The national flag of Pakistan features a dark green field with a white vertical stripe on the hoist side, representing the country’s Muslim majority, and a prominent white crescent moon and five-pointed star centred in the green field. The green colour of the flag represents prosperity and the country’s agricultural heritage, while the white colour represents peace and truth.
The crescent moon and star are symbols of Islam and represent progress and light, respectively. The flag was designed by Amiruddin Kidwai and adopted by the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, just a few days before the country gained independence from British rule.
Pakistan Flag Specification
The national flag of Pakistan has the following specifications:
- The flag has a rectangular shape with a width-to-length ratio of 2:3.
- The flag is divided into two equal parts: a dark green field on the right and a white field on the left. The green field represents the Muslim majority of Pakistan, while the white field represents religious minorities and other groups.
- A white vertical stripe is placed next to the left edge of the green field.
- A white crescent moon and a five-pointed star are centred in the middle of the green field.
- The dimensions of the crescent and star are such that they occupy two-thirds of the width of the flag.
- The green colour used in the flag is officially described as “dark green” and represents the country’s fertile land and Islamic heritage.
- The white colour represents peace and truth.
- The height of the crescent from the base to the topmost point is one-fourth of the white stripe’s height, and the circle’s diameter formed by the crescent is one-third of the flag’s width.
- The five-pointed star is inscribed in a circle whose diameter is equal to the height of the white stripe.
- The flag may be flown daily, but it is particularly hoisted on national holidays and occasions of national significance.
Meaning of Pakistan Flag
Pakistan’s national flag symbolizes the country’s independence, sovereignty, and national pride. Its design and colours hold important symbolic meaning:
- The dark green colour represents the Muslim majority of Pakistan and the country’s fertile land and Islamic heritage.
- The white colour represents peace and truth, as well as the religious minorities and other groups that makeup Pakistan’s diverse population.
- The white vertical stripe on the left side of the flag represents the religious minorities and other groups and their equal status and rights in the country.
- The white crescent moon and five-pointed star in the centre of the flag are symbols of Islam, the dominant religion in Pakistan. The crescent moon represents progress, and the five-pointed star represents light and knowledge.
- The crescent and star symbolize Pakistan’s commitment to progress, knowledge, and the Islamic faith.
- The design and colours of the flag were carefully chosen to represent Pakistan’s unique identity and heritage and to inspire national unity and pride among its people. The National Flag is mentioned in the national anthem of Pakistan as the “Flag of the Star and Crescent” in Urdu Parcham-e-Sitāra-o-Hilāl.
Read More: NATIONAL ANTHEM OF PAKISTAN
Pakistan Flag Background
In sub-continent India, during the independence struggle, Muslims of India planned to have a separate state. Accordingly, all Indian Muslim League approved the Muslim League flag on 30 December 1906. Islamic emblems are the green and white colours of the Flag, crescent, and star.
On 14 August 1947, Pakistan became independent. The design was adapted from the Muslim League flag. In the Flag of the Muslim League white stripe was added to make the national Flag of Pakistan. As white has a spectrum of all colours, it was added to the Flag to represent the minorities residing in the country. Green and white colour both symbolizes the peace and prosperity of the country. The crescent and star are the emblems representing progress and the country’s light. The All India Muslim League Flag was highly inspired by the Flags of the Ottoman Empire and the Mughal Empire.
Who designed the national Flag of Pakistan?
The national flag of Pakistan was designed by Syed Amir-uddin Kedwaii, an architect from the city of Hyderabad, in collaboration with a group of other designers. The flag’s design was selected by the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who asked the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan to approve it as the national flag on August 11, 1947, just a few days before the country gained its independence from British rule. The flag’s design and colours were chosen to represent Pakistan’s unique identity and heritage and to inspire national unity and pride among its people.
Who Presented the National Flag of Pakistan?
The national flag of Pakistan was designed by Syed Amir-uddin Kedwaii and was presented by Ameer-ud-Din Khidwai to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947. The flag features a dark green field with a white stripe on the left side, a white crescent moon, and a five-pointed star in the centre. The green colour represents Islam, the white stripe represents religious minorities, and the crescent moon and star are symbols of progress and light.
Protocols of National Flag of Pakistan
Any other flag must not fly higher than the national Flag.
