A flag, for every nation, is a symbol of nationhood and sovereignty. It is one of the most precious assets of a nation. The sovereignty of the flag is extremely close to the heart of every citizen of Pakistan. The Pakistani flag is hoisted on different occasions throughout the country and at international levels.
It was approved by the All-India Muslim League as the official flag-to-be of the Dominion of Pakistan at a meeting of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on 11 August 1947, three days before the Partition of British India.
Graana.com brings you all you need to know about the Pakistani flag:
Pakistani Flag – An Overview
It was kept when a constitution was established in 1956, and it is still used as the national flag of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan today.
A green field with a stylized slanted white crescent moon and five-pointed star in the center and a vertical white stripe at the hoist-end make up the flag.
The five-pointed star denotes light and enlightenment, while the crescent represents progression. The flag represents Pakistan’s dedication to Islam and religious minorities rights.
The flag’s green signifies Pakistan’s Muslim-majority population, while the white stripe represents the country’s religious minorities, including Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Zoroastrians, and others.
Colors of the Pakistani Flag
| Pakistani Flag | Green | White |
| Pantone | 2427 C | White |
| RGB | 0/64/26 | 255/255/255 |
Dimensions of Pakistan’s Flag
| Dimensions provided by the Interior Ministry of Pakistan | |
| For ceremonial occasions | 24′ × 16′, 21′ × 14′, 18′ × 12′, 11′ × 6 + 2⁄3′ or 9′ × 6 + 1⁄4′ |
| For buildings | 6′ × 4′ or 3′ × 2′. |
| For tables | 10+1⁄4″ × 8+1⁄4″. |
| For cars | 24″ × 16″. |
The Pakistani government has formalized regulations governing the flying of the national flag, which is to be flown at full all day on March 23 every year to commemorate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940 and the declaration of Pakistan as an independent Islamic republic with a constitution in 1956, both of which took place on the same day.
The same rules apply on 14 August each year, in commemoration of Pakistan’s independence from British India, when the country was formed as the homeland and nation-state for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.
History of the Pakistani Flag
In 1947, Viceroy of India Louis Mountbatten proposed a national flag for Pakistan that included the All-India Muslim League’s banner, but with a Union Jack in the canton.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah rejected this suggestion, claiming that a flag with both Saint George’s Christian Cross and an Islamic star and crescent would be unpopular with the Pakistani people.
Design and Symbolism
Pakistan’s flag consists of two primary colors. The flag’s Islamic green signifies Pakistan’s Muslim-majority population, while the white stripe on the hoist-end represents the country’s different religious minorities.
The green on Pakistan’s flag further emphasizes that Pakistan’s existence is based on the Islamic faith. The crescent and star in the center of the flag represent progress and prosperity.
The phrase ‘Parcham-e-Sitara o Hilal’ appears in Pakistan’s national anthem, referring to the crescent and star on the flag.
Pakistan’s flag also symbolizes unity and brotherhood, with Muslims and various minorities coexisting in peace and harmony.
Who designed it?
The flag was designed by Ameer-ud-din Kidwai. It is based on the All-India Muslim League flag. On June 3, 1947, Master Altaf Hussain stitched the first Pakistani flag.
The design was influenced by the flags of the Ottoman Empire and the Mughal Empire.
Protocols for the Pakistani flag
- It should never be raised in darkness.
- Pakistani flag should never fall on the ground or touch any shoes or feet.
- No provincial or other flag may be flown higher than the Pakistani flag.
- All uniformed personnel must salute it when the flag is hoisted and others must stay attentive and pay respect.
- When flown at the night hour, it must be illuminated.
- The Pakistani flag is flown at the same level as the national flags of other countries at the United Nations.
- It should always be tied from the left side of the mast, allowing it to fly freely. It should not be marked with any words, images or any other color.
- The crescent and star should always point to the right.
- Pakistani flag should never be lowered or buried in graves. Detach the flag and keep it above the grave when burying a Shaheed and lowering a flag-bearing casket.
Interesting Facts about the Pakistani Flag
- Pakistan Hindu Council (Pakistan) created the world’s largest balloon mosaic (flag) on 5 August 2019 in Islamabad, Pakistan. It has been recognized as a Guinness World Record.
- Baloch people raised a 2-mile-long Pakistan flag in Quetta on August 14, 2017.
- A squad of Indian Boy Scouts was in France on the night of August 14, 1947, when they heard Pakistan had gained independence. One of the Muslim boy scouts Mohammad Iqbal Qureshi, with the help of his buddies, transformed a green turban into a Pakistani flag and waved it was. The Pakistani flag flew for the first time in a foreign land on August 15, 1947.
- On February 15, 2015, 29,040 people gathered in a stadium in Lahore to make the Pakistani flag, setting a new world record for the world’s largest human-made national flag, according to Guinness World Records.
- On October 22, 2012, 24,200 people gathered in a stadium in Lahore to make the Pakistani flag, setting a new world record for the world’s largest human-made national flag, according to Guinness World Records.
Let us commit to defending the honor and sovereignty of the Pakistani flag no matter where we are. Let’s join hands to contribute in whatever way we can and work tirelessly in our respective domains to keep the Pakistani flag flying high.
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FAQs
What does the logo of Pakistan flag mean?
The Pakistan flag features a green field with a white vertical stripe on the hoist side, which contains a crescent moon and a five-pointed star. The green color represents Islam, while the white stripe symbolizes religious minorities and minority religions. The crescent moon and star are traditional symbols of Islam.
Which country has flag like Pakistan?
The flag of Algeria bears a resemblance to the flag of Pakistan. Both flags feature a green field with a white crescent moon and a star. However, the designs and proportions are different, and each flag has its unique significance. Pak flag design by Amiruddin Kidwai is an epitome of unity and brotherhood.
What is the star on the Pakistan flag?
The five-pointed star on the Pakistan flag represents the five pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental acts of worship and the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice.
What is Pakistan’s old flag?
Pakistan’s first flag, used from 1947 to 1948, was green with a white vertical stripe on the hoist side. In the canton, it had a Union Jack representing British colonial rule. However, this design was changed in 1948 to the current flag, removing the Union Jack and incorporating the crescent moon and star to emphasize the Islamic identity of the nation.
