Nishan, translating as decoration/order/mark, is a highly restricted and prestigious award, roughly equivalent to Presidential Medal of Freedom (United States) and Order of the British Empire (United Kingdom), and is the first category award of Order of Imtiaz.

The person has to show eminence and be outstanding in providing excellent service in a significant field of activity.

For civilians, it is awarded for distinguished merit, honouring their excellence in their respective fields of literature, arts, sports, medicine, or science.

On the advice of the Prime Minister, the President organizes a ceremony that is telecast and broadcast nationally.

A special grade of the award has a larger execution of the same medal design worn as a star on the left chest.