PESHAWAR, August 15, 2026: Veteran artist, actor, writer and filmmaker Arshad Hussain has been announced among the recipients of the Pride of Performance 2026, one of Pakistan’s major national civil awards, in recognition of his more than 35 years of contribution to the country’s performing arts and cultural landscape.
Hussain’s selection marks a significant recognition for an artist whose career has remained closely associated with Pakistan Television’s Peshawar Centre, Pashto television, theatre, film, radio and cultural activism.
His professional journey began in the early 1990s with Pakistan Television Peshawar Centre. Earlier reports have noted that Hussain entered the entertainment industry in 1992 and chose a career in the arts despite having qualified for a government teaching position.
Over the decades, he established himself as a television actor and presenter while also working as a writer, screenwriter, theatre practitioner, creative director and cultural activist. His work has extended beyond entertainment into cultural advocacy, particularly efforts aimed at strengthening the artistic community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Hussain has also been associated with campaigns highlighting the difficulties faced by artists in the province. In 2018, he spoke publicly about the challenges confronting KP’s entertainment industry, including the impact of militancy, lack of opportunities and inadequate recognition for local artists.
His career has also been marked by personal risks associated with working in the performing arts in a region affected by militancy. International reporting on artistic freedom documented Hussain’s experience of being abducted because of his profession and his subsequent determination to continue advocating for artists and cultural expression.
A career built around television, theatre and culture
Hussain’s name became particularly familiar to audiences through his work in PTV Peshawar and Pashto television dramas, where he appeared in numerous productions and developed a reputation as a versatile character actor.
His artistic activities have not been limited to acting. His professional profile describes him as a television leading actor and compere, cultural activist and consultant, with experience in idea development, story and screenplay writing, dialogue writing, theatre direction, hosting and filmmaking.
The recognition therefore comes after a career that has moved across several creative disciplines rather than being confined to a single medium.
His contribution has also been described in cultural forums as extending to the mentoring and encouragement of younger artists and efforts to preserve the artistic traditions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
From performer to cultural voice
For Hussain, the Pride of Performance is not simply an award for acting. It represents recognition of a wider journey through Pakistan’s cultural and creative industries.
“After thirty-five years, this honour feels less like a destination and more like a responsibility,” Hussain said.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, audiences, fellow artists and institutions that supported his career, saying his work had always been about more than performance.
“Art can preserve memory, open conversations, connect people and give a voice to stories that deserve to be heard,” he said.
Hussain said he regarded the award as an encouragement to continue creating, support emerging artists and contribute to the preservation of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
A recognition for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The announcement has particular significance for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s artistic community, where generations of actors, musicians, writers and theatre practitioners have struggled to maintain the province’s creative traditions amid economic difficulties, militancy and limited institutional support.
Hussain has himself been vocal about the need for greater recognition and support for KP artists. His advocacy has made him a familiar voice in discussions concerning the future of the province’s entertainment and cultural sector.
Speaking about the honour, he said:
“The award carries my name, but its pride belongs to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
For a performer who began his public career at PTV Peshawar and subsequently worked across television, theatre, film, literature and cultural development, the Pride of Performance represents both recognition of the past and a new responsibility toward the future.
Hussain said he hoped to use the recognition as an opportunity to encourage young performers, protect cultural memory and help take Pakistan’s stories to wider audiences.
The award, he added, would not mark the end of his artistic journey but “an invitation to create with greater purpose.”
Media Contact:
Arshad Hussain
Artist • Writer • Filmmaker
0300-5901061
Post Disclaimer
The views and content presented in this article, news report, or video are solely those of the respective author or creator and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BW Times Digital Online E-Paper.
Leave a comment