Nishan-i-Quaid-i-Azam
| Nishan-i-Quaid-i-Azam | |
|---|---|
| Type | Civil award |
| Established | March 1957 |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | None |
| Next (lower) | Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam |
Nishan-i-Quaid-i-Azam (Urdu: نشانِ قائداعظم) is a civil decoration awarded by the Government of Pakistan. It is the highest honour in the Order of Quaid-i-Azam, established in March 1957. The award is named after Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, who is referred to as "Quaid-i-Azam".[1][2][3]
Purpose
[edit]The award is conferred on individuals, including foreign nationals, in recognition of their exceptional leadership and distinguished service to the state of state of Pakistan, particularly in the fields of international diplomacy, public service, or advancement of the national interest.[1]
Conferment
[edit]Recipients are selected by the President of Pakistan upon recommendations made through the Cabinet Division. The awards are usually announced annually on Pakistan Day (23 March) and presented on Independence Day (14 August) or another official ceremony.[2]
Notable recipients of Nishan‑i‑Quaid‑i‑Azam
[edit]- Ruth Pfau (Germany/Pakistan) – Awarded in 2010 for her decades-long leprosy eradication work with the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre in Pakistan.[4][5]
- Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V (Pakistan – former Nawab of Bahawalpur) – Awarded 1959, recognized for public service during his tenure; listed in official honours.
- John Berchmans Conway was an Irish Roman Catholic religious sister and teacher who worked in Pakistan for 60 years.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Wayback Machine" (PDF). cabinet.gov.pk. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ a b Batool, Fizza Mehak (23 March 2025). "The Civil Awards and Military Accolades of Pakistan - Paradigm Shift". Paradigm Shift. Archived from the original on 23 March 2025. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ "Decorations and Medals of Pakistan". www.medals.pl. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ Press List of civil awards on the occasion of Independence Day Archived 16 February 2015 at the Wayback Machine, pid.gov.pk, 14 August 2010.
- ^ "Death anniversary of Dr Ruth Pfau being observed". www.radio.gov.pk. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ "Jesus and Mary Convent principal to be honoured with Sitara Quaid-e-Azam". The Express Tribune. 14 February 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2025.