Mehwish Hayat, one of Pakistan’s leading film and television actresses, representing her country on international stages has never just been about fame. It’s a duty she embraces with deep conviction—one that goes beyond simply acting in films to carrying the essence of Pakistani culture, dignity, and values to global audiences. When asked about her choice of attire at the Hum Awards in Houston, she didn’t hide the intention behind it: by choosing traditional Pakistani clothing, she aimed to show pride in her roots. According to Mehwish, “It’s my way of representing Pakistan with pride on an international platform.”
This isn’t the first time she has taken conscious steps to ensure her international presence sends a message. She has steadily used her visibility to push back against stereotypical depictions of Pakistan in foreign media—especially in Hollywood or Bollywood—which often portray Pakistan in narrow or negative lenses. Mehwish has spoken publicly at forums such as when receiving the Pride of Performance award in Oslo, urging both the global film industries and Pakistan’s own creative community to tell stories that reflect the country’s true face: the diversity, the compassion, the peace, not only conflict. She has lamented how many films abroad show versions of Pakistan she does not recognize, and has asked why the stories of sacrifice, resilience, and ordinary people are rarely shown.
Her international recognition isn’t only verbal; awards and honors have placed her in roles where her actions become symbols. Whether at international award shows, overseas events, or in interviews, she tends to choose her words, her appearance, and her role choices carefully, because she understands that many in the world interpret Pakistan through the lens of its artists. Mehwish has also been identified by international publications as one of the Muslim women changing global narratives—an acknowledgment not just of her talent, but of her activism and her willingness to be vocal about issues like women’s rights, peace, and respectful representation.
Yet this path is not always easy. Mehwish sometimes faces criticism—some people argue that being traditional or modest is passé, others criticize her more for not following the typical glamor trajectory. But she frames these critiques as part of the landscape she has chosen. For her, every decision—be it attire, role, or interview—is an opportunity to shift perceptions, to offer Pakistani culture in its authenticity rather than in caricature. When critics comment on her style or her politics, she often responds by emphasizing that she would rather wear her culture visibly than conform to an international standard that erases identity.
Her approach also implies a responsibility. Mehwish often says that being visible internationally means being accountable—not only to the fans who admire her, but to all those who may see Pakistan for the first time through her work. She believes in using the platforms she earns to highlight not just her success, but also the challenges her country faces, and the humanity of its people. Whether that’s through film roles, interviews, or public appearances, she pushes for narratives that build bridges—between Pakistan and the world, between cultures, between politics and people.
Ultimately, Mehwish Hayat’s path shows that representing a country with pride is not passive. It means being intentional—about image, about voice, and about impact. For her, international recognition is meaningful only if it carries respect. If by wearing a local dress, speaking a truth, or telling a story she can help someone abroad see Pakistan differently, then she has succeeded in her mission.
