Fawad Chaudhry Criticizes Civil Awards, Complains of Neglect of Punjabi Literature
ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has criticized the distribution of civil awards, particularly the decision to confer a state honour on journalist Saleh Zafir, while also complaining that Punjabi language and literature are being overlooked.
In a post on social media platform X, Fawad Chaudhry questioned the decision to honour Saleh Zafir, saying it was objectionable in his view given that Zafir had previously published what he described as highly inappropriate reports about him.
Using a sarcastic tone, the former minister said that if Saleh Zafir had been given a medal, then “Pinky” should also have been given one, adding that it appeared as though an “Imtiaz Store” had been opened at the President’s House.
Fawad Chaudhry said government awards should be based on merit and quality, arguing that the current distribution of honours raised questions about the criteria being followed.
جہاں صالح ظافر کو تمغہ دے دیا تو پنکی کو بھی دے دیتے۔۔ تمغوں کا امتیاز سٹور ہی کھل گیا ہے ایوان صدر میں ۔۔
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) August 14, 2026
He also expressed concerns about what he described as the neglect of Punjab and the Punjabi language and literature. He alleged that people he considered political or personal favourites had received awards in various fields, while Punjabi literature lacked appropriate recognition at the state level.
The former minister questioned why there was no adequate government award specifically recognizing contributions to Punjabi literature.
He said that people advocating for the rights of Punjab often faced criticism and opposition from different quarters.
پنجابیوں اور پنجابی سے بغض کا اس ملک میں یہ عالم ہے کہ ہر شعبہ میں ہر چمچے کڑچھے کو ایوارڈ ملا اگر ایواڈ نہیں ہے تو پنجابی ادب کیلئے نہیں ہے ، اگر آپ پنجاب کے حق کی بات کر لیں تو مشرق سے مغرب بغض کے انگارے برسنے شروع ہو جاتے ہیں، پنجابی تو خیر اپنی زبان کو 1947 میں ہی دفن کر کے…
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) August 15, 2026
Fawad Chaudhry also expressed disappointment over the status of the Punjabi language, saying Punjabis themselves had failed to protect their language since 1947.
He appealed to Punjabi literary circles to raise their voice on the issue and demand appropriate representation and recognition for Punjabi language and literature through official awards and honours.
