13 Things You Should Know About Pakistani Culture
13 Things You Should Know About Pakistani Culture
If there is a country whose culture is starkly
contrasted by its international image, it has to be Pakistan. Pakistanis all
over the world often face the dilemma of explaining what their culture really
entails, thanks to years of news-media exaggeration and agenda setting. Beyond
democratic and economic disappointment dwells a world of Pakistani civil
society that works resiliently against all odds to keep what matters most
intact: the country’s vibrant culture. Let’s try to get to know Pakistan a
little better.
Pakistani culture is very diverse: (Area to
area culture varies)
Thanks to its
historical, geographical and ethnic diversity, Pakistan’s culture is a melting
pot of Indian, Persian, Afghan, Central Asian, South Asian and Western Asian
influences. There are over 15 major ethnic groups in Pakistan, which differ in
physical features, historical bloodlines, customs, dress, food and music. Some
of these include Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, Pashtuns, Kashmiris, Hazaras,
Makranis and Baltis, coming from regions as close to home as the Indus Valley
or as far as Africa or Tibet. Other than ancient ethnic elements, the religious
influence of Islam has also strongly shaped Pakistani culture since it first
came to the region in AD 700.
Many
different languages are spoken in Pakistan:
How many
languages are spoken in Pakistan?
The official number of languages that are actively spoken in Pakistan
is between 73 and 76. This means that within hours as you travel between the
country’s districts, there are languages that other groups in different regions
do not speak. The most popular languages, however, belong to the largest ethnic
groups with their own modern and ancient literature. Most languages in Pakistan
belong to the Indo-Iranian language group, including Urdu, the national
language.
The people of
Pakistan are friendly, but gender segregation still exists:
Due to Islamic and tribal influences, non-urban regions of
Pakistan have varying levels of gender segregation, while big cities too have
conservative expectations in terms of interactions between men and women.
Couples usually don’t hug or kiss in public in a non-platonic way. Regardless
of that, the people of Pakistan are helpful, friendly, approachable and humble.
Pakistanis love
listening to – and making – music:
Diverse culture has exposed Pakistani musicians to many
different poetic forms and styles, along with languages and literature. Qawwali
and Ghazal are the nation’s auditory treasures. Building on that, Pakistani TV
shows, like Coke
Studio, have amassed millions of fans internationally and locally,
from non-Pakistanis to non-Urdu speakers. The nation has also produced
legendary singers, like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz,
who have left a tremendous influence on the culture and the collective
conscience of the people. Contemporary musicians too play with modern styles
and develop fusions in the Urdu language, of blues, funk, rock and jazz.
Family
bonds are strong in Pakistan:
Family comes first in Pakistan due to religious, cultural,
economic and societal values. Pakistani society is not led by individualism but
rather by collectivism, where family and other relationships stand strong.
Pakistani culture
includes excellent craftsmanship:
Pakistani truck art is not the only world-famous example of
craftsmanship. Passed down through generations, Pakistani craft includes a
plethora of styles, materials and aesthetics. Calligraphy in Arabic is one of
the most prominent skills found in many local buildings and sites and wall
hangings, like copper work, paintings and carved wood. Pottery, especially blue
pottery, typical of Sindh and Multan, is loved all over the world for its look.
Naqashi, or the art-making of camel-skin lamps, is another example of local
craft, along with colourful tile work, which is a Mughal legacy.
Sufism
has given birth to beautiful poetry and music:
Mainstream Islam and Islamic mysticism are both prevalent in Pakistan,
but often, hard-line clerics, who follow the Wahhabi school of thought, reject
the tradition of mysticism or Sufism that has added great beauty to the already
unique Islamic flavour of the country. Sufis show their devotion through many
means like dance, poetry, whirling, meditation, etc. Some of the country’s most
spiritually advanced and unifying messages of love are found in Sufi poetry.
The hard-liners may try to isolate them, but the population cannot help but be
entranced by them.
Pakistanis love
chaiy a little too much:
Chaiy is everywhere in Pakistan, probably in a similar sense to
how beer is in alcohol-consuming countries. In fact, Pakistan is the
third-largest importer of tea, although some tea is grown locally too.
Pakistanis make their tea strong and sweet in either milk or diluted milk
depending on their preference. Sometimes cardamom and other spices are added to
tea on special occasions. Black tea was introduced to the country by the
English during the colonial years, but green tea has been a part of the local
culture for thousands of years. Tea time is such an important time of day that
many people enjoy high tea in five-star hotels, which basically include a
buffet of teas and all the complimentary snacks that go with it.
Pakistanis are very
hospitable:
Guests, tourists and visitors, whether domestic or
international, are always welcomed with open arms. Even the poorest labourers
go out of their way to help new visitors. Cultural and religious beliefs
encourage Pakistanis to show love and respect towards guests. In Islam
especially, a guest is a blessing from God, and it is taught that they must be
given the best treatment possible.
Pakistanis
love sports, especially cricket:
Cricket may have been a sport that was introduced to Pakistan by
the British, but today, the country has not only made it its own but has also
raised one of the world’s best cricket teams. Other sports, like hockey, squash
and badminton, are also widely played and appreciated. Polo has a special place
in northern Pakistan too, with one of the highest polo grounds in the world
situated here.
Pakistanis
are resilient and hard-working:
It is common knowledge that the Pakistani nation has suffered
from the country’s economic situation with rampant poverty and high illiteracy.
Terrorist attacks and misgovernment have also led to terrible consequences.
Regardless of these sufferings, Pakistan’s spirit lives on and the nation
continues to hope and work for a better future. The people of Pakistan would
soar high if they got the sincere political effort and leadership they deserve.
Pakistanis have big
weddings:
Pakistani weddings epitomise the richness of the culture. A
single wedding will introduce you to the many elements of these local
traditions. Pakistani weddings are laden with a multitude of colours,
beautifully embroidered flowing fabrics in silks and chiffon, tantalizing food,
traditionally decorated stages and a lot of music and dance. Weddings in
Pakistan are a serious deal, with preparations starting months before. After
all, most local weddings last anywhere from three to six days. The celebrations
usually start with a day dedicated to henna application, followed by a musical
night and a night of traditional rituals to bless the couple. Then, there are
dinner parties that last two days thrown by the bride and groom’s side of the
family.
Pakistanis don’t
keep calm and have no chill:
Pakistanis are a passionate, emotional, expressive and colourful
people – just like their culture. Whatever they love, they do with plenty of
zest and excitement. They love to celebrate, no matter the occasion, and
feasting, giving presents, throwing parties and having regular large gatherings
with friends and family are all very common.
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