Culture of Pakistan

Pakistani culture is a composition of several elements. Culture actually refers to what people
socially learn and share as the member of society where as Pakistan possesses
heterogeneous society. Apart from believing in the oneness of Allah and Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H) as the last Prophet, the rays of beliefs are scattered. Pakistan was acquired in the
name of religion so there must be Islamic culture in it. But what seems on paper is quite
different in reality. Religion, as a subset of culture, is polluted in different ways. Every
person have its own culture and the cultural traditions, mores, norms and values are
changing gradually with the time.
To focus on positive aspect of Pakistani culture one should ponder on the art and literature.
We have the beautiful folk stories of Heer Ranjha, Sassi Punu, Sony Mahewal, the attracter
mausoleums of Multan, the Toppi and Ajrak culture of sindh and much more. Overtly, it is
a rich culture of Pakistan but covertly it is failed to discribe the culture of Pakistan.
Professor sahar Ansar, speaking in the second International Urdu conference, said that the
only way to tell the world that we are culture is through literature.
Pakistani culture is composed of different cultures like Punjabi, Saraiki, Pushtoon, Sindhi,
Baluchi and Kashmiri. It is entangled with extremism, corruption, lawlessness, identity
crisis and lack of nationalism. The horizontally divided and vertically torn Pakistani society
is failed to define the boundaries of its culture. The national language is under the threat of
globalization. In 90s people switched on to Urdu language to project their learned
impression but now the language is a mixture of both Urdu and English. The family pattern
of Pakistan is existing in a good condition than that of the West yet it is in a transitional
period because of economic burden. People are moving far away from combined family
system and preferring nuclear family whereas West is moving back to combine family
system.
Another counter culture is coming on the scene and that is Talban culture that is again
threatening the culture of Pakistani people. Talibans are rejecting some of the most
important norms of wider Pakistani society and are proud of it.
Globalization is another active factor which is not only effecting the Pakistani culture but
every culture of the world, yet having many spaces, Pakistani culture is much vulnerable to
it.
Pakistani people should recognize that in the absence of any robust culture, they will lose
their national voice and image. We exist as others see us not as we see ourselves. Our
embassies should play active role in projecting media should play positive role in
harmonizing the culture. A universal tolerance should be applied. There must be a complete
distinction between real culture and Ideal culture.
Today due to globalization, Pakistani culture is largely influenced by the western society.
Pakistani traditional dress is shalwar kamiz which is mostly turned in to shirt and trousers. This
main influence is due to the fact that many Pakistani are living abroad and they come back with
this change. Many restaurants from other countries have started business in Pakistan and are
making a lot business here. Media has played a wide role in bringing this change. There are
many channels of different countries that can be watched these days in Pakistan. This is
something that is to some extent positive and negative also. Positively the new generation gains
knowledge while negatively they are attracted to it and want to bring it in to practice. Indian
movies can be seen here in Pakistani cinemas and Pakistani movies can be seen in India. This is
positive in terms of Indu Pakistan Relations.
Variety of Dresses
Pakistani culture is rich in variety of dresses: The people of Punjab, the Pathans of NWFP, the
Baluchi people and the Sinddhis wear their own distinct dresses. These dresses are very colorful
and prominent and give attractive look during national fairs and festivals.
Sports
Pakistani people are great lovers of sports and games. Modern games like hockey, cricket,
football, badminton, squash, table tennis and lawn tennis are played throughout the country. In
addition wrestling, boxing, and athletics are also very popular among masses.

Male Dominated Society

Pakistani society is dominated by male members. Each family is headed by the senior most male
member who is responsible for arranging the bread and butter of the family.
Handicraft
Pakistan enjoys great distinction in handicrafts at international level. Wooden furniture of
Chiniot, sports goods of Sialkot and embroidery of Multan and Hyderabad is world famous.

Fair and Festival

The culture of Pakistan has great tradition of Fairs and festivals. These fairs are held in all parts of the country.
Moreover, annual years of great saints are held to commemorate their anniversaries.