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Most countries have their own unique state symbols that define the national identity and create a sense of unity among all individuals of the country. These are chosen over time according to the significance of their meaning or contribution to the country.

The national symbols of Pakistan represent its history, traditions, values, and ideas.

Graana.com has compiled some of the most important symbols for your information. 

 

24 Important National Symbols of Pakistan

Pakistan’s national symbols were adopted as per time, speciality, culture and religion. 

Sr. No	List	Symbol
1	National Flag	Green and White, Crescent & Star
2	National Emblem	Sheild with a Wreath of Jasmine
3	National Language	Urdu
4	National Food	Nihari
5	National Animal	Markhor
6	National Flower	Jasmine
7	National Poet	Allama Muhammad Iqbal
8	National Heroes	Quaid-e-Azam, Fatima Jinnah
9	National Mosque	Faisal Mosque
10	National Library	National Library of Pakistan, Islamabad
11	National Mausoleum	Mazar-e-Quaid
12	National Dress	Shalwar Kameez
13	National Bird	Chukar (Chukar Partridge)
14	National Sports	Hockey
15	National Fruit	Mango
16	National Tree	Deodar Tree
17	National River	Indus River
18	National Drink	Sugarcane Juice
19	National Motto	Faith, Unity, Discipline
20	National Vegetable	Lady Finger
21	National Mountain	K-2
22	National Colour	Dark Green
23	National Badges	Nishan-e-Haider, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz
24	National Aquatic Animal	Indus River Dolphin

 

National Flag

Pakistan’s national flag 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 flag represents the minorities of Pakistan and the green represents the Muslim majority. Other than this, the white also represents peace, and the green represents Islam (as it is commonly associated with this colour). 

 

National Emblem

The national emblem of Pakistan was adopted in 1954, and comprises of a floral wreath of jasmine that surrounds the national shield. It is especially an ode to the Mughal culture and heritage. 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.

 

National Language

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. 

 

National Food

Pakistan is famous for its flavourful and spicy dishes, and that is reflected in the choice of nihari as its national dish.

 

National Animal

Pakistan’s national animal is the beautiful and endangered markhor. They live in the wild and are typically grey with long hair and spiralled thick horns, hence also giving them the name ‘screw-horned goat’. 

 

National Flower

Pakistan’s national flower 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 

Pakistan’s national poet is, of course, Allama Muhammad Iqbal – the person who first dreamt of creating a separate Islamic state. 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. 

 

National Heroes

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 what it is today. 

 

National Mosque

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 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

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

Mazar-e-Quaid, also known as 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

Pakistan’s national dress is Shalwar Kameez, which is worn by both men and women in the country.

 

National Bird

Chukar, also known as the chukar partridge, is a rare bird species that can be found in Pakistan, especially in dry deserts and habitats. In Sanskrit, the name means ‘intense love’ and the bird is generally considered as a sign of good luck.

 

National Sports

Even though the popularity of this sport has gradually decreased globally, hockey is still considered as the national sport of Pakistan. It is, in fact, one of the most played sports in the country.

 

National Fruit

The national fruit is mangoes, as Pakistan’s mangoes are renowned for their variety and sweet taste across the world. It is even one of its major exports. 

 

National Tree

Pakistan’s national tree 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 River

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, totalling 3,200 kilometres. 

 

National Drink

Pakistan has wide fields of sugarcane, and its sweet juice is available in local stalls across the country. 

 

National Motto

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

Pakistan’s national vegetable is ladyfinger, also known as ‘bhindi’. These are a rich source of magnesium, vitamin K, and folic acid. 

 

National Mountain

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. Professional mountain climbers from all over the world come to visit and it is generally considered one of the most challenging mountain expeditions. 

 

National Colour

Pakistan’s national colour is dark green, similar to that of its national flag. 

 

National Badges 

There are many badges that symbolise the efforts and achievements of those who are regarded as the heroes of the country. 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 has been awarded to martyrs who fought bravely for the country. Tamgha-e-Imtiaz is a badge bestowed to people from all fields. 

 

National Aquatic Animal 

The Indus River Dolphin is a species that derive from the toothed whale family, Platanistidae. They live in large groups together called pods, and are generally considered very friendly.

These national symbols of Pakistan are not only a source of pride, but they also serve as entities that unify the whole country. For more information and facts about Pakistan, follow our blog at Graana.com.

 

Read more:

List of National Parks of Pakistan – Facts, Location & More

National Museum of Pakistan

Here’s Why Badshahi Mosque is a Wonder of Pakistan

 

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