Most countries have unique state symbols that define their national identity and create a sense of unity among all individuals. The national symbols of Pakistan represent its history, traditions, values, and ideas. These are chosen over time according to the significance of their meaning or contribution to the country.
Graana.com has compiled some of the most important symbols for your information.
Overview
Pakistan’s national symbols were adopted as per time, specialty, culture, and religion. A complete list of national symbols of Pakistan with images is as follows.
National Flag of Pakistan
The national flag of Pakistan is not just a flag, but a representation of different segments of the population and the role of religion in all state matters. The wide space on the right of the flag is green with a white crescent and star in the middle. The remaining space on the left is white.
This national symbol has two sets of meanings: the white in the Pakistan flag represents the minorities of Pakistan and the green represents the Muslim majority.
Other than this, white also represents peace, and the green represents Islam (as it is commonly associated with this color). Pakistan’s flag is designed by Syed Amir-Uddin Kedwaii. Get to know facts about Pakistani flag.
National Emblem of Pakistan
The national emblem of Pakistan was adopted in 1954 and comprises a floral wreath of jasmine that surrounds the national shield. It is especially an ode to the Mughal culture and heritage, whilst being popularly referred to as Pakistan’s logo.
The emblem represents the true idea behind what is the meaning of Pakistan. The shield is quartered, representing the four major crops of the country i.e. tea, wheat, jute, and cotton. It is bordered by the three words at the bottom that make up the ideology of the country: Iman, Ittihad, and Tanzeem. making it one of the most important national symbols of Pakistan.
National Language of Pakistan
Although Pakistan has a rich variety of cultural and regional languages, the national language of Pakistan is ‘Urdu’. It originates from Farsi (Persian) with a mix of Hindi and is the unifying language of all people in Pakistan, no matter their religion, culture, or ethnicity.
Many people confuse the Pakistan national anthem for its language to be in Urdu. But is actually Farsi, coming from Urdu language origin itself. Besides Urdu, there are also some other popular languages in Pakistan including Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Saraiki, and Balochi.
National Food of Pakistan
Pakistan is famous for its flavourful and spicy dishes, and that is reflected in the choice of nihari as its national dish. It is available in all the top restaurants in Pakistan.
National Animal of Pakistan
A lot of people in Pakistan are not aware of what is the national animal of Pakistan. Pakistan’s national animal is the beautiful and endangered markhor. They live in the wild and are typically grey with long hair and spiraled thick horns, hence also giving them the name ‘screw-horned goat’. It can be found in the wildlife sanctuaries in Pakistan.
National Flower of Pakistan
The national flower of Pakistan is the sweet-scented jasmine, a small white flower that grows throughout the country. It is used in perfumes, essential oils and multiple other purposes across the world. Jasmine represents modesty and, thus, aligns best with the national ideology of the country.
National Poet of Pakistan
Pakistan’s national poet is, of course, Allama Muhammad Iqbal – the person who first dreamt of creating the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, a separate state for Muslims.
He was one of the pioneers of the Pakistan Movement, which eventually led to the partition of the subcontinent. His poetry mostly reflects on religion, spirituality, self-awareness, and related themes. In short, he is one of the most famous people in Pakistan.
National Heroes of Pakistan
The national hero of Pakistan is undoubtedly its founder, Quaid-e-Azam, and his sister Fatima Jinnah also called ‘Madar-e-Millat’ (Mother of the Nation). Their efforts and sacrifices made what Pakistan is today.
National Mosque of Pakistan
The biggest mosque in Pakistan (as well as South Asia), Faisal Mosque, is its national mosque. It is located in the capital city and was built at the foot of the Margalla Hills. It was a gift from King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia in 1986 and was designed by a Turkish architect.
The mosque covers an area of 5000 square meters, and can accommodate up to 74,000 individuals in its covered area, and overall about 200,000 people in its adjoining areas and grounds.
National Library of Pakistan
The National Library of Pakistan, located in Islamabad, was first inaugurated in 1993. It is situated on Constitution Avenue, has 15 research rooms, and is stocked with thousands of books on multiple subjects. The library space can accommodate up to 500 readers at a time.
National Mausoleum of Pakistan
Mazar-e-Quaid, also known as the National or Jinnah Mausoleum, is the last resting place of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It is a vast mausoleum in the midst of Karachi and is surrounded by wide green lawns.
National Dress of Pakistan
Pakistan’s national dress is Shalwar Kameez, which is worn by both men and women in the country.
