A culture of any country features social aspects like religions, ethnicities, languages, habits, lifestyle and food. The culture of any country makes the residents unique and significant out of the world. Pakistani culture is a beautiful blend of Persian, Indian and Islamic institutions.
With diversity in landscapes from snow covered world’s second highest mountain peak K-2 to the hottest deserts and from plains of Punjab to Coastal areas of Gawadar, Pakistan is blessed with all natural and geographical exquisiteness. Pakistani people are hospitable, patriotic, moderate and diligent. What you’ll find as a traveler in Pakistan. Let us tell you the significant features of Pakistani culture including food, clothing, beliefs, language and custom.
PAKISTAN GEOLOGY
Pakistan is a country of 200 million people, the sixth most-populous country in the South Asia. There are four provinces Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, one de-facto province Gilgit Baltistan and one self-governing state Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. Covering a total area of 796,095 km2, Pakistan shares a land border with Afghanistan in the west, China in the northeast, India in the east and Iran in the south west. It also has coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south. Residing at the foothills of the Himalayas, Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan that ranked world’s most beautiful capital in one ranking in 2015. The other big cities are Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Quetta. Almost all big cities of Pakistan have well-built road infrastructure, shopping malls, national and international brand food and other outlets, and a very busy and rushing daily life. Around 65% of the population of Pakistan live in the rural areas and are connected with agricultural activities. Most of Pakistan’s economy relies on its production and export of cotton, rice, mangoes, kinnows and Himalayan Pink salt.
LANDSCAPES
There are five main rivers; Indus, Chenab, Ravi, Jhelum and Sutlej, in Pakistan that are backbone to Pakistan’s social and agricultural life. Pakistan is home to K-2, the second highest mountain in the world, at 8,611 metres above sea level and 108 peaks above 7,000 metres. The five major deserts of Pakistan are Thar Desert in Sindh, Kharan desert in Balochistan, Katpana desert in Skardu (Gilgit Baltistan), Thal desert in Bhakkar (Punjab) and Cholistan in Bahawalpur (Punjab).
RELIGIONS
Pakistan is a Muslim state comprising 96.4% Muslims and around 4% of minorities including Hindus, Sikh and Christians. The most following Muslim sect in Pakistan is Sunni sect. Other sects; Wahabis, Deobandis and Shias also have significant representation in Pakistan. Beautiful Faisal Mosque in Islamabad and a historical Badshahi Mosque in Lahore are the most prominent travel destinations in Pakistan.
Anyone can observe big and small mosques, call of azan and people going for offering prayer five times a day in all parts of Pakistan. People of Pakistan follow Islamic principles in their customs, and traditions in everyday life.
The family system is very strong in Pakistan. The man is the head of the household and a breadwinner. In Pakistan, majority of the men marry only once and remain loyal to the same marriage throughout life. Whether housewives or working, women are responsible for all house chores, cooking and caring for children. However, it is common practice to have a part-time maid to help with household chores. The joint family system is preferred. Giving regular expenses to older parents is also a beautiful custom here. People spent recklessly on marriages. There should be decrease in wasteful customs and showmanship which are mostly a burden on a bride family.
LANGUAGES
Urdu is a national and official (with English) language of Pakistan that is spoken and understood in all parts of Pakistan. Because of ethnic and linguistic diversity, almost 73 languages are spoken in Pakistan where some of main local languages are Punjabi, Saraiki, Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi, Brahvi, Hindko, Kashmiri, Shina, and Balti.
English is also spoken and understood in all areas of Pakistan as a second or third language.
CLOTHING
Shalwar-kameez, the national dress of Pakistan, is a common attire for men and women in all areas of Pakistan with some local modifications. Women wear full sleeve, small neck-line and knee length kameez with a big scarf called dupatta or chadar and narrow bottom trousers called shalwar. Men wear shalwar kameez with waist-coat and traditional pagri or caps in Pakistan. A large number of young men wear paint-shirts, western attire in urban areas of Pakistan. Young Women wear Kurta kameez with jeans.
FOOD
Pakistani people are foodies. They love cooking, roasting, frying, dining and enjoying food in daily-life. Pakistani people mostly like dishes of meat; beef, mutton, fish and chicken cooked in rich oil. A few of the most popular and widely cooked meat dishes in Pakistan are Biryani, Qorma, Chicken tikka, Nihari, Haleem, Sajji, Paye and Shami Kabab. People like spicy food in Pakistan that is cooked with local garam masalas(spices).
Asides meat dishes, Pakistani women cook pulses, beans and vegetable curry, also called “Salan” for lunch and dinner which is then served with home-cooked hot roti (a round-shaped wheat bread cooked on grill pan called tawa). Saag, fried Bhindi(ladyfinger) and mixed vegetable are few most favorite vegetable dishes in Pakistan.
