Flag of Pakistan

Flag origins

Pakistan’s flag has a predominantly dark green field, a white vertical band beside the flagpole, and a white crescent and five-pointed star on the green portion. The Constituent Assembly approved it on August 11, 1947, only a few days before independence. Presenting the proposal, Liaquat Ali Khan explained that it was not the flag of a particular party or community but of the entire state of Pakistan, symbolizing freedom, liberty and equality. The usual interpretation is that green represents Muslims, the white band religious minorities, the crescent progress, and the star light and knowledge. The design developed from the All-India Muslim League’s green flag with a white crescent and star. Adding the white band at independence represented the minorities living in the new state.

Flag story

The significance of the white portion received particular attention in Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly shortly before independence. When Liaquat Ali Khan presented the flag on August 11, 1947, he emphasized that it belonged to the whole nation, not to one party or community, and would symbolize protection of all citizens’ legitimate rights. On the same day, Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed the Assembly on citizens belonging to the state regardless of religion. The white band is therefore more than a decorative accent: it expresses the inclusion of people other than Muslims in the Pakistan established at independence.

Editorial notes and references

Edited by ABELHA WORKS. The English text translates the administrator-edited Japanese description. Legends should be distinguished from documented history. General reference links do not substantiate every statement in the text.

• Pakistan — general information on Wikipedia
• Japan MOFA: countries and regions (Japanese)

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