The Nishan-e-Pakistan ( ur, , , ''Order of Pakistan'') is the highest civilian award of the
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Pakistan ( ur, ), officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan ( ur, , label=none), is a country in South Asia. It is the world's List of countries and dependencies by population, fifth-most populous country, with a population of almost 24 ...
. 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, 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
The Resolution Day ( ur, , translit=Yawm-e-Qarārdād), also known as the Pakistan Day ( ur, , translit=Yawm-e-Pākistān) and Republic Day, is a national holiday in Pakistan primarily commemorating the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the M ...
(23 March) by the
president of Pakistan
The president of Pakistan ( ur, , translit=s̤adr-i Pākiṣṭān), officially the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is the ceremonial head of state of Pakistan and the commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Armed Forces. 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.
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, ...