Culture of Pakistan is very diverse it stems it stems from the fact that what is

now Pakistan has in the past been invaded and occupied by many people like
as the white Huns, Persians, Arabs, Turks, Mongols, and various others groups.
There are different in culture of Pakistan. It’s among the different ethnic
groups in matters in their dress food and religion and also pre Islamic customs
differ from Islamic practices. Pakistan is the first region of south Asia to receive
the full impact of Islam and developed Islamic identity.

Pakistan geography is the mixture of south Asia, central Asia and west Asia so
the culture of Pakistan is unique then the rest of countries, it’s a combination
of Islamic, regional, English and global influences, Increasing globalization has
improved the pressure of western culture and Pakistan culture. They are easy
access to western products, culture and foods.

4.1 Religion
Religion is not only the base of the social system of Pakistan but it is also an
effective force that can provide the meeting ground for all the regional
cultures of Pakistan.

The main religion in Pakistan is islam which followed by 95.98% of people. The
remaining 2.5% practice Christianity, Hinduism and other religions.

4.2 Language
A common language could create natural understanding to such an extent
that speaker and listener comes together at one cultural level. Among the
other religion languages and dialects Urdu is a language which is spoken and
understands throughout the country.

There are main two common languages are urdu and English and other
languages are Punjabis, Pasto, Sindhi, and Balochi and other regional
languages are Saraiki, Hindko and Brahui.

4.3 Geography
Variety of physical contours, it has green fertile plains, hot deserts, beautiful
valleys, snow clad mountains and magnificent coast line. Having a diverse
range of physical features, customs, traditions and habits of the people living
in different regions has provided a a rich cultural heritage to Pakistan.

In the southern portion the city of Karachi is well known for its shorelines.
Karachi was the original capital when the Pakistan was created in 1947 nearby
Arabian Sea. In the northern section of the country consist of mountains, and
also famous Khyber Pass is situated in this area.
The city of Islamabad is in middle of the country, was officially the capital of
Pakistan is in 1961. It becomes the active capital in 1966, Rawalpindi is famous
ancient city of the country it consist famous government buildings and also
wide variety of modern hotels and international airport.

4.4 Literature
The Pakistani literature comes after the India Pakistan partition. Basic main
two types of literature, urdu literature and English literature of south Asia over
a period of time. A body of literature became unique and Pakistan has
emerged in nearly all major languages of Pakistan is Urdu, English, Punjabi,
Pashto, Seraiki, Balochi and Sindhi. Pakistani academy of letter is the main
official platform of Pakistani literature.

4.5 Poetry
Poetry is art and profession in Pakistan. It was originated in Persian empire.
After the independence poetry is written in Urdu language and also regional
language. Faiz ahmad is considered to have been Pakistan’s greatest poet.
Pakistan is known as land of poetry And nearly all Pakistani has written some
poetry.

4.6 Performing arts

4.6.1 Music
The Pakistani music has a large variety, folk and traditional music are famous
in Pakistan, such as Qawwali and Gazal Gayaki in to modern forms
synchronization of Qawwali and western music is popular.

In addition Pakistan is home of many folk singers like as the late Alam Lohar,
who is well known in Indian Punjab, The entrance of Afghan refugees in the
west provinces has rekindled Pashto and Persian music and they established
Peshawar a hub for Afghan musicians and a centre for distribution Afghan
music abroad.

4.6.2 Dances
Kathak is a classical dance developed in the Mughal era and other folk dances
are Bhangada, Luddi, Sammi of Punjab, Lewa, chap of Baluchistan, Attan and
Khattak of Khyber and Dhammal, Ho jamalo, Jumro of sindh.

4.6.3 Drama and theatre

There are very similar to stage plays in theatre. They are performed in the
lollywood industry. Lollywood industry is the Pakistan’s film industry but
Bollywood movies of India are also most popular in Pakistan.

Entertainment

The television board of Pakistan is called Pakistan Television Corporation and

Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation were the dominant media outlets, but
there are now numerous private television channels in the media. Various
American, European, and Asian television program and films are available to
the most of the Pakistani population via private Television Network, cable, and
satellite television for entertainment.

