Flag of Pakistan - Colours, Meaning, History ??

The Pakistani flag features a white vertical stripe on its left, a dominant green colour on the right side of the flag, and a white crescent moon and star. Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim nation. The green on the right side of the flag represents the religion of Islam. The white stripe on the left represents minority religions. The crescent moon indicates progress and the star is a symbol of light.

Table of Contents

• History of the Flag of Pakistan
• What is the meaning behind the colours of the Pakistan Flag
• Interesting Facts about the Pakistan Flag

History of the Flag of Pakistan

Different empires have ruled Pakistan over time. The first empire to rule this region was the Mughal Empire, the flag of which was a triangle with a field of green and a yellow sun. The second was the Maratha Empire with its flag, a plain saffron swallowtail. The Durrani Empire’s flag came after, which had a triangle with emblems and a white sword. Afterwards came the Sikh Empire, with a flag displaying a yellow field and double-edged swords.

During the reign of the British Empire in the late 18th century, the British East India Company ruled Pakistan. During this time, the flag was an alternating white and red stripe with the British union flag on the top left. Later on, the flag was adjusted to feature both the union flag and the British ensign with the star of India.

Pakistan gained independence in 1947. The green flag with a white vertical stripe was adopted. The design of the flag was partially derived from the all-Muslim India league. Other muses were the flags of the Sultanate of Delhi, the Mughal, and the Ottoman Empire. The flag has been called the ‘flag of the star and crescent’. Syed Amir Uddin Kedwaii designed the first flag based on the flag of the Muslim League. It was adopted by the Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, shortly before the country’s independence.

What is the meaning behind the colours of the Pakistan Flag?

The flag of Pakistan is coloured green. This shade of green is also called Pakistan green. There are three white elements on the flag, namely: the star, the crescent moon, and the vertical stripe on the left-hand side. The green is a symbol of both the majority Islamic faith of the population and the country’s devotion to the religion. The vertical white stripe on the left represents other minority religions in the country. The crescent moon was placed to symbolize progress while the star represents light. The crescent and the star are also traditional Islamic symbols.

Interesting Facts about the Pakistan Flag

• The Pakistani flag must never be flown below another flag. If the flag is located beside another flag, it must be flown on the right side. It should always be at the center of flags in case there are many flags and if the numbers are even it should be on the right side of the center flag.
• The flag must never be put on a grave for any reason.
• Some of the days when the flag should be hoisted include:
  • The Pakistani Independence Day which is on August 14th.
  • Pakistan Day, on March 23rd, which commemorates the signing of the Lahore Resolution.
  • Quaid-e-Azam’s birthday on 25th December, who is greatly revered as he was Pakistan’s first Governor-General and the father of the nation.
  • Muhammad Iqbal’s birthday on 9th November, who was a great poet and philosopher in British India and is considered the spiritual father of Pakistan. He is also credited for having inspired the Pakistan movement.
  • Other national days as may be notified by the government.

Do you know any other interesting facts about the flag of Pakistan? Share your thoughts below.