Rashid Latif among 12 recipients of Tamgha-i-Karachi awards

KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation on Sunday awarded the Tamgha-i-Karachi to former Pakistan Test captain Rashid Latif and 11 other notable Karachi residents in recognition of their services to the city and the country.

The awards were presented at a ceremony held at Khaliqdina Hall, where Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the initiative would be held every year and made a regular feature of the city.

According to the KMC, the Tamgha-i-Karachi was launched last year on the mayor’s initiative to acknowledge the heroes of Karachi and honour them for their contributions.

Alongside Rashid Latif, the recipients included martyred firefighter Furqan Shaukat of the KMC Fire Brigade, late labour leader Karamat Ali, mediaperson 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.

Addressing the ceremony, Wahab said it was important to recognise people who had brought distinction to the city. He said, “Those who elevate the name of Karachi, Sindh and Pakistan through their talent and efforts are our true heroes. It is a collective responsibility to recognise and celebrate their services. I congratulate all recipients of the Tamgha-i-Karachi and express gratitude on behalf of the citizens for their invaluable contributions.”

The mayor said many people working for society did not receive major national honours despite the impact of their work. He said the KMC had started the Tamgha-i-Karachi to bridge that gap by acknowledging such individuals from different walks of life.

Calling the award a “humble effort,” Wahab said the purpose of the initiative was to bring attention to the services of people who often remained outside formal recognition despite years of dedication.

He also paid tribute to martyrs and said their sacrifices would continue to be remembered and honoured. Referring to firefighters, he described them as heroes who put their lives at risk to save others.

Wahab said several deserving figures, including Rashid Latif and Karamat Ali, had not received the national recognition they deserved, underscoring the need for such local recognition.

The mayor also spoke about Karachi’s cultural and historical legacy and referred to the restoration and reopening of Khaliqdina Hall as an encouraging sign. He said, “Karachi has a glorious past, and together we can restore its bright present and promising future.”

He urged residents to support the KMC in tackling the city’s problems and to work together for Karachi’s progress. Wahab also encouraged municipal employees to continue serving with commitment and honesty, saying he hoped their work would be remembered and honoured through such initiatives even after retirement.