There are also small film industries based in Lahore and Peshawar. Although
Bollywood films have been prohibited from being played in public cinemas
since 1965, Indian film stars are yet generally popular among Pakistan’s
people due to the fact that Pakistanis are easily able to purchase Bollywood
films from local shops for private home watching. But recently Pakistan
allowed some Bollywood films to be shown in cinemas.

4.7 Visual arts

4.7.1 Graphic arts

In Pakistan there are a large variety of graphic art for example hand painted
clay products, hand design for Baltik products and block painting which called
Ajrak. Pakistani vehicle art is a popular folk art.

Painting

Muslims brought with them the artistic traditions of Baghdad when they came
in to south part of Asia. In the starting era the walls and roofs of palaces, forts
and other buildings were decorated with pictoral and floral painting and
designs. Gradually art of the painting gained firm ground.

Mughal emperors were loving of paintings. Humayun brought with him two
Persian painters for the painting of him, Mir Syed Tabrezi and Khawaja Abdul
Samad. They adorned the story of Amir Hamza was pictorially rendered
through paintings by these luminaries. During the period of Akbar the number
of painters in the palace increased manifold. This helped and support the art
of paintings. The matching of colours reached its top. The painters rendered
pictorial copies of many a book and their fine paintings decorated a number
of important public buildings and important places.

Jahangir was a great expert and admirer of painting art. He could gave the
name of the painter by looking at his painting. During that days the art of
painting reached its climax. Beautiful plants, flowers, animals, birds and natural
scenes were painted by the Jahangir’s Painter. The paintings of battle scenes,
sieges and animal fights was painted with realism and unparalleled attraction
in the painting.

The art of painting has developed slowly-slowly in the Muslim of south part
Asia. In the starting decorative paintings and embroidery were made on the
walls and ceilings of buildings and forts. The Mughal rulers were very fond of
paintings. The traditional art of painting occupies a prominent place in the
hearts of the people of Pakistan. Abdul Rehman Ghugtai, Haji Mohammad
Sharif, Jamil Nagshare are the most famous painters.

4.7.2 Calligraphy
Love and devotion for calligraphy is the reflection of love and faith of the
Muslims Quran writing good and stylish has been popular amongst the
Muslim for all the times in Pakistan. Mehmood Ghaznavi and Aurangzeb,
alamgir were the master of calligraphy.

4.8 Food
95% population of Pakistan is Muslims so there are main two types of food
customs that are followed in daily life. One fact is that Muslim don’t eat pork
therefore chicken, fish, lamb and beef are the general food. And second fact is
that during the Ramadan month fasting is a daily activity of people.

Spices and curries are main part of any Pakistani recipe. Spices uses in the
daily life are chili powder, turmeric, black and red pepper, saffron, cumin seed,
paprika, ginger, bay leaf, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, garlic, nutmeg and
poppy seed. Because of use of spice and curry the side dish of Pakistan is plain
rice, in the south part of the country food is more exotic and highly spiced.

Food does play a role on many occasions. Such event if the Eid-ul-azha,
Muslims who can afforded it are required to sacrifices a sheep, go at, camel or
cow giving to god. The meat of the sacrificed animal is separated in to three
equal parts; first one is donated to the poor, second given to relatives and
friends, And third is cooked at home. Eating the meat is the part of celebration
in the Pakistan.

Pakistani cuisine is the lesser known food of the sub-continent and is rich in
tradition, full of marvelous and diverse dishes. Pakistan was created in 1947
when India was partitioned and has a predominantly Muslim population.
Although Pakistan is relatively new, the cuisine has developed many more
years and incorporates elements from its neighbours – India, Afghanistan and
Iran. The varied regions also means there are a whole range of different foods
– from the fertile valleys and the sea of Sindh province; to pastoral
Baluchistan, from neighboring Iran; to the Punjab with its five rivers and the
rugged North West Frontier.

Lunch
A characteristic of Pakistani lunch is it consists of meat curries or lentils along
with rice. Breads like as roti or naan they are regularly served for dinner but
have become general during the day so that rice perhaps served for dinner.
Popular dishes are including aloo gosht or any vegetable with mutton.
Chicken dishes are like chicken karahi and chicken korma this dishes are also
popular. on the other hand, People who live near the main rivers they also eat
fish for lunch, which is sometimes cooked in the tandoori style. Roadside food
stalls often sell just lentils and tandoori roti, or masala stews with chapatis.

