The Jinnah Awards began in 2009 to recognise the positive contributions made by British citizens of Pakistani origin and to help inspire young people from the Pakistani diaspora. The Foreign Secretary launched the event and had the honour of presenting the ‘Friend of Pakistan’ award to Islamic Relief for their outstanding positive contribution to the development of Pakistan.
The Jinnah Award winners included:
• Media: Mr. Sarfraz Manzoor
• A writer, journalist, documentary maker, and broadcaster. He writes regularly for the Guardian and also presents documentaries on BBC Radio 4 in the UK.• Business: Mr. Azeem Ibrahim
• Azeem is a self made multi-millionaire and one of the wealthiest young people in the UK. He was named as one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers of 2009 by the LSDP European Social Think Tank and named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.• Sports Personality: Amir Khan
• Amir Khan is the current WBA World light welterweight champion. He also became the youngest British Olympic boxing medallist when he won silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics at the age of 17.• TV/Film: Riz Ahmed
• Is an MC, musician and actor. He is noted for his lead performances in ‘The road to Guantanamo’, ‘Shifty’ and ‘Four Lions’• Music: Aziz Ibrahim
• He is a Manchester-based guitarist with Asia, Simply Red and formally with The Stone RosesImran Khan was also awarded with a lifetime achievement award at the event.