Rice dishes are also cooked and liked in Pakistan. If you would ask any Pakistani about their favorite food then for approx. 70% will answer you Biryani, Pulao or Daal Chawal; all rice dishes.
A fried egg or an omelet with paratha (wheat bread cooked with oil) is most commonly eaten for breakfast in all areas of Pakistan. They also take tea (a black-tea with milk) for breakfast and in the evening.
Other traditional breakfast include Double Roti (bread), Rus, Cake Rusk, Halwa puri, Channey, Naan and Paye with Doodh patti, lassi and makhan(butter).
Most of the Pakistani don’t have a sweet-tooth but they like to eat desserts after meals. Some popular deserts are Kheer, Sheer khuram, Trifle, Custard, Lab e Shireen and Mithai. Mithai like Barfi, Gulab Jaman, and Rasgulla is widely eaten on celebrations, festivals and weddings.
A black-tea with milk, served to guests with a variety of snack-like eatables; Samosa, Pakora, Biscuits, Fries, Chicken bites, and Cake-Pieces as a starter is common in Pakistan. The guests are then served with a main course meal comprising Biryani, Qorma, Kabab, Roasted meat, Kabab, Roti, Nan, Salad following the last course of sweet dishes.
The commonly used drinks in Pakistan are tea, doodhpatti, Lal Sharbat, lemonade, Lassi, fruit juices, milkshakes and carbonated drinks like Pepsi etc.
WEDDINGS
Pakistani weddings are a clear blend of Muslim and Indian culture. Pakistani wedding customs, traditions and clothing reflect Indian and Mughal historical institutions. A Pakistani bride wears a red dress with heavy gold jewelry on her big day. Pakistani groom mostly wear shalwar kameez with sherwani. There are three main functions of Pakistani weddings: Mehndi, Nikkah and Walima. Mehndi is celebrated one day before the main function. Nikkah is an Islamic ritual which is an Islamic agreement of wedding which is the main function. Walima is a reception from the groom side, next day of Rukhsati following the sunnah.
FESTIVALS:
Pakistani people celebrate two main Islamic festivals Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha with great enthusiasm and a religious spirit. In Pakistani women wearing bangles, and applying mehndi on hands at the occasion of Eid and weddings is a tradition. Other festivals of Pakistan where you can observe festivity includes Chand Raat, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Independence day of Pakistan, Youm e Takbir, Quaid’s day, and Pakistan day.
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS:
If you want to cover-up whole Pakistan in a short time, as a foreigner then the main travel destination in Pakistan includes
- Visiting beautiful and modern capital city Islamabad,
- Watching stunning lakes in Narran-Kaghan Valley,
- Meeting the astonishing high peaks in Gilgit-Baltistan,
- Enjoying cultural life in monuments and food-streets in the Lahore city
- Taking a glimpses of economic hub city of Karachi to must visit 190 km apart Hingol National Park to meet 'Princess of Hope' and other naturally formed rocks.
SPORTS
Pakistani people are big fans of cricket. They watch cricket matches and get emotional in the time of victory or defeat.
WOMEN
Women seem to be an active part of society both in rural and urban areas. Women work and study in all parts of Pakistan. Covering the head is not mandatory in Pakistan but dress should be modest and cover the body parts.
Political Outlook
Pakistan has to bear considerable chaos with its eastern neighbor country India on issue of Kashmir since its formation. Pakistan and India share a 3, 323 km land border with a stretched common history even having diverse religious and social divisions. Both countries have fought three major and many minor battles against each other in 75 years of their independence. This is one of the main reasons that Pakistan army is 10th most powerful and highly trained military in the world that is backed with atomic bomb technology, latest fighter planes, and wide range cruise missiles.
The influence of powerful military can also be observed in decisions and political scenario of Pakistan. Pakistani people deeply admire and respect their Armed forces.
FREE TIME
People go for outings in free time. They spend time watching movies, and listen to music with friends. Many people in Pakistan spend their free time watching TV, drinking tea or cold drinks at homes or at local cafes. Watching news channels is one of the most favorite pass times in Pakistan. People are politically active and have freedom of speech to discuss political leaders. Anyhow, talking about religious matters needs a high level of consciousness in Pakistan. Travelling culture within or outside the country has boosted in the recent years. Normally, people go outside parks with families on weekends. Pakistan had faced bad security time in previous years due to Afghan war in neighbour, but the conditions have come to normal and the security and free movement is not a big deal now for local and foreign tourists.
Last but not least, Pakistan is a beautiful country with diversity of cultural beauty and hospitality. One must visit Pakistan to enjoy the unique features of Pakistani culture.
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