Dinner
Dinner is considered as the main meal of the day in the whole family member
gathers for the occasion. Food which requires more preparation and which is
spicier are prepared. Lentils are also a dinner time staple. These foods are
served with roti or naan along with pickle, yogurt and salad. The dinner may
sometimes be followed by fresh fruit, or on festive occasions, traditional
desserts like shahi tukray, gajraila, kheer, qulfi, gulab jamun, or ras malai.

Snacks
Pakistani snacks are comprising food items in Pakistan that are easy to
prepare, spicy, usually fried, and eaten in the evening or early morning with
tea, coffee or with any one of the meals as a side-dish. A given snack may be
part of their local culture, and its preparation and/or reputation can vary from
place to place. These snacks are often prepared and sold by hawkers on
railway stations, footpaths, and other such places like bus station although
they may also be served at restaurants and hotels. Some typical snacks are
dahi bhala, chana masala, chaat, papar, and pakora. Others include katchauri,
samosas, pakoras-either neem pakoras or besan pakoras, vegetable or beef,
gol gappay, bhail puri or daal seu and egg rolls. Nuts, such as pistachios and
pine nuts, are also often eaten at home in Pakistan.

Main dishes of Pakistan

Pulses

There are various kinds of pulses, or legumes, make up an significant part of

the Pakistani dishes. While daal and Channa are popular ingredients in home
style cooking, they are usually considered to be an inexpensive source of food.
Because of this reason, they are in general not served to guests who are
invited for dinner or during special occasions. Combining meat with lentils and
pulses, whether in simple preparations or in elaborate dishes such as haleem,
is also a distinctively Pakistani touch not commonly seen in neighboring India
where a substantial number of its population are vegetarians.

Barbeque and Kebabs

Meat and grilled meat has played major role in Pakistan region for centuries.
Sajji is a Baluchi dish comes from Western Pakistan, made of lamb with spices
that has also become popular in the many part of country. Another Balochi
meat dish involves building a large outdoor fire and slowly cooking chickens.
The chickens are placed on skewers which are staked into the ground in close
proximity to the fire, so that the radiant heat slowly cooks the chickens.

Kebabs are a staple item in Pakistani food today, and one can find various
varieties of kebabs all over the country. Each region has its own different
varieties of kebabs but some like the Shami kebab, Seekh kebab, and Chicken
Tikka are especially popular varieties all over the country. Generally, kebabs
from Balochistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tend to be identical to the
Afghan style of barbecue, with coriander and salt being the only seasoning
used. Regional kebab recipes come from Karachi and the wider Sindh region is
famous for their spicy kebabs, usually marinated in a mixture of spices, lemon
juice and yoghurt. Barbecued food is also popular in some cities of Pakistan’s
Punjab such as Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot. Al-Hamra Restaurant and
Bundu Khan kebab House are famous in Pakistan for their taste and variety of
kebabs. Kebab houses are one of the most profitable food businesses in
Pakistan.

Rice dishes

Pakistan is a major exporter and consumer of rice and its items. Basmati rice is
the most popular type of rice consumed in Pakistan.

Dishes are made with rice include many varieties of pulao like as:

Maash pulao – A sweet and sour pulao baked with mung beans, apricots and
bulghur.

Yakhni pulao – Meat and stock added. Creates a brown rice.

Matar pulao – Pulao made with peas.

Biryani is a popular dish in Pakistan and has many varieties such as Lahori and
Sindhi biryani. Tahiri, which is also a form of vegetarian biryani, is also popular.
All of the main dishes are eaten together with bread. To eat, a small fragment
of bread is torn off with the right hand and used to scoop and hold small
portions of the main dish. Pickles made out of carrots, lemon, mangoes, etc.
are also commonly used to further spice up the food.

4.9 Marriage
In Pakistan marriage is known as “Nikah” in these is formal legal document is
signed by the bride and groom among of several family members or witness
these establish that the couple is legally married.

The other Muslim marriage tradition known as “Mayun” or “Lagan” which take
place four or five days before the marriage and it starts with the bridge
retiring to a secluded area of home. Before the one day of marriage there is a
menhdi ceremony, in this ceremony bride’s hands and feet are painted with
menhdi it’s also known as heena.

