Hilal-e-Imtiaz

Hilal-i-Imtiaz
Hilal-i-Imtiaz
Awarded by the Sovereign, on the advice of the Government
Type	Award
Day	August 14
Eligibility	Pakistani or Foreign citizen
Awarded for	The highest degree of service to the state, and for services to international diplomacy.
Status	Currently constituted
Sovereign	President of Pakistan
Sovereign	Prime minister of Pakistan
Grades	5 grade: Star (1st Class) Badge (Second Class) Ribbon (military only) Collar Chain (4th class) Medal (5th Class)
Statistics
Established	19 March 1957.
First induction	19 March 1957
Precedence
Next (higher)	Nishan-e-Imtiaz
Next (lower)	Sitara-i-Imtiaz
Ribbons: military (only)

The Hilal-i-Imtiaz (English: Crescent of Excellence; Urdu: ہلال امتیاز‎, Hilāl-i Imtiyāz) is the second highest civilian award and honour given to both civilians and military officers of the Pakistan armed forces by the Government of Pakistan. It recognises individuals who have made an "especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of Pakistan, world peace, cultural or other significant public endeavors". It is a civilian award, and not limited to the citizens of Pakistan.

The honour is restricted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their fields that led to international recognition to the State. It is awarded in the fields of literature, arts, sports, medicine, and science for civilians. It is announced every year on Independence Day, August 14, and given on Pakistan Day, March 23, by the President of Pakistan. For officers in the military, it is given for distinguished service, and is also the highest medal awarded to those at the rank of Major General or Lieutenant General (Army), Air Vice-Marshals or Air Marshals (Air Force) and Rear-Admiral or Vice-Admiral (Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines). Parliament's committee for Award and Recognition Services for State of Pakistan selects the names of individuals and sends their report to the Prime Minister; on his advice, the President makes the award in a ceremony that is broadcast by the PTV. The award is usually given to individuals, not groups, because the purpose of the award is to recognise the recipients' individual contributions.