- If the national Flag is flown or displayed with other national flags, it must be equal to the different national flags.
- If the Pakistan flag is displayed with the military, corporate or provincial flags, it must be higher than others.
- If the Pakistan flag is tied to a mast, it should be tied to the left side and fly to the left side.
- The Pakistan flag should not touch the floor, feet, or shoes.
- The Flag of Pakistan should not be flown in dark areas.
- The Flag should never be lowered and lit at the official parliament building at night.
- On other buildings, flags should be raised at dawn and lowered at dusk.
- There should not be any words or pictures marked with Pakistan.
- When the Pakistan flag is raised, all the uniformed personnel must salute them. Likewise, other people must stand in honour of the National Flag.
- Pakistani Flags must be raised in various ceremonies.
- It must not be displayed in the vertical direction.
- If the Pakistan flag is displayed horizontally, the white stripe should be on the left side, and the Green should be on the right.
- Crescent and star should not face the left side when the Flag is displayed or flown.
- The National Flag must be avoided from getting unclean where it is displayed.
- The National Flag of Pakistan should be saved from the fire.
- The National Flag should not be buried in a grave.
Occasions of flag flying
The national flag of Pakistan is flown on many occasions throughout the year, including:
- Pakistan Day (March 23rd) commemorates the passing of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which called for the creation of an independent Muslim state in the Indian subcontinent.
- Independence Day (August 14th) marks Pakistan’s independence from British colonial rule in 1947.
- Quaid-e-Azam Day (December 25th) – This day celebrates the birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan and its first governor-general.
- Republic Day (March 23rd) – This day marks the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan in 1956, which declared Pakistan a republic.
- Martyrs’ Day (September 6th) honours the sacrifices of those who fought for the independence and security of Pakistan.
- Defence Day (September 6th) commemorates Pakistan’s successful defence against Indian aggression in 1965.
The national flag is also flown on other national holidays, such as Labour Day (May 1st), Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Ashura. Additionally, the flag is flown at important international events and during the visits of foreign dignitaries.
Use of National Flag of Pakistan
National Flag of Pakistan rules are regulated to use by public officials. Prime minister Zafar Ullah Khan Jamali introduced them in 2002. The National Flag is used in the residences and to follow public officials.
- The President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Chief Justices of the High Courts, Governors, Chief Ministers, ministers of provinces, and federal ministers of Pakistan.
- The Senate Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
- The Speaker, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, and provincial assembly speakers.
- The Chief Election Commissioner.
- Commissioners and deputy commissioners of Divisions, Political Agents.
Facts About National Flag of Pakistan
- The National Flag of Pakistan was hoisted in Quetta on 14 August 2017, which is 2 miles long.
- A human flag of Pakistan was formed by 29,040 people in Lahore stadium on 15 February 2014 and made the Guinness World record. Another human flag was created on 22 October 2012 by 24,200 people in Lahore stadium. It was also certified by the Guinness World Record.
- Another 340 × 510 ft flag set the world record as the enormous Flag at Karachi’s national stadium in 2004.
Dimensions of National Flag of Pakistan
The Interior Ministry of Pakistan gives dimensions of the Pakistani Flag.
- Dimensions of flags for various ceremonies. 21′ × 14′, 18′ × 12′, 10′ × 6⅔’ or 9′ × 6¼’.
- Hoist dimensions for different buildings. 6′ × 4′ or 3′ × 2′.
- Vehicles such as cars measure 24″ by 16″.
- Dimensions for the flag to put on table 10¼” × 8¼”.
To Sum Up
The National Flag of Pakistan comprises a dark green and white colour, .where the dark green colour represents most Muslims in the country and symbolizes peace and harmony. In contrast, the white colour represents the minority of the country. The crescent and the star indicate progress and light simultaneously.
The national flag of Pakistan features a dark green field with a vertical white stripe on the left side, a white crescent moon, and a five-pointed star in the centre of the stripe. The green represents the country’s Muslim majority, while the white stripe represents religious minorities. The crescent moon and star are traditional symbols of Islam. The flag was adopted on August 11, 1947, shortly before Pakistan gained independence from British rule. It is an important symbol of national identity and is flown on many public buildings and private residences throughout the country.