Hum 2200-01

12th September 2019

Pakistan culture and customs

If there is a country whose culture is starkly contrasted by its international

image, it has to be Pakistan. The nation is known for its rampant poverty, high

illiteracy, terrorist attacks, and misgovernment. But, regardless of these sufferings,

Pakistanis all over the world often face the dilemma of explaining their culture.

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. There are many languages spoken in Pakistan with Urdu being

the national language; but as time has changed, English is being used more for

businesses and official work.

         Firstly, family comes first in Pakistan due to religious, cultural, economic and

societal values. The eldest male in the family is the leader and makes all significant

decisions regarding the family and its members. Traditionally, in Pakistan, women

place in society has been secondary to that of men and has been restricted for them

to do house chores and to fulfill the role of a dutiful wife and mother. However, in

the present time, Pakistan women have become leading politicians, journalists,

teachers, nurses, doctor, prime minister and speaker of parliament.

         Secondly, Pakistani weddings are a serious deal, with preparations starting

months before. Their weddings are laden with a multitude of colors, beautifully

embroidered flowing fabrics in silks and chiffon, tantalizing food, traditionally

decorated stages and a lot of music and dance. The celebrations usually start with a

day dedicated to the 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.

Thirdly, Pakistan has some of the most diverse and flavorful recipes in the

world due to the infinite amount of special herbs and spices available, they are

similar to India. For example, their curry dish. Each traditional dish comes with a

deep history that connects it to a particular province. Pakistanis drink a great deal

of chai and yogurt drink called lassi. In Pakistan, alcoholic beverages are

considered culturally inappropriate, but there are several domestic breweries and

distilleries among the country. Also, Pakistani clothing styles are similar in many

ways to those found in India because it is in line with their Islamic belief. Women

may not show their hair instead it must be covered, they are most likely to wear

conservative outfits which do not leave their bare arms or legs by wearing a long

knee-length shirt over loose-fitting pants; likewise, Pakistan men are obligated to

cover anything between the navel and the knee. Additionally, both men and

women wear the national dress known as the “salwar kameez”.

         Lastly, Pakistanis always 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. Music has been a part of Pakistani culture because it

was greatly influenced by the northern Indian tradition of Hindustani music. And

also poetry being popular rather than an esoteric art. The Pakistani are famous for

their national cricket and the country has produced some of the world’s best

players. The national team had won the World Cup in 1992 and has several

victories in one-day international competitions. With all this information about

cricket and Pakistan, the national sport of the country is actually field hockey. The

Pakistani national field hockey team won gold medals in the 1958, 1960, and 1962.

In conclusion, Pakistan culture and customs represents the true picture of

Islamic culture. This culture is a melting pot of Indian, Persian, Afghan, Central

Asian, South Asian and Western Asian influences.

Bibliography
Alichin, Bridget, and Alichin, Raymond. The Rise of Civilization in India and Pakistan, 1982.
Harrison, Selig. India and Pakistan: The First Fifty Years, 1998. .
Mayhew, Bradley. Lonely Planet Pakistan, 1998.
Mumtax, Khawar, and Mitha, Yameema. Pakistan: Tradition and Change, 1996
Shaw, Isobel. Pakistan Handbook, 1996
Sisson, Richard, and Rose, Leo, War and Secession: Pakistan, India and the Creation of
Bangladesh, 1991.