
Last modified: 2017-07-04 by ian macdonald
Keywords: hilal-e-istiqlal | 
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located by Bill Garrison, 3 June 2017
This stamp shows a possible flag called the Hilal-i-Isteqial. It appears that 
at least several copies of the flag were actually made and raised in a couple of 
Pakistan cities during May 1967. The stamp was issued on May 15, 1967 about two 
years after the war. These flags/stamps pertained to the Sept. 1965 
Indo-Pakistan War.
Hilal-i-Istiqlal refers to a "civil decoration" award 
that is issued by the Pakistani government in various orders of merit. The 
decoration-design appears to have been sewn onto the white portion of the 
Pakistan flag as a commemorative flag that was awarded to several Pakistan 
cities that were attacked during the 1965 war. See also:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_decorations_of_Pakistan. Civil 
decorations of Pakistan were awarded in recognition of gallantry, academic 
distinction or distinction in the fields of sports or nursing. 
see also: 
http://paknetmag.blogspot.com/2009/09/hilal-e-istaqlal-award-may-15-1967.html
Hilal-e-Istaqlal Award (May 15, 1967) - paknetmag.blogspot.com
The 
flag of Hilal-i-Istiqial is shown against a graded background of Vermillion red. 
The Hilal-i-Istiqial emblem appears in white portion of the flag at top. 
Underneath the emblem the word “Hilal-i- Isteqial” appears in Urdu and below it 
“September, 1965” in Urdu and Bengali. Below the Bengali lettering appear three 
Stars in Red, Navy Blue and Light Blue colours representing Army, Navy and Air 
Force respectively. Under the Light Blue Star is written “Lahore”, under the 
Navy Blude Star “Siakot” and under Red Star “Sargodah”.
In the release 
regarding the FDC (First Day of Issue Cover) issuance of this stamp, the Sialkot 
photograph barely reveals what appears to be the writing that is shown on the 
flag. “General Mohammad Musa, Governor of West Pakistan, unfurling the 
Hilal-i-Istiqlal on the Town Hall Sialkot on May 7, 1967” …. “General Mohammad 
Musa…unfurling the Hilal-i- Isteqial at Jinnah Hall Ground Sargodha, on May 8, 
1967.”
Bill Garrison, 3 June 2017