Lahore High Court (LHC) has prohibited the printing of Pakistan’s national flag in any color other than its original colours.
The ruling came from LHC Judge, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, during a petition lodged by Advocate Shakeela Rana, seeking to put an end to the disrespect and disgrace of the national flag of Pakistan.
Justice Najafi remarked that Pakistan’s flag bearing the crescent and star hold unique importance because it symbolizes our history, present, and national policy.
He added that the flag’s white and dark green colors signify peace and prosperity respectively, the crescent represents progress, and the five rayed star points to light and knowledge.
Justice Najafi further observed that National Flags Protocol prevents citizens from treating the Pakistani national flag in the following ways:
- The flag must not fly or be displayed upside down or the crescent and star facing left
- It must not be displayed where it is likely to get dirty
- It must not touch the ground, shoes, feet, or anything dirty
- It must not fly in the darkness
- It must not be set on fire or trampled upon
- It must not be buried or lowered into a grave
- It must not be marked with anything
- It must be saluted every time when raised or lowered
He warned that violation of these protocols is an offense under Section 123-B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and can be punished with up to three years in prison.