Sitara-e-Shujaat explained

Sitara-e-Shujaat
Type:National Civilian
Country: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Established:19 March 1957
Lastawarded:2022
Presenter:

Government of Pakistan
Ribbon:
Sitara-e-Shujaat Service Ribbon
Higher:Nishan-e-Pakistan
Same:Hilal-e-Pakistan
Lower:
Sitara-e-Imtiaz

Sitara-e-Shujaat (Urdu: ستارہِ شجاعت||Star of Bravery[1]), sometimes spelled Sitara-i-Shujaat, is the second-highest civil award for bravery bestowed by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.[2] [3] It is usually awarded to the Pakistani citizens such as civilians, human rights defenders, military or law enforcement officials for their bravery contributions to the national interest of the country,[4] [5] and while the award seeks to recognize the "gallantry contributions", it is also awarded posthumously by the president annually on the Pakistan Day.[6] [7]

After a citizen's contribution to security, defence and health among others is recognized, whether it is a government or non-government duty, the respective state governments prepares recommendation list to the federal government for final approval.[6] After it is sent to the government, the prime minister recommends or advises the awardees list to the president.[8]

Announcement criteria

It is officially announced on the Independence day and is presented annually on the Pakistan Day. Before it is awarded to the eligible individuals, it is sent to theCabinet of Pakistan by 15 April.[9]

History

Sitara-e-Shujaat and other civil awards were established on 23 March 1956, nine years after the partition of the Indian subcontinent. It came into existence under the Article 259 (2) and Decorations Act, 1975 of the constitution of Pakistan.[3] [10] Iqbal Masih was honored with it on March 23, 2022.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Premier Urges Award for Boy Who Halted Pakistan Attack (Published 2014). Salman. Masood. January 10, 2014. NYTimes.com.
  2. Web site: Sitara-e-Shujaat: Naveed becomes first-ever ISI officer to be honoured. Recorder. Report. August 15, 2020. Brecorder.
  3. Web site: Civilian Awards | Emerging Pakistan. https://web.archive.org/web/20200501212532/http://emergingpakistan.gov.pk/pakistan/general-information/civilian-awards/. dead. 2020-05-01. May 1, 2020.
  4. Web site: Malala to get Pak’s top bravery award. October 17, 2012. Hindustan Times.
  5. Web site: Aitizaz Hasan to be honoured with Sitara-e-Shujaat. January 10, 2014. The Express Tribune.
  6. Web site: Sindh govt sends names of doctors to Centre for Sitara-e-Shujaat award. July 31, 2020.
  7. Web site: Famous awards bestowed on Pakistan Day!. March 24, 2015.
  8. Web site: Sharif recommends gallantry awards for Peshawar school victims. March 3, 2015. Zee News.
  9. Web site: Gallantry & Civil Awards - Sindh Police Proud to Serve. https://web.archive.org/web/20200214163432/https://sindhpolice.gov.pk/welfare/gallantry_civil_awards.html. dead. 2020-02-14. February 14, 2020.
  10. Web site: Recommendations for Civil Awards . finance.gov.pk.