4.10 Dress
In Pakistan different parts lave different physical features and climates. Hence
cultured differences found between the people of hills and land. The national
dress of the Pakistan is shalwar qameez for both men and women. There is
two type of version of shalwar qameez are available one is light cotton version
for summer and second one is heavier wool version for winter, the other
dresses are sherwani and achkan.

Men’s Clothing
Men all over Pakistan prefer shalwar kameez with additional accessories which
include Pakistani Achkan, Waistcoat and Sherwani with the shalwar kameez
and with Churidar Pajama. Jinnah Cap, Fez it also called Rumi Topi and
Taqiyah is used with Shalwar Kameez. Khussa is a popular foot wear of men
with shalwar kameez. Men are like to wear traditional shawls made of
Pashmina and other warm materials especially in North part of the Pakistan.

In regional clothing, Balochi people wear shalwar kameez of thick cloth with
very wide shalwar for prevent themselves from the hot wind of dry Sulaiman
Range and Desert. They wear Balochi turban made of a very long cloth,
generally in white color for prevent their head from sun rays.Sindhi people
wear shalwar kameez with traditional Sindhi cap and Ajrak of beautiful designs
of embroidery which are made locally.

Women’s Clothing
Shalwar Kameez
The most favorite dressing of Pakistani women is shalwar kameez which is
comes in different styles, colors and designs. It is comes with different shirt
length, sleeve length, necklines and different types of shalwars like patiala
salwar, churidar pajama and simple trouser. Kurta is also wear by women
which are in latest designs. Dupatta is an necessary part of shalwar kameez
and considered a symbol of woman’s respect.It is used with different
embroidery designs.

Other Traditional Dresses

Pakistani women have very large variety of traditional dresses additional than
Shalwar Kameez but they mostly wear them at special occasions like Wedding,
Engagement, Mehndi and other ceremonies. Among these dresses Saris are
very popular and its each design and color seems unique from the other. Like
Gharara, Farsi payzama, Dhoti, Lahenga style sari etc.

Regional Clothing

In regional clothing, Balochi women prefer to wear heavy embroided Shalwar

Kameez and Dupatta according to the weather conditions of country. They
also wear Kameez full of heavy Embroided Shisha work. Sindhi costumes have
different styles and some women use Ajrak as Dupatta. these women also
wear bangles with clothing in their traditional way. Punjabi prefers lite
embroidery on simple Shalwar Kameez and Kurta. Traditional Lacha and
Bangles are also used with clothing. Paranda is the special traditional, colorful
and unique Punjabi item which is used to tie the hair of women. Pathan
women wear Kameez with a farak with a Dupatta.

Religious Clothing

Women’s religious clothing we indicate the dressing in which they try to cover
all their body parts except their face and hands while they go outside from
their home. Generally women cover their heads with Dupatta or Chadar in
outdoors but religious women prefer to wear Scarf, Burqa and Hijab and wear
lose, long and full sleeve shirts.

4.11 Festival

Name of festival

Celebration time

Activity
Shab-e-Barat
14th of Shaaban, the 8th Islamic month

Prayers, fireworks, exchange of sweet dishes and visits

Eid-ul-Fitr
end of fasting month on 1st of Shawwal, the 10th month of Islamic Calendar

prayer after sun-rise, exchange of sweet dishes, visits

Sibi Festival
Last week of February

Traditional sports, handicrafts exhibition, folk music and dances

Sindh Horse & Cattle Show

Last week of February

Traditional sports, handicrafts exhibition, folk music and dances

Jashan-e-Larkana
Last week of February

Traditional sports, exhibition of handicrafts, folk music and dances

Bassant
mid February every year

Pakistan Day
23 March

Military parade at provincial capitals and Islamabad

Mela Chiraghan (Festival of lamps)

Last week of March
Held for one week outside Shalimar Gardens, Lahore

Horse & Cattle Show

End of March till 1st week of April

Local games, folk dances, music, cattle races and exhibition of local handicrafts

Jashan-e-Shikarpur
In April for 01 week

Cultural activities, local sports and handicrafts exhibition

Eid-ul-Azha
10 Zilhaj, 12th month of Islamic Calendar

prayers after sun set, sacrifice of goats, sheep, cows or camels and distribution
of meat among relatives, friends and poor

