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, and their investiture takes place on the following Pakistan Day, March 23. According to Article 259 of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, along with the Decorations Act 1975, the President of Pakistan confers civil awards on Pakistani citizens in recognition of gallantry. Awards for Pride of Performance are conferred for outstanding achievements in the fields of art, literature, science, sports and nursing.
In December, the ministries and their divisions are invited to recommend candidates to the Cabinet Division. Received nominations are considered by three awards committees after which final proposal is sent to the President for approval. After the President's approval, the announcements are made on Independence Day and investiture takes place on Pakistan Day.
The President of Pakistan can confer awards to foreign nationals any time during the year. For such awards, proposals are made by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and approved by the President prior to conferral.
The Civil Awards comprise five orders, each with four descending classes: Nishan, Hilal, Sitara and Tamgha.
PakistanShujaat Imtiaz Quaid-i-Azam* Khidmat*
Services in distinction of the stateActs of heroism, courage in the face of danger and gallantry in saving lifeDistinction in the fields of arts, literature, academia and businessFor special merit or eminent services freely givenlong and meritorious services to nation-building, especially amongst the poor
1. Nishaan
Nishan-e-Pakistan* Nishan-e-Shujaat Nishan-e-Imtiaz Nishan-e-Quaid-i-Azam Nishan-e-Khidmat
2. Hilal ''
Hilal-e-Pakistan Hilal-e-Shujaat Hilal-e-Imtiaz Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam Hilal-e-Khidmat
3. Sitara '
Sitara-e-Pakistan Sitara-e-Shujaat Sitara-e-Imtiaz Sitara-e-Quaid-i-Azam Sitara-e-Khidmat President's Award for Pride of Performance
4. Tamgha '
Tamgha-e-Pakistan Tamgha-e-Shujaat Tamgha-e-Imtiaz Tamgha-e-Quaid-i-Azam Tamgha-e-Khidmat

* Only awarded to foreign nationals.
Number in parentheses indicates order of precedence.