Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Sitara-e-Imtiaz
About the Award
What is Sitara-e-Imtiaz? +
Sitara-e-Imtiaz (ستارہ امتیاز) meaning "Star of Excellence" is Pakistan's highest civilian award. It is bestowed by the President of Pakistan upon individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation in any field.
When was Sitara-e-Imtiaz established? +
The award was established in 1957. It is announced annually on Pakistan Day, March 23.
Who has received Sitara-e-Imtiaz? +
Over 529 individuals including Nobel Prize-winning physicist Dr. Abdus Salam, Malala Yousafzai, cricketers, surgeons, artists, educators, and public servants. The award crosses all fields.
What does the award look like? +
A gold five-pointed star bearing the crescent and star of Pakistan, worn on the left chest, accompanied by a presidential certificate.
Can foreigners receive Sitara-e-Imtiaz? +
Yes, in exceptional cases foreign nationals who have rendered outstanding service to Pakistan may also receive the award.
Is Sitara-e-Imtiaz the same as Nishan-e-Imtiaz? +
No. Nishan-e-Imtiaz is a separate, higher military and civil honour. Sitara-e-Imtiaz is specifically the highest civilian-only award.
About This Website
Is SitaraEImtiaz.com an official government website? +
No. SitaraEImtiaz.com is an independent knowledge project, not affiliated with the Government of Pakistan. All information is sourced from publicly available records.
How can I contribute information? +
We welcome contributions! Use our Contact page to share verified information about a recipient — corrections, missing profiles, or additional details.
How many profiles are currently on the site? +
We currently have 1 detailed profile with more being actively added. Our goal is to document all 529+ recipients.
Is the information accurate? +
We cross-reference multiple reliable sources. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us immediately.