| Nishan-e-Imtiaz | |
|---|---|
| Awarded by the Sovereign, on the advice of the Government | |
| Type | Award |
| 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 |
| Statistics | |
| First induction | 19 March 1957 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Hilal-i-Imtiaz |
| Next (lower) | Tamgha-e-Imtiaz |
 Ribbons: military (only) | |
The Sitara-i-Imtiaz or Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Urdu: ستاره ا متيا ز, English: star of excellence), is the third highest honour and civilian award in the State of Pakistan. It is awarded to both civilian and military officers of the Pakistan Armed Force for their recognition to their services to the country. 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 civilian who have done outstanding contribution to their respected fields such as literature, arts, sports, medicine, or science.
Once a year it is announced on the Independence Day and given on Pakistan Day to the People of Pakistan by the President of Pakistan. For those 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 1-star Brigadier or 2 star Major General.
