Actor Zahid Ahmed marked a major milestone in his career by celebrating his Pride of Performance award with fellow celebrities, friends and family, while paying tribute to his longtime role model, veteran writer Anwar Maqsood.

The actor shared moments from a congratulatory dinner on Instagram, thanking those who joined him after he received the prestigious civil award from the government.

“Receiving the Pride of Performance is an honour I carry with immense gratitude — for every character, every lesson, and every person who has been part of this journey,” Ahmed wrote in his caption.

Reflecting on his decision to pursue acting, Ahmed credited Maqsood as one of the key influences behind his career. He said he had long wished to receive the honour from his role model and had hoped Maqsood would present it to him alongside the president of Pakistan.

“I can be amongst many of those who can say I started acting because of Anwar Maqsood sahib. That is where my career started,” he said in a video. “At this monumental day in my life and career, it was my wish that once the award is put on me, I get it from him,” he added.

The annual civil awards list, announced ahead of Pakistan Day celebrations on March 23 next year, includes more than 372 recipients. Of these, 54 awards have been given in the field of arts, while 29 recognise contributions to literature. Actors Mahmood Aslam, Sania Saeed and Maria Wasti are also among those recognised.

Ahmed’s celebration brought together several familiar faces from Pakistan’s entertainment industry, including Humayun Saeed, Ejaz Aslam, Ali Rehman, Aamina Sheikh, Sonya Hussyn, Hajra Yamin, Ahmed Ali Butt, Sunita Marshall, Hassan Ahmed and Mehwish Hayat.

“Such a great honour and so well deserved because he’s such a phenomenal actor. I love his work and I’m glad that it’s been recognised by the state,” Hayat said while congratulating Ahmed.

Rehman, who worked with Ahmed during their theatre days, also recalled seeing the actor’s talent early in his career. “I had the privilege of actually coming up with Zahid when we did theatre. That’s when I saw his work and it was so serene. I’ve just been a fan,” he said.

For Ahmed, the recognition marks a significant moment in a career shaped by memorable performances and the influence of artists he has long admired. By celebrating the achievement with those closest to him and honouring Maqsood, he also highlighted the people and inspirations that helped shape his journey into acting.