The prestige and security of a nation are often sustained by its citizens’ extraordinary efforts and commitment to their nation. On the reverse, to praise these struggles and actions, the state provides recognition through civil and military awards, a testament to their exceptional contributions, mainly courage, devotion, and service to humans. Under Article 259 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the President of Pakistan holds the responsibility to honor both the civil and military awards, and to recognize their remarkable offerings. Civil awards are dedicated to the civilian sectors, while military awards are given to honor and achievements in the armed forces.
The Civil Awards of Pakistan
Civil awards and decorations of Pakistan are given to those civilians who have contributed excellently to the civilian sectors, such as arts, literature, science, sports, education, entrepreneurship, and other public areas.
Each year, on the 14th of August, Independence Day, the announcement for the civil awards is made, and on Pakistan Day, the ceremony takes place. Multiple stages are involved in the awards selection process, starting from the nominations by ministers and the provincial governments, which are later presented to the awards sub-committees. Further, they are forwarded to the main awards committees, and they send the final recommendations to the prime minister. Lastly, the final names are sent to the president by the prime minister.
Types of Civilian Awards and Decorations
According to Article 259 (2) of the Constitution, these awards are based on four orders, with hierarchical significance, namely, Pakistan, Shujaat, Imtiaz, Quaid-e-Azam, and Khidmat. Likewise, it includes four categories, namely Nishan, Hilal, Sitara, and Tamgha, by recognizing the courage and excellence of the individuals in distinguished categories.
Firstly, awards are given to individuals in Pakistan in recognition of their exceptional services to the state. It includes Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian award, Hilal-e-Pakistan, Sitara-e-Pakistan, and Tamgha-e-Pakistan.
Secondly, the awards in the Shujaat order are dedicated to the residents for their acts of heroism, courage, and gallantry, and include Nishan-e-Shujaat, Hilal-e-Shujaat, Sitara-e-Shujaat, and Tamgha-e-Shujaat.
Thirdly, the Imtiaz Awards are given for the distinctive services in arts, literature, academia, and business, and are categorized as Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.
Fourthly, the Quaid-i-Azam Awards are presented to the citizens for their special merit and leadership services, and comprised of Nishan-e-Quaid-i-Azam, Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam, Sitara-e-Quaid-i-Azam, and Tamgha-e-Quaid-i-Azam.
Fifthly, the awards for the long and admirable acts of nation-building, specifically for the needy people, are given under the Khidmat order, which includes the awards Nishan-e-Khidmat, Hilal-e-Khidmat, Sitara-e-Khidmat, and Tamgha-e-Khidmat.
Recipients of Civil Awards
Examples of civil awards can be seen throughout history to notable individuals, such as Abdul Salam, who received Nishan-e-Imtiaz, a Nobel physicist, and contributed significantly to science. A similar award was given to Faiz Ahmed Faiz, a famous poet and writer in Urdu literature. Likewise, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz was given to Zubair Imam Malik and Abdul Hafeez Khan for philanthropy. For technological achievement, the youngest computer scientist, Arfa Karim, received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz Award.
The Military Awards of Pakistan
Military awards are permitted to the armed forces members in recognition of their bravery, graciousness, and illustrious leadership, as well as their determination to national security and defense. Hence, the main divergence rests within the nature of the actions.
The military awards in Pakistan are classified into five broader types based on the nature of the service and accomplishment.
1. The Wartime Gallantry Award
First, the wartime gallantry award is the highest honorary award for bravery and courage against the enemy. It further has several types, mainly Nishan-e-Haidar, which is the highest military award, and awarded due to extraordinary military service. Similarly, Hilal-e-Jurat, Sitara-e-Jurat, Tamgha-e-Jurat, and Imtiazi Sanad, are given to recognize the leadership skills against the enemy, gallantry in the presence of the enemy, bravery in the face of the enemy, and courage during serious situations, respectively.
2. The Peacetime Distinguished Service Medal
The Peacetime Distinguished Service Medal is given for services during peacetime and is based on six additional types, all in the military context. Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Tamgha-e-Khidmat, and Golden Eagle Award are respectively awarded to four-star generals or equivalent ranks, major generals, colonels, lieutenant colonels, junior commissioned or non-commissioned officers, and exceptional fighter pilots of the Pakistan Air Force.
3. The Civil Gallantry Awards
The Civil Gallantry Awards are awarded to military persons for their courageous services in the civilian contexts. The first award in this category is named Nishan-e-Shujaat, which shows the order of bravery, serving as the highest accomplishment in this type. Similarly, Hilal-e-Shujaat, the second-highest success, is known as the crescent of bravery. Further, Sitara-e-Shujaat, the star of bravery, is given to the individuals who show courage in the civilian context. Last, the Tamgha-e-Shujaat is known as the Medal of bravery.
4. The Non-Operational Gallantry Awards
Further, the Non-Operational Gallantry Awards recognize the brave acts in the non-operational environment. It only includes two types, which are Sitara-e-Basalat and Tamgha-e-Basalat. Sitara-e-Basalat is dedicated to all ranks showcasing their devotion to duty and acts of courage in general terms and not during any specific operations against the enemy. Similarly, the Tamgha-e-Basalat is awarded to all ranks of persons based on their motivation to glorify the state through their courageous services in the absence of conventional operations or war.
5. The War Medals
Likewise, the war medals, also known as the campaign medals, show the recognition of the individuals who participated in the military wars. Under this type, Tamgha-e-Diffa is awarded to all ranks who took part in minor or major campaigns during the prescribed time and showed their dedication to the state of Pakistan. Likewise, Sitara-e-Harb was presented to the army persons who took part in the 1965 and 1971 wars.
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In addition, during the 1965 and 1971 wars, military members who were in service were awarded the Tamgha-e-Jang. During the 2001-2002 deadlock against India, all those armed forces members who performed their duties were awarded with Tamgha-e-Istaqlal Pakistan. During the War on Terror, those armed forces officials who showed their services were awarded in 2018 by the announcement of the Ministry of Defense with Tamgha-e-Azm.
Recipients of Military Awards
Examples of military awards include Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar, who was the first one to receive Nishan-e-Haidar for his bravery in the 1948 war. Likewise, Major Aziz Bhatii was awarded the Nishan-e-Haidar for his courageous services in the 1965 war. Muhammad Mahmood Alam received the Sitara-e-Jurat for his excellent acts during the 1965 war. Nishan-e-Haidar was also awarded to Rashid Minhas for his service in hijacking the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircraft.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s gratitude is expressed to the individuals, who have shown exceptional contributions to the nation, through civil and military awards, acting as the basis of national pride and security. From the public sector to the military accomplishments, the achievements of individuals, both laymen and military persons, are celebrated through these awards. It also motivates future generations to play a constructive part in the prosperity of the state. Hence, the success tales of these individuals serve as a guiding light for the entire nation and push them to serve Pakistan not only during the war times but also during the peace times through their services in all sectors.
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