WASHINGTON: Famed Pakistani-American singer Urooj Aftab was decorated with the “President’s Pride of Performance” award on the 77th Independence Day of Pakistan in Washington, on Monday.
The award was bestowed upon her by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan. Urooj happens to be the first Pakistani woman to win two Grammy awards the second one in 2022.
Urooj Aftab is a trailblazing Pakistani-American vocalist, music composer, and producer who holds international recognition. She resides in United States.
Her musical expression seamlessly blends fusion jazz and neo-Sufi elements. She also won the Grammy award in 2022.
“In recognition of Aftab’s outstanding contribution to promoting Pakistani music tradition in the United States and across the globe, the President of Pakistan has conferred on Urooj Aftab the President’s Pride of Performance award,” said the award citation, read during the ceremony.
Ambassador Masood, while applauding her accomplishments, particularly in fostering cultural bridges through the enchantment of music, emphasized the transformative role that Aftab has played in reshaping perceptions about Pakistan.
Further, the ambassador said that “Pakistanis love music. There are no restrictions on music.”
Urooj Aftab expressed her gratitude to the Ambassador and the Pakistani government for the esteemed accolade. She reflected on the significance of literature, poetry, and music as integral components of our identity as Pakistanis.
During her remarks, Aftab also extended heartfelt appreciation to legendary female Pakistani singers, paying homage to the influence of Mukhtar Begum and Abida Parveen in shaping her artistic journey.
“I don’t think I would be standing here if it wasn’t for them,” she said.
Furthermore, Aftab expressed heartfelt gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support in her creative pursuits.
During her remarks, Aftab also extended heartfelt appreciation to legendary female Pakistani singers, paying homage to the influence of Mukhtar Begum and Abida Parveen in shaping her artistic journey.
“I don’t think I would be standing here if it wasn’t for them,” she said.
Furthermore, Aftab expressed heartfelt gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support in her creative pursuits.– APP
