Urooj Aftab, a Pakistani-American vocalist, music composer, and producer, has been honored with the prestigious President’s Pride of Performance award by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan.
The news was reported by RadioPakistan, and the award ceremony took place in Washington, DC, as part of Independence Day celebrations.
Urooj Aftab is globally recognized for her musical achievements and holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani female to win a GRAMMY award.
Her music style combines fusion jazz and neo-sufi elements, garnering her the prestigious Grammy accolade in 2022.
During the award ceremony, Ambassador Masood Khan praised Urooj Aftab for her remarkable accomplishments, particularly in using the power of music to foster closer connections between Pakistan and the United States.
Changing Perceptions Through Art
He highlighted that diplomacy and international relations are influenced by perceptions, and Urooj Aftab has significantly contributed to changing perceptions about Pakistan through her artistry.
Urooj Aftab expressed gratitude for the award and acknowledged the role of literature, poetry, and music in shaping the Pakistani identity.
She emphasized that these cultural aspects have always been integral to the nation’s heritage. The award holds a special place as a source of pride and inspiration for fellow female artists in Pakistan, signifying a bright moment for women in Pakistani music.
Urooj Aftab Praised Pakistani Female Singers
During the ceremony, Urooj Aftab also paid tribute to legendary Pakistani female singers, including Mukhtar Begum and Abida Parveen, whose influence played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic journey.
She extended her gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support.
The citation read during the event highlighted Urooj Aftab’s exceptional contribution to promoting Pakistani music traditions both in the United States and worldwide.
Ambassador Masood Khan reiterated the significance of music in Pakistani culture and stressed that music has no boundaries and is deeply cherished by the people.
Urooj Aftab’s recognition not only celebrates her personal achievement but also serves as an emblem of inspiration for the broader artistic community, particularly female musicians in Pakistan.
The event underscored the role of cultural ambassadors like Urooj Aftab in strengthening international relationships through the universal language of music.
