the business, journalism, community service, entertainment and social sectors.
Among the notable recipients was Farooq Mirza, a journalist and Chairman of 4thpillar Media Watchdog in New York, USA.
Mirza was recognised as Farzand-e-Pakistan 2026 for his journalism and community-related work.
During the ceremony, he received the traditional ceremonial honours associated with the award, including the Pakistani flag, Jinnah cap and Farzand-e-Pakistan sash.
The organisers described the recognition as a tribute to his professional journey and contributions as a Pakistani working in the United States.
For Mirza, the honour represented recognition of his career and his continued association with Pakistani community affairs and media activities.
According to the organisers, 13 prominent Pakistanis from the UK and the United States and the wider international community were recognised with the Farzand-e-Pakistan 2026 honour.
1. Shabzada Amir Jahangir — former adviser to former Prime Minister Imran Khan
2. Ch. Shoukat — Chairman, British Pakistanis UK
3. Nouman Ahmed — Managing Director, SUSI food brand
4. Shahzad Ahmed — Managing Director, Sandwich Factory, Glasgow
5. Hakeem Zamir Shah — Bradford
6. Ishaq Massih — community service, London
7. Dr. Faisal — journalism and education sector
8. Shehzad Sajid — CEO and Founder, Shehzad Law Chamber UK
9. Jaan G Saqalian — Managing Director, Absolute Cabs and Al-Mahdi Real Estate, Doncaster
10. Amaan Ali Saqalian — young member of the business community from Doncaster
11. Naveed Kazi — film industry, London
12. Farooq Mirza — journalist and community figure from New York, recognised for journalism and community work
13. Ayaz Siddiqui — recognised for achievements in business and writing
Businessman Jaan G Saqalian, Managing Director of Absolute Cabs and Al-Mahdi Real Estate in Doncaster, was among the prominent honourees.
His son, Amaan Ali Saqalian, was also recognised as a Young Farzand-e-Pakistan 2026 in acknowledgement of his achievements at a young age.
The father-and-son recognition became one of the notable moments of the ceremony, highlighting the organisers’ emphasis on both established business leadership and the contribution of younger members of the Pakistani diaspora.
Nouman Ahmer, Managing Director of the SUSI food brand in the UK, was also honoured as Farzand-e-Pakistan 2026.
The organisers highlighted his entrepreneurial journey and his work alongside his wife, Serish Nouman, in developing the SUSI food business.
According to information provided by the organisers, the brand has expanded to more than 12 branches in the UK.
Serish Nouman was separately recognised as Dukhtar-e-Pakistan 2026 for her contribution to business development alongside her husband.
The couple attended the ceremony with Nouman’s father-in-law, Mr. Shakil, adding a family dimension to the evening.
The ceremony also placed a special focus on women who have made contributions in business, community development and social service.
Shaista Rais, based in Mississauga, Canada, was recognised for her achievements in the business and social sectors.
Mrs. Raja was honoured for her involvement in community development and community service in London.
Serish Nouman was recognised for her role in business development alongside her husband through the SUSI food brand.
Dr. Zahida Abbas Noori was also recognised for her extensive community and social work in the United Kingdom.
One of the prominent recognitions of the evening went to Dr. Zahida Abbas Noori, a journalist, former councillor, community leader and campaigner.
According to her profile provided for the ceremony, Dr. Noori has spent more than three decades involved in community service, advocacy, equality, women’s empowerment, human rights, social justice and community development.
Her work has included supporting women, families, vulnerable groups and underrepresented communities, while also participating in public and political life in the UK.
She had previously been honoured as Dukhtar-e-Pakistan in 2024 in London.
At the 2026 ceremony, she was recognised as Brand Ambassador 2026 in recognition of her community service and public leadership.
The award was presented by Shahid Hameed during the ceremony.
The organisers announced four individuals as Brand Ambassadors 2026, representing different areas of public and professional life:
1. Shahid Hameed — recognised for his contribution to the film industry
2. Ch. Akhtar Rasool — recognised for his services and contribution to Pakistan
3. Dr. Zahida Abbas Noori — recognised for community service in the UK
4. Asif Mahmood — recognised for services in the travel sector in London
The Brand Ambassador recognitions formed another major component of the awards programme.
The awards programme brought together people working across a wide range of sectors.
Business leaders were recognised for entrepreneurship and enterprise; journalists for their professional work; community activists for social engagement; and personalities from the entertainment sector for their contributions to Pakistani cultural representation.
The organisers said the objective was not limited to recognising established figures but also to encourage younger Pakistanis to pursue professional excellence and community service.
A recurring theme throughout the ceremony was the role of overseas Pakistanis in representing Pakistan internationally.
The organisers emphasised that Pakistanis living in Britain, North America, Europe and other parts of the world have established successful careers and businesses in diverse fields while maintaining strong links with their cultural and national heritage.
Through the Farzand-e-Pakistan and Dukhtar-e-Pakistan titles, the organisers aim to place individual stories of achievement in the spotlight.
The 5th Farzand-e-Pakistan Awards 2026 therefore brought together established professionals, entrepreneurs, community figures, journalists, artists and younger members of the Pakistani diaspora in London, with the organisers presenting the ceremony as a platform to acknowledge their achievements and continued connections with Pakistan.
