President Asif Ali Zardari has sanctioned the conferment of the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s most prestigious civil awards, on Sultana Siddiqui, chairperson of Hum Network. Known in the media industry as Sultana Apa, she embarked on her career in 1974 as a producer at PTV’s Karachi studio and later founded Hum Network in 2005.
Hum Network has been acknowledged as one of the top 25 performing companies on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in both 2009 and 2020. Siddiqui holds the notable distinction of being the first woman in South Asia to establish a television network. Throughout her extensive career, she has earned numerous accolades nationally and internationally, with several drama serials produced under her leadership at Hum TV receiving multiple awards.
In a significant development, this latest honour adds to Siddiqui’s previous state recognitions, which include the Pride of Performance and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. The Hilal-i-Imtiaz was approved as part of a broader list of civil awards this year, featuring prominent figures from Pakistan’s television, music, and performing arts sectors, alongside distinguished individuals from politics, civil service, and diplomacy.
Notably, last year Siddiqui was also conferred an honorary doctorate by Buckinghamshire New University in recognition of her contributions to media, women’s empowerment, and society. The honorary degree was presented by Associate Dean Dr Christopher Lewis, who praised her as a trailblazing media entrepreneur and a strong advocate for women’s empowerment.
