Mehwish Hayat was honoured with Pakistani Icon plaque at the launch of Filmfare Middle East recently.
Taking to social media, the Punjab Nahi Jaungi star expressed her gratitude and hoped for a better future for Indo-Pak cinemas.
“It was a privilege to represent Pakistan at the Filmfare Middle East Launch in Dubai where I was honoured with the Pakistan Icon plaque,” wrote Hayat.
She went on to add, “I accepted this international award on behalf of all our industry which has made such tremendous leaps in such a short time and our films are comparable with anybody else.”
“It was also an opportunity to share the platform with members of our fraternity from across the border and share my thoughts.”
In her acceptance speech, the Dillagi starlet expressed her desire for a better relationship between the neighbouring countries.
“I would love for Indian friends to come visit us in my homeland and see the love people have for them. I think too much emphasis has been put on the role for artists and films in building bridges between our two nations,” she said.
“No matter what the people may want, the past year’s events have shown that 70 years of history and deep political issues will always get in the way. This is much more than casting actors from across the border in each others films. I long for the day when people in India can freely see my movies in their country, just as Indian films are played in my country,” concluded the actor.