Nishan-e-Haider
(Urdu:نشان حیدر
translated as "Emblem of Haider, where Haider is the epithet of Hazrat
Ali and means Lion", abbreviated as NH ), is the highest military award
given by Pakistan. It was established in 1957 after Pakistan became a
Republic, however, it was instituted retrospectively back to 1947. It is
awarded to military personnel, regardless of rank, for extraordinary bravery
in combat. The award is considered to be the highest military award and is
only awarded to those who have sacrificed their life. Its exclusivity may be
gauged by the fact that since it was established only 10 awards have been
made, along with one equivalent award. To date all awards have been made
posthumously. Of the 10 recipients, 9 have been from the Pakistan Army, one
has been from the Pakistan Air Force. As yet there have been no recipients
from the Pakistan Navy.
Nishan-e-Haider
(Urdu: