IPPA (International Pakistan Prestige Awards) one of the biggest star-studded Pakistani events taking place internationally for the third time was held here at Oslo, Norway, X-Meeting Point.

The award ceremony was well-attended by stars, government officials, media representatives and socialites. The star-studded affair not only brought the giants of the Pakistani entertainment industry under one roof but also served as a great platform to present a soft image of our country.

The evening began by welcoming special guests at the star-studded Red Carpet hosted by Zara Fatima and Saim Ali followed by dinner for them. The show opened with the national anthems of both countries– Pakistan and Norway – followed by an AV presentation of the past two IPPA’s. Azfar Rehman and Sarwat Gilani called upon the founders of IPPA Ali Malik and Mukhtar Ahmed to give a speech, during which Aamir J Shiekh, chairman 14^th August committee, and partner Hammad were also invited to speak, as was the minister of education.

Shehroze Sabzwari and Sadaf Kanwal then took the stage for a powerful dance performance. Yasir Hussain and Moomal Sheikh were the next hosts. The first award they announced was for Best TV Presenter of the Year Viewer’s Choice, which was presented by Mr Zaaem (CEO Opras) & Hania Aamir and went to Yasir Hussain. Next award was for Best Debut female presented by Aima Baig and Mr Arfan CEO Desi Kitchen, which went to Amar Khan and was received by Adnan Siddiqui. Best Debut male presented by Sonia Mishal and Mr Kaiser Ali, CEO Proof Security went to Shayan Khan, while Best Designer of the Year Viewer’s choice, presented by Amy Bernard went to Nomi Ansari. Best Emerging Talent of the Year Viewer’s Choice presented by Sarah Shah of Xpressions & Asad Siddiqui went to Bisha Abbas while Best Model of the Year Viewer’s Choice was presented by Ali Malik and Sonia Mishal and went to Sadaf Kanwal.

Next up was a hilarious comedy segment by Yasir Hussain and Adnan Siddiqui that had the audience in stitches.

Hira and Mani then came in to host the next set of awards. The first of these was for Ippa Style Icon of the Year Viewer’s Choice which were presented by Nomi Ansari and Maya Ali and went out to Ayesha Omer and Azfer Rehman. IPPA Singer of the Year Viewers’ Choice was presented by Ms. Afshan Oslo parliamentarian Rafiq and Ahmed Ali Butt and went out to Aima Baig. IPPA Star of the Year female and male were presented by Maya Ali and were won by Hania Aamir and Ahsan Khan respectively.

Next came a scintillating performance by Zara Noor Abbas brought by Bio Amla, whose amazing moves set the stage on fire.

Sarwat Gilani then came to honour Zeba Bakhtiar, the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award, and introduce the video presentation on her achievements. The award was presented by Mr Sabir Godil (GM Marketing Bisconni Chocolatto) and Adnan Siddiqui.

The next pair of hosts of the evening were Soniya Mishal and Saim. They announced the award for Best Supporting Actor TV Serial Viewers’Choice and Best Director TV Serial Viewers’ Choice both of which were presented by Humayun Saeed and went out to Hira Mani and Ahson Talish respectively.

Next up was an entertaining performance by Aima Baig, during whose performance stars like Maya Ali also joined in to shake a leg.

To host the next segment Shehroze and Sonia Mishal took the stage. Best TV Serial Jury and Viewers’ Choice were presented by Shehzad Sheikh and Kubra Khan and went to Samina Humayun for Dil Maum Ka Diya, received by Humayun received on her behalf, and Suno Chanda, respectively.Best Actor Female TV Serial Jury and Best Actor Male TV Serial Jury were presented by Ayesha Omer and went to Iqra Aziz and Farhan Saeed respectively.Best Actor Female TV serial Viewers’Choice presented by Mr Muhamad Ali(Head of Media The Brand Partnership) and Hania Aamir was received by Neelum Muneer while Best Actor Male TV serial Viewers’Choice presented by M rMazar Jafre (Snr Media Manager The Brand Partnership) and Hania Aamir went to Adnan Siddiqui.

After a laughter-filled comedy session by Ahmed Ali Butt in which he interacted with all the stars seated in the front row, the next host to take the stage was Sarwat Gilani. Best Director Film Viewers’Choice award was presented by Moomal Sheikh and Yasir Husain and went out to Nadeem Baig, while Best Supporting Actor Film Viewers’ Choice was presented by Sadaf Kanwal and Shehroze to Ahmed Ali Butt, Best Film Jury went to Parwaaz Hai Junoon presented by Zara Noor Abbas. Best Film Viewers’Choice was presented by MsShehlaAsghar (brand Manager Bisconn iChocolatto) and Ahmed Ali Butt and went to Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2, received by Humayun Saeed.

Ayesha Omer and Azfer Rehman stole the show with their amazing and charismatic performance which was followed by the last hosts of the evening, Ahmed Ali Butt and Yasir Husain announcing the final set of awards.Best Actor Female Film Jury and Best Actor Male Film Jury were presented by Fahim Burney and Sarwat Gilani and went to Kubra Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi respectively. Best Actor Female Film Viewers’Choice and Best Actor Male Film Viewers’ choice awards were presented by Zeba Bakhtiar and Adnan Siddiquiand went to Maya Ali and Humayun Saeed respectively.

All in all it was a successful event that concluded on a jubilant note with the audience glued to their seats right till the end, looking forward to more such international awards recognizing Pakistani talent.

Like last year, the PR of IPPA Awards 2019 was handled by Starlinks PR & Events and the official media partner was HUM TV while Hello magazine was the magazine partner.

IPPA is acclaimed to be the biggest independent international Pakistani Awards to be attended by top celebrities of Pakistan.The first two IPPA Awards events were organised in London, while this third edition took place in Norway.