UK
Art Malik, a renowned British actor, was presented with the Jinnah Medal by the Pakistan Society at its 68th annual dinner held recently at the Great Hall, Lincoln’s Inn. The event was graced by the presence of Pakistan High Commissioner Moazzam Ahmad Khan and Ambassador Leena Salim Moazzam as the guests of honor.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Architect Prof Yasmeen Lari, the Sir Arthur Marshall visiting professor of sustainable design and visiting fellow at Jesus College, Cambridge. Syed Mahmood Masood, honorary secretary of the Pakistan Society, explained that Art Malik was chosen to receive the award in recognition of his remarkable achievements during his 45-year international career in film, television, and theater, as well as for his philanthropic work benefiting the visually impaired. Malik, originally born Athar Ul Haque Malik in Bahawalpur in 1952, has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry with over 44 television productions and more than 34 feature films, collaborating with esteemed writers, actors, producers, and directors. His recent work includes Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Malik has served as the co-chairman of the Graham Layton Trust, which has provided free eye care to over 56 million patients in Pakistan through the Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust hospitals and clinics.
Dr. Arif Alvi, the President of Pakistan, expressed his pleasure at the Pakistan Society’s long-standing efforts in fostering people-to-people ties and civil society cooperation between Pakistan and the UK. He acknowledged the society’s role in promoting a deeper appreciation of Pakistani art, culture, literature, history, and heritage, which contributes to fostering friendship and understanding between the two nations.
High Commissioner Ahmad Khan praised the Pakistan Society for its unwavering dedication in strengthening the bond between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. He commended the society’s efforts in enhancing understanding of Pakistan and its rich literary and cultural heritage, thereby bringing the two nations closer.
The Chairman of the Pakistan Society, Sir William Blackburne, highlighted the significance of the dinner, which not only celebrated the health of the President of Pakistan, the society’s Patron, but also, for the first time, toasted the health of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Established in 1951 and headquartered in London, the Pakistan Society aims to increase public knowledge in Britain about the arts, history, geography, economic life, and institutions of Pakistan. The event received support from Bestway, UBL UK, British Pakistan Foundation, and HBL Bank UK.