Joshi or Chilimjusht
14-15 May

Folk dances, music and exchange of dishes

Shandur Polo Festival

Utchal
15-16 July

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi
12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal – the 3rd month of Islamic Calendar

Independence Day
14 August

Meeting, processions, rallies, decorations and illustrations all over the country

Defense of Pakistan Day

6 September

exhibitions of military equipment

Air force Day

7 September

Display of latest aircraft of Pakistan Air force and air show

Phool
20 – 25 September

Reaping grapes and walnuts, dancing and singing

Lok Mela
1st week of October, for one week

Folk Music, songs, music contests, folk dances, craftsmen at work, exhibition
and sale of handicrafts

Chowma
18-21 October

Welcoming of winter with first snow-fall

Birthday of Allama Muhammad Iqbal

09 November

Singing a National Poet

4.12 Sport
The national sport of Pakistan is hockey the hockey is traditionally it had been
played almost exclusively in the western province of Baluchistan, but the
cricket is the most popular sport in Pakistan. There are many games played in
Pakistan which reflected cultural identity.

Wrestling, hockey, cricket, basket ball kabaddi and squash are some of the
games played all over the country at the international level Pakistan have
competed many times at summer Olympics in failed hockey, boxing athletics,
swimming and shooting.

4.13 Etiquettes in Pakistan

In Pakistan, Culture of Pakistan is Islamic but Pakistan also has their cultural
etiquette based generally on South Asia’s influence, like as British. Culture of
Pakistan is rich and vibrant. Guests will find their hosts to be polite and
friendly. English is largely spoken in major cities such as Karachi, Rawalpindi,
Islamabad and Lahore and other business community. Pakistan is an especially
understanding place despite its governance upon Islam. Guests should note
that there is a large cultural and economic gap between the social classes in
country. Over the past decade, the middle class of country in particular has
been precious by Pakistan’s economic and political disturbance, but it is still
fast increasing. It is best, however not compulsory for guests to have a local
host who can assist and accompany them right through their trip. The new
etiquette in Pakistan is a combination of western and eastern part etiquette as
Pakistan people are very much attracted to the western and eastern norms
and values.

4.13.1 Introduction and Greetings

People of who are opposite sex do not shake hands when they meet each
other. It is sometimes common among men when shaking hands. In urban are
Sindh and in other parts of the country, men and women usually lower their
head and lift their hand to their forehead to make the “adab” gesture when
giving greeting each other.

When being launch to elders or strangers while seated it is customary to get

up it’s a sign of respect.

Generally, women who are know each other they kiss and hug as greeting
while men who know each other they often hug each other as a form of
welcome Pakistanis take their time during greetings and ask about the
person’s health and their family.

It is also general for a Pakistani to reply “well” or “Thank God” when asked
about their health even if you are visiting them at a hospital. Same as, it is
common to say “Allah ka shuker hai” or “Alhamdulillah” as an answer to any
inquiry about person’s health, family or business condition regardless of
actualities.

4.13.2 Dress
Pakistan is a country where women rights are generally protected and women
are generally respected. This is due to the governance of Islamic laws because
it awards high status to the women. Pakistanis hold their women in high
esteem and protect them from outside.

4.13.3 Gift Giving

It is usual to take a gift if you are taken to person’s home.

The gift is generally Pakistan’s sweets, chocolates and flowers.

Do not give white flowers as gift because they are used in weddings.

Do not give alcoholic items and any other alcohol.

Gifts are not open again of the provider.

Gifts are given and taken with both hands.

It is usual to receive a gift showing pleasure and respect even one doesn’t like
the provider.

4.13.4 Business Meetings

English is generally spoken and understood in Pakistan. The local language is
called Pakistani English.

Appointments are required and should be made, in writing, 3 to 4 weeks in

advance, although meetings with private companies can often be arranged
with less number of notice.

The best time to schedule meetings is at the morning or afternoon.

If at all possible, try not to schedule meetings during Ramadan month. The
workday is reduced, and since Muslims fast, they will not be able to offer you
tea, which is a sign of unfriendliness.

You should arrive at meetings on proper time, but be prepared.