Dubai-based Pakistani legend Sajjad Ali to receive top civilian honour

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Dubai-based Pakistani legend Sajjad Ali to receive top civilian honour

Dubai - The awards will be presented by the president for excellence in different fields.

By Yousuf Saifuddin Kapadia

Published: Wed 13 Mar 2019, 5:22 PM

Last updated: Wed 13 Mar 2019, 7:58 PM

A Dubai-based Pakistani expat is set to receive one of Pakistan's top civilian honours on March 23.
Pakistan's singing legend, Sajjad Ali's name was announced earlier on Sunday by the government as one of 127 people who will be receiving civil awards on Pakistan Day, which is celebrated on March 23.
The awards will be presented by President Dr Arif Alvi to artistes and other public figures for their excellence in different fields.

President Dr. Arif Alvi has decided to confer Civil Awards on one hundred and twenty-seven Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals for their excellent work in various fields. These awards will be given at an investiture ceremony on Pakistan Day 23rd of this month. pic.twitter.com/A5W1MAFW2W
- Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) March 10, 2019

Ali will be honoured with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz - the third highest civilian honour in Pakistan - along with another folk legend, Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi.
Ali, who has been a UAE expat for many years now, is known for his versatile range - having produced classical and pop hits since the late 80s.
Some of his iconic hits include 'Chief Saab', 'Bolo Bolo', 'Paniyon Mein' and 'Babia' among others.
The singer is still an active artiste, producing songs and promoting them through soclal media.

A simple fan moment turns into an incredible mehfil as @nescafebasement gang comes to Dubai to meet Sajjad Ali https://t.co/f3n1BIBtdX pic.twitter.com/LcObVYr72D
- Sajjad Ali (@sajjad_official) February 12, 2019

Ik gham ke siwa is dunia me... pic.twitter.com/7N2jgJKcLg
- Sajjad Ali (@sajjad_official) February 23, 2019

He recently sang a duet with his daughter, Zaw, on Coke Studio.

This year will also see cricket's 'Sultans of Swing', Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, being honoured with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (the second highest civilian honour).
Nishan-e-Pakistan is the highest civilian honour in Pakistan, which in recent times was conferred upon Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, when he recently visited the country this year.
yousufk@khaleejtimes.com