Introduction
The national flag of Pakistan is a distinctive and symbolic banner known as the Sabz Hilali Parcham (Green Flag with the Crescent). It features a dark green field with a vertical white stripe at the hoist and a prominent white crescent and five-pointed star centered on the green. The flag's design is a powerful representation of the nation's Islamic identity and its foundational principles.
The proportions of the flag are officially defined, with the width to length ratio set at 2:3. The white vertical stripe at the hoist occupies one-quarter of the flag's total length, creating a bold contrast against the dominant green. The precise placement and size of the crescent and star are specified in official construction details to ensure uniformity.
Adopted just days before the country's independence, the flag serves as a direct visual link to the All-India Muslim League, the political party that led the movement for Pakistan. Its elegant and meaningful design makes it one of the most recognizable national flags in the world, embodying both religious faith and national unity.
Meaning & Symbolism
The colors and symbols of the Pakistani flag carry deep significance. The dark green field represents the Muslim majority of the population and is also a color traditionally associated with Islam. The white vertical stripe at the hoist symbolizes the country's religious minorities and their rights and protection within the nation.
The central emblem, a white crescent, is a traditional symbol of progress and enlightenment. The five-pointed white star alongside it represents light, knowledge, and the five pillars of Islam. Together, the crescent and star form an iconic symbol of the Islamic faith, reflecting the country's foundation as a homeland for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.
History of the Pakistan Flag
The flag's design was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, just three days before the country gained independence. It is based on the flag of the All-India Muslim League, which was designed by Syed Amir-uddin Kedwaii. The original League flag featured a green field with a white crescent and star, and a white stripe was added to represent minorities for the national version.
The flag was first hoisted at the independence ceremony in Karachi on August 14, 1947. Its design and specifications are detailed in the national flag protocol, ensuring its consistent and respectful display as a symbol of sovereignty and national pride.
Curiosities
- The flag must always be illuminated if flown at night, as per national flag rules.
- The shade of green is officially specified as 'Pakistan green', with approximate RGB values of 0, 64, 26 (dark green).
- Unlike many flags, the crescent on the Pakistani flag is oriented with its horns pointing towards the fly (opposite the hoist), symbolizing progress.
Download Flag
Download the flag of Pakistan in high-quality SVG vector format or PNG raster images. SVG files can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Construction Sheet
The official construction of the flag is precisely defined. The flag's width to length ratio is 2:3. The white vertical stripe at the hoist is exactly one-quarter of the flag's length. On the remaining dark green field, the white crescent is drawn with its outer circumference touching a invisible circle with a diameter of thirteen-twentieths (13/20) of the flag's width. The five-pointed star is inscribed within an invisible circle with a diameter one-fifth (1/5) of the flag's width, with one point facing directly upwards.
Flags Similar to Pakistan Flag
Common Misidentifications
Often confused from a distance with the flag of Algeria due to the shared green field and white crescent/star motif, though Algeria's flag is a bicolor and the symbols are centered.