By: Farooq Mirza
The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has conferred the prestigious President’s Award for Pride of Performance upon seasoned journalist, Pakistani media pioneer in the USA, entrepreneur, and prominent Pakistani-American community leader Mr. Waqar Ali Khan, in recognition of his more than four decades of dedicated service to Pakistan and his efforts to promote the country’s culture, trade, media, and positive image in the United States.
The national award acknowledges Khan’s remarkable contributions toward promoting Pakistan’s culture, trade, business, media, and positive image in the United States, as well as his sustained efforts to strengthen ties between Pakistan and the Pakistani-American community.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Waqar Ali Khan has emerged as a pioneering figure in the Pakistani-American community, dedicating his work to creating platforms that connect Pakistan with its diaspora and introducing Pakistan’s cultural, professional, commercial, and intellectual achievements to international audiences.
A major milestone in his career came with the establishment of California’s first Pakistani radio station, “Dil Dil Pakistan.” The station operated for seven years and became an important platform for the Pakistani diaspora, providing programming that promoted Pakistani culture, community engagement, music, and national identity while bringing members of the community together.
Waqar Ali Khan subsequently expanded his contribution to Pakistani media in the United States by launching Pakistan Television (PTV) in the U.S. He also produced the acclaimed program “Safeer-e-Pakistan,” which featured and highlighted the achievements of prominent Pakistani professionals, artists, intellectuals, and community figures. Through the program, he sought to present a positive and broader picture of Pakistan to audiences abroad and highlight the contributions of Pakistanis on the international stage.
Beyond media, Khan has played a significant role in community development and cultural diplomacy. As the founder of the Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Alliance for Pakistan, he has been instrumental in organizing major cultural and community events in the United States.
Among these initiatives are the Pakistan Independence Day Parade in Los Angeles, Mango and Food Festivals, and Defense Day celebrations. These events have provided platforms for thousands of Pakistani-Americans to celebrate their heritage while also introducing Pakistan’s traditions, cuisine, culture, and history to the wider American public.
His efforts to promote Pakistan’s commercial interests also began decades ago. In the early 1980s, Khan pioneered the organization of some of Pakistan’s first ceramic and garment exhibitions, creating platforms to showcase Pakistani products and explore opportunities in international markets.
More recently, he expanded his efforts into the technology sector by founding the Pakistan American Tech Council, aimed at connecting U.S.-based Pakistani IT professionals, entrepreneurs and technology stakeholders with Pakistan’s growing technology industry. Through the council, Waqar Ali Khan has worked to promote professional collaboration, investment, knowledge exchange and business linkages between the technology sectors of Pakistan and the United States.
The official award citation describes Waqar Ali Khan as a dynamic community leader and cultural ambassador who has worked tirelessly to strengthen Pakistan’s presence abroad through initiatives spanning media, business and community development.
It states that his lifelong dedication, cultural advocacy and visionary leadership have made him an inspiring role model and a proud representative of Pakistan globally.
The citation further states: “In recognition of his outstanding services in the field of Services to Pakistan, the President, Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been pleased to confer upon Mr. Waqar Ali Khan, the ‘President’s Award for Pride of Performance’.”
The national recognition marks a significant milestone in Khan’s more than four-decade-long career, during which he has worked across journalism, broadcasting, cultural promotion, trade, community development and Pakistan-U.S. business relations.
His career has particularly focused on creating platforms through which Pakistan’s achievements, culture, products and professional talent could be presented to international audiences while strengthening the Pakistani-American community’s connection with its homeland.
A handwritten note accompanying the award document reads, “May I now request H.E. Amb. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh,” indicating the participation of Pakistan’s Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh in the award-related proceedings.
The conferment of the President’s Award for Pride of Performance represents national recognition of Waqar Ali Khan’s decades of service and his continued efforts to promote Pakistan’s interests, strengthen its international image and build bridges between Pakistan and the United States.
