[7][8][9] Hilal-e-Pakistan and other civil awards came into existence following the declaration of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23 March 1956.

However, civil awards including Hilal-e-Pakistan were established on March 19, 1957 under the article 259(2) of the Constitution of Pakistan and Decorations Act, 1975.

Hilal-e-Pakistan, the second-highest civil award[10] was possibly first conferred upon Chief justice of Dhaka high court, Amin Ahmed.

[7][11] President of Pakistan confers civil awards under the Article 259(2) of the constitution-1973 and decorations Article-1975 in recognition of meritorious contribution and selfless devotion.

[12][13] [33][34] President Asif Ali Zardari was accused in 2011 for conferring 185 civil awards including the Hilal-e-Pakistan, to its federal Cabinet ministers and foreigners.