Sitara-e-Shujaat
ستارہِ شجاعت
TypeNational Civilian
CountryPakistan Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Presented by

Government of Pakistan
Ribbon
Sitara-e-Shujaat Service Ribbon
Established19 March 1957
Last awarded2022
Precedence
Next (higher)Sitara-e-Pakistan
EquivalentHilal-e-Pakistan
Next (lower)Sitara-e-Imtiaz
Sitara-e-Imtiaz

Sitara-e-Shujaat (Urdu: ستارہِ شجاعت, lit. '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 the Cabinet 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.

References

  1. ^ Masood, Salman (January 10, 2014). "Premier Urges Award for Boy Who Halted Pakistan Attack (Published 2014)" – via NYTimes.com.
  2. ^ Report, Recorder (August 15, 2020). "Sitara-e-Shujaat: Naveed becomes first-ever ISI officer to be honoured". Brecorder.
  3. ^ a b "Civilian Awards | Emerging Pakistan". May 1, 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-05-01.
  4. ^ "Malala to get Pak's top bravery award". Hindustan Times. October 17, 2012.
  5. ^ "Aitizaz Hasan to be honoured with Sitara-e-Shujaat". The Express Tribune. January 10, 2014.
  6. ^ a b "Sindh govt sends names of doctors to Centre for Sitara-e-Shujaat award". July 31, 2020.
  7. ^ "Famous awards bestowed on Pakistan Day!". March 24, 2015.
  8. ^ "Sharif recommends gallantry awards for Peshawar school victims". Zee News. March 3, 2015.
  9. ^ "Gallantry & Civil Awards - Sindh Police Proud to Serve". February 14, 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-02-14.
  10. ^ "Recommendations for Civil Awards". finance.gov.pk.
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