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The national flag of Pakistan was designed by Syed Amir-uddin Kedwaii and was based on the original flag of the Muslim League. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly[1] on August 11, 1947, just days before independence.[2][3][4] The flag is referred to in the national anthem as Parcham-e-Sitāra-o-Hilāl in Urdu (lit. Flag of the Crescent and Star). The flag comprises a dark green field, representing the Muslim majority of Pakistan, with a vertical white stripe in the hoist, representing religious minorities.[5] In the centre is a white crescent moon, representing progress, and a white five-pointed star, representing light and knowledge.[5] The flag symbolizes Pakistan's commitment to Islam, the Islamic world, and the rights of religious minorities.[6] The flag is flown on several important days of the year including Republic Day and Independence Day.
[edit] Design
The official design of the national flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly together with a definition of the features and proportions:[1]
"A dark green rectangular flag in the proportion of length and width 3:2 with a white vertical bar at the mast, the green portion bearing a white crescent in the centre and a five-pointed white heraldic star. The size of the white portion being one-fourth the size of the flag, nearest the mast, the remainder three-fourths being dark green. The dimensions of the crescent and star are obtained as follows:
"Draw the diagonal from the top right hand corner to the bottom left corner of the green portion. On this diagonal establish two points 'A' and 'B'. Point 'A' at a distance equidistant from top right and bottom left hand corners of the green portion, i.e. the centre of the green portion. Point 'B' at a distance from the top right hand corner equal to 13/20th the width of the flag. With centre point 'A' and radius 1.1/4th the width of the flag describe a second arc. The enclosures made by these two arcs form the crescent. The dimensions of the five-pointed white heraldic star are determined by drawing a circle 1/10th the width of the flag. The circle surrounds the five points of the heraldic star. The star lies with one point on the diagonal at a point where the larger arc of the crescent, if completed, cuts the diagonal."
The Interior Ministry of Pakistan provides dimensions for flags in different circumstances:
- For ceremonial occasions. 21' x 14', 18' x 12', 10' x 6-2/3' or 9' x 6 1/4.
- For use over buildings. 6' x 4' or 3' x 2'.
- For cars 12" x 8".
- For tables 10 1/4" x 8 1/4".
[edit] Flag flying days
[edit] Use by public officials
The use of the national flag is regulated by the Pakistan Flag Rules, which were introduced in 2002 by Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali. The Rules are not available online but there have been instances of misuse such as officials using flags on their vehicles when they are not entitled to do so.[8][9] The national flag is flown on the official residences and vehicles (cars, boats, planes) of the following public officials:[7]
[edit] Awards and recognitions
- In August of 2004, Pakistan unfurled a 340x510 (173,400 square foot) foot National flag. The country held the record for producing the world's largest flag. It was rolled out in Jinnah Stadium Karachi in 2004.[11] [12]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
