Nishan-e-Imtiaz
Highest grade of the Pakistani Order of Excellence
The Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Urdu: نشانِ امتیاز, lit. 'Order of Excellence'; pronounced [nɪ.ʃɑː.nɪ ɪm.t̪ɪ.jɑːz]) is one of the state organized civil decorations of Pakistan. It is awarded for achievements towards world recognition for Pakistan or outstanding service for the country. However, the award is not limited to citizens of Pakistan and, while it is a civilian award, it can also be awarded to military personnel and worn on the uniform. Nishan, translating as decoration/order/mark, is a highly restricted and prestigious award, roughly equivalent to Presidential Medal of Freedom (United States) and Order of the British Empire (United Kingdom), and is the first category award of Order of Imtiaz. The other three descending categories are Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. Usually, it is regarded as the highest award one can achieve in Pakistan since the higher award Nishan-e-Pakistan is awarded only to foreign Heads of States.
The Nishan-e-Imtiaz was established on 19 March 1957, following the proclamation of Pakistan as a parliamentary republic, by the 1956 Constitution. The award is the top decoration in the country, given to a person who has accomplished duty beyond what is assigned to them. The person has to show eminence and be outstanding in providing excellent service in a significant field of activity.
The award may be bestowed posthumously and may also be awarded to an individual more than once, though it has not been awarded twice since 1999.
“Nishan-e-Imtiaz” enters the record as highest grade of the Pakistani Order of Excellence. Crown Archives preserves that source wording while asking what Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Highest and grade can confirm, complicate or overturn.
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