Nishan-e-Haider
| Nishan-e-Haider نشان حیدر | |
|---|---|
Obverse of the Nishan-e-Haider | |
| Type | Medal |
| Awarded for | Acts of greatest heroism in circumstances of extreme danger in the presence of the enemy on land, at sea or in the air. |
| Country | Islamic Republic of Pakistan |
| Presented by | Government of Pakistan |
| Eligibility | Military personnel only |
| Post-nominals | NH |
| Status | Active |
| Established | 16 March 1957 (applied retrospectively from 1948 onwards) |
| First award | 16 March 1957 – Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Captain Muhammad Sarwar, Pakistan army |
| Final award | 15 July 1999 – Kargil War, Havildar Lalak Jan, Pakistan army |
| Total | 11 |
| Total awarded posthumously | 11 |
| Website | pakistanarmy.gov.pk |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | None |
| Equivalent |
Hilal-e-Kashmir |
| Next (lower) | Hilal-e-Jurat |
Nishan-e-Haider (NH; Urdu: نشان حیدر, lit. 'Mark of the Lion' or 'Emblem of the Lion') is the highest military gallantry award of Pakistan. The Nishan-e-Haider is awarded only to members of the Pakistan Armed Forces. It recognises the highest acts of extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy in air, land, or sea. It has been awarded only 11 times since Pakistan's independence in 1947.
Nishan-e-Haider literally means "Emblem of the Lion" in the Urdu language. The word "Haider" is also the epithet of Ali, who is referred to as the 'Lion of Allah', a valiant warrior and leader. Ali was the fourth Caliph of Islam and declared bravest person by Muhammad. He is known by his courage, bravery and power in Islam.