The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) awarded the Tamgha-i-Karachi to former Pakistan Test captain Rashid Latif and 11 other prominent citizens in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the city and national service.
The Tamgha-i-Karachi is an initiative introduced last year by Mayor Murtaza Wahab to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to Karachi. The mayor also announced that the event will be held annually, making it a regular feature in the city’s calendar.
In addition to Rashid Latif, the award recipients included martyred firefighter Furqan Shaukat of the KMC Fire Brigade, late labor leader Karamat Ali, media professional Ali Hassan Sajid, painter Ghulam Abbas Kamangar, journalist and author Shah Waliullah Junaidi, fine artist Masooma Halai, marine researcher Dr. Abid Raza, calligrapher Kashif Khan, classical musician Ustad Mazhar Umaro Bando Khan, dancer Amjad Rana, and scout Tahir Sheikh.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Wahab emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals who bring pride to the city. He said those who elevate the name of Karachi, Sindh, and Pakistan through their talent and efforts are true heroes.
He added that recognizing and celebrating such individuals is a shared responsibility. He congratulated all recipients and expressed gratitude on behalf of the citizens for their valuable contributions.
The mayor noted that many individuals who serve society do not receive major national awards despite their impactful work. He said the Tamgha-i-Karachi initiative was created to address this gap by honoring deserving individuals across different fields.
Describing the award as a “humble effort,” he said it aims to highlight contributions that often go unnoticed despite dedication and service.
Mayor Wahab also expressed regret that several deserving individuals, including Rashid Latif and Karamat Ali, had not received the national recognition they deserved, underscoring the importance of such local initiatives.
He urged citizens to support KMC in addressing the city’s challenges and encouraged municipal employees to continue serving with dedication and integrity. He added that their contributions would be remembered and honored even after retirement through initiatives like this.