| Sitara-e-Imtiaz | |
|---|---|
| Awarded by the Sovereign, on the advice of the Government | |
| Type | Award |
| Day | August 14 |
| Eligibility | Pakistani or Foreign citizen |
| Awarded for | For the highest degree of service to the state, and for services to international diplomacy. |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Sovereign | President of Pakistan |
| Sovereign | Prime minister of Pakistan |
| Established | 19 March 1957. |
| First induction | 19 March 1957 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Hilal-i-Imtiaz |
| Next (lower) | Tamgha-e-Imtiaz |
| Ribbons: military (only) | |
The Sitara-i-Imtiaz[1] (Urdu: ستاره ا متيا ز, English: Star of Excellence), is the third highest honour and civilian award in the State of Pakistan. It recognizes the individuals who made an "especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of Pakistan, world peace, cultural or other significant public endeavors". The award is not limited to the citizens of Pakistan, and it can also be awarded to foreign citizens based on their achievements and services done to the State of Pakistan. While, it is a civilian award, it can also be awarded to military officers of the Pakistan Defence Forces worn on their uniform for their recognition to their services to the country. Like others, it is highly restricted and prestigious award only given to those who have caused/done great services to the country. It is a one of the most distinguished civil decoration to the civilians who have done outstanding contribution to their respected fields such as literature, arts, sports, medicine, or science, which prompted the recognition of the country in international level. It is given to a person who has accomplished duty beyond what is assigned to him/her. To received this honor, the individuals are expected to show eminence and be outstanding in providing excellent service in a significant field of activity beyond what they are assigned to.
For officers in the military, it is given after distinguished service, and is also the highest medal award that can be awarded to those at the rank of Brigadier-General or Major-General (Army), Air-Commodores or Air Vice-Marshals (Air Force) and Commodore or Rear-Admiral (Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines). The Parliament's committee for Award and Recognition Services for State of Pakistan, selected the names of individuals and sent final report to Prime minister of Pakistan. On advice of Prime minister, the President organized the colorful ceremony that is telecast and broadcast by the PTV. The award is usually given to individuals in isolation not in groups because the whole purpose of the award is to assess the recipients individual capabilities in par excellence.
The award is a disc of golden Jasminum stands between to the five points of the star, which is also pure gold. The star is in the form of five pointed stars, with additional bright coloured Jasminum in between of the star. In middle of star, a well polished green emerald circumference to the inside the golden star. A golden star is situated in the middle of the emerald.
A special grade of the medal/award has larger execution of the same medal design worn as a star on the left chest. In addition, it is worn as a sash on the right shoulder, with its rosette (yellow with white (for civilians) or/ green (Military officers only) with white and yellow edge, bearing the central disc of the medal at its center) resting on the left hip. At the ceremony, both medals can be wear at the same time according to their achievements. The medal is suspended on a ribbon, dark green with a light yellow and white central stripe and white edge stripes.
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