The Nishan-e-Pakistan ( ur, , , ''Order of Pakistan'') is the
highest civilian award of the
Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
It is awarded for "those who have rendered services of highest distinction" to the national interest of Pakistan. Nishan is awarded to government officials and civilians, including citizens of Pakistan and foreign nationals. In the
Pakistan honours system, Nishan-e-Pakistan is equivalent to
Nishan-e-Haider, the highest military gallantry award.
Established on 19 March 1975 under the
Decorations Act, 1975
Decorations Act 1975 is a law enacted in April 1975 by the Parliament of Pakistan. It allows government, in particular president to confer, withdraw, postpone or announce civil and gallantry awards for Pakistani and foreign citizens. It also allow ...
,
the award is not correlated to the rank or status of a person.
This award, including other civilian awards, is announced on
Independence Day (14 August) each year and its investiture takes place on the following
Pakistan Resolution Day (23 March) by the
president of Pakistan and, while it is the highest civilian award, it can also be awarded posthumously.
Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal NPk.
Grades
* Grand Cross (Nishan)
*
Grand Officer (Hilal)
* Commander (Sitara)
* Member (Tamgha)
Insignia
* Collar (Nishan)
* Sash (Nishan)
* Star (Nishan and Hilal)
* Badge (Nishan, Hilal, Sitara and Tamgha)
* Necklet/Bow (Hilal and Sitara)
* Medal (Nishan, Hilal, Sitara and Tamgha)
Nishan-e-Pakistan Gallery
File:Nishan-e-Pakistan Full Box Set.jpg, Full Box Set of the current Nishan-e-Pakistan
File:Nishan-e-Pakistan Full Box Set (2).jpg
File:Full Box Set for the Current Nishan-e-Pakistan (3).jpg, Nishan-e-Pakistan that was presented to Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II
File:Mohammad Khatami received Nishan-e-Pakistan by Pervez Musharraf- December 22, 2002.png, President Musharraf presenting the then Iranian President Mohammad Khatami with Nishan-e-Pakistan
Previous Versions of Nishan-e-Pakistan
File:Nishan-e-Pakistan (1957-75) version Breast Star.png, 1957-75 version of the Nishan-e-Pakistan
File:President Ayub Khan wearing Nishan-e-Pakistan (1957-1975).jpg, President Ayub Khan wearing Nishan-e-Pakistan (1957-1975) during an official event (Legion of Merit (Chief Commander) also visible.
Grand Crosses of the Order
See also
*
Nishan-e-Pakistan (Monument)
*
Nishan-e-Imtiaz
*
Civil decorations of Pakistan
The Pakistan Civil Awards were established on March 19, 1957, following the proclamation of Pakistan as an independent republic on March 23, 1956. The announcement of civil awards is generally made once a year on Independence Day, August 14, a ...
References
External links
Decorations and Medals of Pakistan
{{Civil decorations of Pakistan , state=expanded
Nishan-e-Pakistan
Civil awards and decorations of Pakistan
Awards established in 1957
1957 establishments in Pakistan