Established on March 19, 1957, the Pakistan Civil Awards were created in recognition of the country's independence on March 23, 1956. Every year on Independence Day, August 14, the announcement of civil awards is made, and their investiture takes place on Pakistan Day, March 23. According to Article 259 of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, the President of Pakistan confers civil awards on Pakistani citizens for acts of bravery and excellence in various fields, as defined by the Decorations Act, 1975.