PAKISTAN: PEOPLE & CULTURE

School of Water &

Environment

Adnan Ahmed (2021029907) &; Tehmina Bano (2021129909)

The Role of Geography over the Culture of Pakistan
Pakistan is representative of its colorful history and the vivacious civilizations and realms that
have existed in the region, however, Pakistan has developed its own identity and culture amongst
the many that have coexisted, by including variations of all the diverse ethnic cultures and
practices of the various cultures.
There are differences in the cultural practices of different ethnic groups in dress, food, and
religious aspects; they show varying influence from China, Bengal, India, and Eastern
Afghanistan. Pakistan was the first state in South Asia that received the complete influence of
Islam; it has developed a unique Islamic identity, which is different from the areas of further
west.
Pakistanis have evolved an often distinct and unique set of cultures, traditions, and customs in the
region. Shalwar Qameez is the dress commonly worn, both by men and women and Kashmiri, etc.
put and dances are distinctly unique with their melodies, instruments, patterns, and styles. Pakistani
arts in metalwork, tiles, furniture, rugs, designs/paintings, literature, calligraphy, and much more
are diverse and renowned internationally. Pakistani architecture is unique with its infusion of
Islamic, Persian, Turkish, and Indigenous styles.

The climate in Pakistan varies from place to place. In the mountain regions, the temperature falls
way below freezing during the winter months. Climate and geography play major roles in
determining many lifestyle factors. Pakistan is located in South Asia bordered by China, India,
Afghanistan, Iran, and the Arabian Sea. The area of Pakistan is 307,374 square miles with a
population of about 220.9 million (2020) which is an average population density of about 718
persons per square mile. Within Pakistan’s massive area, there is a beautiful topographical
layout. The Indus River almost divides the country in half, spanning from the northeast to the
Arabian Sea.
On the eastern side of the Indus Rivers lies the Indus Plain and on the western side extends the
Baluchistan Highlands. Located to the north, there are excellent opportunities for winter sports,
mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful scenery because of the Himalayan hill stations
(Kaleidoscope, 3). Next to the Himalayas, is the Karakorum Range that contains Pakistan’s
highest point and the world's second-highest point, K2, reaching an elevation of 28,250 feet
above sea level.

Adnan Ahmed (2021029907) &; Tehmina Bano (2021129909)

Major Ethnicities of Pakistan
Punjabis
The Punjabis are the largest ethnicity in Pakistan and are generally the most dominant and
influential people in the bureaucracy and armed forces. The province of Punjab is Pakistan’s
most prosperous and populated. It has been the recipient of extensive government funding and is
equipped with many high-quality public services that attract thousands of Pakistanis from all
over the country. As past and current governments have shown a preference towards economic,
educational and agricultural development in the province of Punjab, Punjabis are often
considered to be the privileged ethnicity in Pakistan. Pakistanis of other ethnicities can also hold
resentment regarding the prevalence of Punjabis in government and positions of power.
Pashtuns (or Pathans)
Originating from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the northwest of Pakistan, Pashtuns have gained a
reputation as ‘hard worn’ people who have survived in rough topography and severe climates.
Today, many are highly urbanized and have become known for their trading and business skills
in all manner of professions. Those who remain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have generally retained
a strong tribalism and collectivistic social organization. They share many characteristics with
neighboring Afghans1 and often have distinctly Central Asia(Turks). Pashto is the most widely
spoken language.
Sindhi
Sindhis originate from the southern province of Sindh. Sindh has an ancient culture dating back
to the 7,000-year-old Indus Valley Civilization. It is highly influenced by Sufi doctrine and
principles taught by cultural icons and saints of the region. Interior Sindh is distinct from urban
areas like Karachi and Hyderabad as it is still largely under the control of a feudal system of land
ownership and organization.
Sindhis are generally soft-spoken people. The Sindhi language and culture is characterized by
folkloric traditions predominant in rural towns. In Sindh, folk singers and women play a vital
role in spreading folklore through musical instruments even older than the South Asian sitar. The
preservation of these tales and instruments is of vital importance to Sindhis, and many have been
featured in modern musical renditions.
Baluchis (or Baluch’s)

Adnan Ahmed (2021029907) &; Tehmina Bano (2021129909)

The Baluch people are the indigenous people of Baluchistan, which is split over both Pakistan
and Iran. Both these nations have a province named ‘Baluchistan’ that most Balochi’s live in,
although many others are dispersed throughout Sindh, Afghanistan and other regions.
Baluchistan is the biggest province of Pakistan but also the most remote and least densely
populated. It is characterized by vast areas of desert-like mountainous terrain. This geographical
isolation has generally led to the Baluchi’s being secluded from outside influence, meaning they
have retained quite a distinct cultural identity.
Gilgit Baltistan (GB)
The autonomous region of GB is situated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.  This area is most
likely surrounded by mountains like k-2, Gasherbrum II, Hidden peak, Kangri, Gasherbrum I and
many more. This region is the habitats of people of Tibet and some Iranian people. Here the
population is low as compare to other regions of Pakistan so a peaceful environment can be
found. Basic language is Shina in Gilgit but the people of Gilgit Baltistan speak different
languages most likely Urdu, Tebitian, Burushaski, Khowar, Balti, and some people can speak
Punjabi and Pushto too. So here we can clearly observe the cultural glimpse of both Iran and
Tibet as this region has different people from various cultures.
Historical Background of our cities
As we both belong to “Jhelum” and “Hyderabad”, we would add few prominent features of our
cities here;
Jhelum, present at northeast of Pakistan is famous for various historical buildings, landmarks and
homeland of major ruling dynastieshere. It was found by “Alexander the great” in 4 th century,
which shows that it has the impact of almost 1600 years old civilization.It is also called “ city of
soldiers” or “city of martyrs” ,because it had provided a number of soldiers to the British
army(during 1st world war) in past and to the Pakistan armed forces today. The first and oldest
grand trunk road( GT Road) also passes through it.
It is major contributor of timber in the country and therfore helps in industrial productivity.
Hyderabad,located at the southeast of Pakistan qnd east to the “Indus River", is the 2 nd largest
city in Sindh and 8th largest in Pakistan. It is the core place of development of major cultural
concepts of Pakistan and is ruled by the finest emperors of the history.

Adnan Ahmed (2021029907) &; Tehmina Bano (2021129909)

It contains the information regarding the constructional, recreational and religious civilization of
today’s Pakitan in the form of hallmarks and the major landmarks include “Rani Bagh", “ Sindh
Museum” and “Hyderabad Cantonment”.
It is the major cultural and commercial centre of Pakistan and serves as transit between various
regions of the country.
Conclusion
It is common knowledge that the Pakistani nation has suffered from the country’s economic
situation with rampant poverty and high illiteracy. Regardless of these sufferings, Pakistan’s has
continue to develeop smoothly.
Pakistanis are a passionate, emotional, expressive and colorful 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.

Adnan Ahmed (2021029907) &; Tehmina Bano (2021129909)