Pakistani actor Mahira Khan attended a prestigious gala in London hosted by the British Asian Trust, where she met King Charles, the charity’s founder and chief patron. Representing Pakistan as an ambassador for the organisation, Khan joined a distinguished gathering of celebrities, business leaders and members of the British-Asian community.
The event also featured notable figures such as newly-knighted author Meera Syal, actor Kunal Nayyar and musician Jay Sean, who delivered a live performance.
Reflecting on her meeting with King Charles, Khan described him as “charming and deeply interested” in the trust’s initiatives, particularly its work on mental health awareness in Pakistan. She emphasised the urgent need to destigmatise mental health noting that it is often treated with shame despite being a legitimate medical condition, comparable to illnesses like arthritis or cancer.
Khan shared that the king acknowledged and appreciated the organisation’s efforts expressing interest in expanding its impact further.
Beyond the gala, the actor also spoke passionately about women’s rights and violence against women in Pakistan. Referencing a recent acid attack incident, she questioned the silence of men on such issues urging them to speak out and stand in solidarity. “Women are not just angry we are boiling with rage,” she said, calling for collective action against gender-based violence.
The evening highlighted both cultural celebration and pressing social issues with Khan using the global platform to advocate for change and awareness.