National Bird of Pakistan
Chukar, also known as the chukar partridge, is a rare bird species that can be found in Pakistan. It is found in dry deserts and habitats. In Sanskrit, the name means ‘intense love’ and the bird is generally considered a sign of good luck.
The rarity and beauty of this bird are what make them so special to rank among the national symbols of Pakistan.
National Sports of Pakistan
Although the popularity of this sport has gradually decreased around the world, hockey is still considered the national sport of Pakistan. It is, in fact, one of the most played sports in the country.
National Fruit of Pakistan
Have you ever wondered what is the national fruit of Pakistan?
Mango is among the popular fruits of Pakistan and is also regarded as the national fruit of Pakistan. The reason why Mango is the national fruit of Pakistan is that its cultivation thrives in Pakistan, primarily across the Punjab and Sindh provinces. The prominent cities known for mango production are
- Multan
- Bahawalpur
- Muzaffargarh
- Khanewal
- Sahiwal
- Sadiqabad
- Vehari
- Rahim Yar Khan
- Mirpur Khas
- Hyderabad
- Thatta
- Dera Ismail Khan
- Peshawar
- Mardan.
Moreover, Pakistan’s mangoes are renowned for their variety and sweet taste across the world. It is even one of its major exports.
National Tree of Pakistan
The national tree of Pakistan is deodar, a very high-quality wood that is identified as a species of cedar. Deodar trees are from Western Himalayas and exist in abundance in the northern regions of Pakistan.
National Tree of Pakistan
The Indus River, one of the longest rivers in the world, is one of Pakistan’s national symbols. It flows between the Tibetan and Sanskrit Sindhu and has an estimated length of about 2,000 miles, totaling 3,200 kilometers.
National Drink of Pakistan
The national drink of Pakistan isn’t known, although some of the country’s favorite beverages include tea (chai), lassi (a yogurt-based beverage), and sugarcane juice (roh). Pakistan has vast fields of sugarcane, and its sweet juice is available in local stalls nationwide.
National Motto of Pakistan
The national motto of Pakistan was derived from one of the famous quotes of the founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which is: ‘Unity, Faith, Discipline’. It is intended as the guiding principle for the entire population.
National Vegetable of Pakistan
The national vegetable of Pakistan is the ladyfinger, also known as ‘bhindi’. These are a rich source of magnesium, vitamin K, and folic acid.
National Mountain of Pakistan
Pakistan’s national mountain is K2, the second-highest peak in the world. It is situated in the Karakoram ranges along the Pak-China border and is the ultimate challenge for professional mountain climbers who come from all over the world to visit K2.
As a result of its height and extreme weather, it is generally considered to be one of the most challenging mountain expeditions.
National Colour of Pakistan
The national color of Pakistan is dark green, similar to that of its national flag.
National Badges of Pakistan
There are many badges that symbolise the efforts and achievements of those who are regarded as the heroes of the country. However, the most prestigious national badges are ‘Nishan-e-Haider’ (Emblem of the Lion) and ‘Tamgha-e-Imtiaz’ (Award of Excellence).
Nishan-e-Haider is a military honour that is awarded to martyrs for their brave service to the country. On the other hand, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz is a badge bestowed to people from all fields for their contributions.
National Aquatic Animal of Pakistan
The Indus River Dolphin is a national aquatic animal of the country. It is a species that derives from the toothed whale family, Platanistidae. These dolphins live in large groups together called pods and are very friendly.
As a matter of fact, a large area of the Indus river falls in Pakistan. In addition to being the largest river, it also serves as home to these dolphins.
For this reason and their large number in the country, they are recognized as Pakistan’s national fish. In addition to being a source of pride, these national symbols of Pakistan also serve as entities that unify the whole country.
For more information and facts about the national identities of Pakistan, follow the Graana blog.
FAQs
What are the national symbols of Pakistan?
1) The crescent and star, symbolize progress and enlightenment;
2) The shield in the center shows four major crops;
3) Wreath surrounding the shield representing cultural heritage;
4) Scroll at the bottom is the national motto: Unity, Faith, Discipline.
What are the symbols of the nation?
The flag or banner of a nation-state.
The coat of arms of the land or ruling dynasty.
The seal or stamp of the land or ruling dynasty.
The head of state, especially in a monarchy.
The associated device and motto can also be used separately.
The national colors are often derived from the above.
What is the national fruit of Pakistan?
Mango
What is Pakistan’s national flower?
Jasmine
