The National Flag of the Dominion of Pakistan was adopted on 11 August 1947, three days before its independence. The flag is dark green, with a white crescent and star, symbolising Islam and a white bar at the hoist representing the minorities. The crescent also represents progress, and the five-pointed star stands for light and knowledge. It was designed by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. It remained the same when, in 1956, Pakistan became an Islamic Republic.