Who are the Indians who got Nishan-e-Pakistan and why

India Today

20-05-2025

On May 20, BJP leader Amit Malviya launched a sharp attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of undermining India's recent military success in Operation Sindoor and echoing sentiments similar to those of Pakistan. Malviya even asked if Rahul Gandhi was aiming for Pakistan's highest civilian honour, the Nishan-e-Pakistan. The Congress reacted, and suggested names from the BJP for the Pakistani award. However, Indians did get the Nishan-e-Pakistan, with the last recipient being awarded in 2023.advertisementWhile the Nishan-e-Pakistan in 2023 was awarded to Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community, the one in 2020 was for Syde Ali Shah Geelani, a Kashmiri separatist. Even former Prime Minister Morarji Desai was among the few recipients.The latest political war of words involving Nishan-e-Pakistan has to do with the Opposition's stand on Operation Sindoor, in which India targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
In a strongly worded post on X on Tuesday, Amit Malviya criticised Rahul Gandhi for not acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in what he called a "flawless" operation."He keeps asking how many jets we lost, but not once has he asked how many Pakistani jets were shot down or destroyed. What's next for Rahul Gandhi? The Nishan-e-Pakistan?" Malviya wrote.advertisementThe Congress leader Pawan Khera countered, saying, "...As far as Nishaan-e-Pakistan is concerned, their leader, Morarji Desai, was the only Indian politician who was awarded it."Morarji Desai was the first non-Congress prime minister and Janata Party leader.Not just Desai, there are some more Indians, including a Kashmiri separatist and a spiritual leader, who have received Nishan-e-Pakistan -- the country's highest civilian award.WHAT IS NISHAN-E-PAKISTAN AND OTHER CIVILIAN HONOURS?Pakistan's civilian honours were established to reward people for exceptional contributions to the country or to humanity—awards that often reflect not just personal legacies, but broader political, cultural, or humanitarian connections across the subcontinent.The Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian award, is conferred for services of the utmost distinction to Pakistan's national interest, equivalent to the military's Nishan-e-Haider.The Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian honour, is awarded for outstanding achievements in fields like arts, literature, science, or public service.The Tamgha-e-Pakistan, a fourth-tier civilian award, recognises exceptional bravery or service to Pakistan or humanity.These awards are generally announced on Pakistan's Independence Day (August 14) and conferred on Pakistan Day (March 23). They are awarded to both Pakistanis and foreign nationals.1. MORARJI DESAI: NISHAN-E-PAKISTAN (1990)Morarji Desai, India's fourth Prime Minister, received the Nishan-e-Pakistan in 1990 — years after he left office. A Janata Party leader, Desai was also the first non-Congress PM.advertisementKnown for his strict Gandhian principles and policy of non-alignment, Desai took diplomatic steps during his tenure to stabilise relations with Pakistan after the 1971 War.He openly rejected nuclear weaponization and avoided escalations despite provocations, particularly after the 1971 War and the formation of Bangladesh.His 1978 visit to Pakistan marked a thaw in bilateral ties, and his approach to cross-border diplomacy, though often debated at home, was seen as pragmatic in Islamabad.Desai was recognised for his efforts toward peace and diplomacy between India and Pakistan.As Prime Minister (1977–1979), he prioritised dialogue over conflict, and was known for his strict anti-war stance. He openly rejected nuclear weaponization and avoided escalations despite provocations.The Nishan-e-Pakistan to Desai recognised his effort to keep dialogue alive at a time when tensions ran high.Though some in India viewed his outreach sceptically, Desai's acceptance of the award underscored his belief in regional peace, making him the only Indian to receive both the Nishan-e-Pakistan and the Bharat Ratna.2. DILIP KUMAR: NISHAN-E-IMITIAZ (1998)Another towering figure, legendary actor Dilip Kumar — born Yusuf Khan in Peshawar — was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian honour, in 1998.advertisementHis cinematic legacy spanned borders, and Pakistan's gesture was meant not just to honour a film star, but to celebrate a shared cultural heritage. Though the award drew criticism in India during a time of heightened tensions, Kumar's acceptance was defended as a gesture of goodwill rooted in art and identity.Known as the "Tragedy King", Dilip Kumar's films like Mughal-e-Azam and Devdas were immensely popular in Pakistan, fostering shared cultural appreciation. His award acknowledged his role in soft diplomacy through cinema.Kumar's Peshawar roots added a personal dimension, as he maintained a sentimental connection to his birthplace, visiting Pakistan multiple times. His humanitarian efforts, including charity work, further aligned with the award's criteria.The award sparked debate in India, with some questioning an Indian icon receiving Pakistan's honour.The house that Kumar grew up in, located in Peshawar, was declared a national heritage monument in 2014 by the Pakistani government.3. SYED ALI SHAHI GEELANI: NISHAN-E-PAKISTAN (2020)Syed Ali Geelani was awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan for "bolstering support for Pakistan and his decades-long commitment to the Kashmir cause".Often referred to as the ideological force behind the Kashmiri jihad, he was described by former RAW chief AS Dulat — who also served as an Officer on Special Duty to then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee — as the "father of jihad" in the region.advertisementGeelani had been associated with Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir since the early 1950s and was considered one of its most influential leaders. He served three terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Sopore, having been elected in 1972, 1977, and 1987 on a Jamaat-e-Islami ticket.In 1993, he played a central role in the formation of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), a coalition of Kashmiri political and social groups that advocated for a plebiscite in the region. He was initially selected to lead the alliance.Geelani died in 2021, but some years before his passing, there had been a growing sense in the Pakistani establishment that with his advancing age and related ailments, he was "of no use" to Pakistan's Kashmir agenda.4. SYEDNA MUFADDAL SAIFUDDIN: NISHAN-E-PAKISTAN (2023)In 2023, Pakistan conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan on Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community. With large segments of his community residing in Pakistan, and his leadership known for its focus on education, healthcare, and interfaith harmony, Saifuddin's initiatives were welcomed.advertisementSyedna is the Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia situated in India.His institutions — like the law school in Karachi and the religious seminary Jamia-tus-Saifiyah — symbolised a form of cross-border engagement rooted not in politics but in social development and community upliftment.He recognised for his global leadership and humanitarian work, including contributions to social services, health, education, and the environment. He received the award from Pakistan President Arif Alvi in Islamabad.5. NEERJA BHANOT: TAMGHA-E-PAKISTAN (1987)Perhaps the most poignant honour, however, was the Tamgha-e-Pakistan awarded posthumously to Neerja Bhanot in 1987. An Indian flight purser on Pan Am Flight 73, Bhanot, died saving passengers during a hijacking in Karachi.Her actions, shielding children, hiding American passports, and helping evacuate passengers, saved over 350 lives as the hijacked flight was kept in Karachi on September 5, 1986.During the hijacking, Neerja alerted the cockpit crew, allowing them to escape and preventing the plane from being taken elsewhere. Throughout the 17-hour ordeal, she safeguarded passengers by hiding their passports to protect them from the terrorists, who were targeting Americans. In the final moments, as the hijackers opened fire, Neerja opened an emergency exit and helped passengers escape. She was fatally shot while shielding three children from gunfire.In recognition of her heroism, she became the youngest and first female recipient of India's Ashoka Chakra, the nation's highest peacetime gallantry award. She also received several international honours, including the Flight Safety Foundation Heroism Award from the US.