History Today: How Pakistan got its national flag

India and Pakistan have a long history together. While India had adopted a national flag in July, Pakistan made its choice just three days before Independence Day. So, on August 11, 1947, Pakistan formally adopted its national flag, which became a powerful emblem representing the nation’s Islamic identity, cultural heritage, and commitment to unity.

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On this day in 1934, the first group of federal prisoners arrived at Alcatraz Island, marking the beginning of its infamous era as America’s most secure federal penitentiary.

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Here is all that took place on this day.

Pakistan adopted its national flag

Pakistan formally adopted its national flag, which represented the nation’s Islamic identity, cultural heritage, and commitment to unity. The design was inspired by the original flag of the All-India Muslim League.

Created by Syed Amir-uddin Kedwaii and approved by Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly on this day, it features a dark green field, symbolising the Muslim majority, and a white vertical stripe on the hoist side, representing religious minorities and the country’s pledge to protect their rights. At the centre of the green section sits a white crescent and star, the crescent representing progress, and the five-pointed star symbolising light and knowledge.

The green pays homage to Islamic traditions, while the white stripe emphasises Pakistan’s foundation as a homeland for Muslims that also respects diversity and inclusion. The crescent and star are widely recognised as symbols of the Islamic world, but in the Pakistani context, they also convey aspirations for growth, enlightenment, and hope for the future.

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Federal prisoners landed on Alcatraz

The first group of federal prisoners arrived at Alcatraz Island, which housed America’s most secure federal prison. Located in the chilly waters of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz had previously served as a military prison, but in the early 1930s, it was converted into a high-security federal facility intended to hold the nation’s most dangerous and escape-prone criminals.

That morning, 137 prisoners were transferred under tight security from Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary in Kansas and other institutions. They travelled by train to San Francisco and then by guarded boat to “The Rock.” The list included bank robbers, murderers, and notorious gangsters including men considered too difficult to manage elsewhere. Later, Alcatraz would house infamous figures like Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.”

The prison’s location was its greatest defence. Surrounded by frigid, fast-moving waters and strong currents, it was believed to be escape-proof. Cells were small and conditions intentionally harsh, with strict discipline, minimal privileges, and a focus on security over rehabilitation. Inmates spent most of their time in isolation or performing labour under close supervision.

The arrival of the first prisoners was a highly coordinated operation involving dozens of armed guards, US Marshals, and Coast Guard patrols to prevent any escape attempt during transit. This tight control set the tone for how Alcatraz would operate for the next 29 years.

This Day, That Year

• In 1964, the Beatles’ first feature film, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ had its US premiere in New York City.
• Germany declared a republic on this day in 1919.