Diplomat Javed Malik, who is Pakistan’s Ambassador at Large currently, presented Sufi maestro Abida Parveen with an "Ambassador's Recognition Award" on Jan 26.

The accolade was given to the singer at a ceremony in Dubai where fans snapped pictures of the legend while she performed.

Parveen performed to a packed venue and received a standing ovation from the audience. Another award was also presented to Dubai-based media personality from Pakistan, Caiyad Phahad.

Caiyad Phahad, pictured with Abida Parveen. - Photo courtesy: Caiyad Phahad's official Facebook page.

Speaking on the occasion, Javed Malik said: "Sufi poetry symbolises the message of peace, friendship and positive human relations, which is highly relevant today because it encourages people to overcome their differences and promotes understanding through dialogue."

He added: "As Pakistanis, we feel proud to see Abida Parveen acclaiming international fame for herself and our country, and therefore we present her this special award.”

Praising the spectacular way in which Abida Parveen has distinguished herself as a music icon of modern times through her unique style and genre of music, Javed remarked that Pakistan’s social fabric was rich with poetry, art, literature and music.

Abida Parveen is one of the foremost exponents of Sufi music and has received many awards in her long career, including Pakistan's second highest civilian award Hilal-i-Imtiaz.