Culture of Pakistan

Pakistan Culture is generally considered to be the basic identity of Pakistan nation as their trends,
History, Silent Features, rituals and way of life forms their culture of living, and this culture
becomes their distinctiveness. Like all countries Pakistan also do have the Culture which is being
circulated all over the territory but at the same time continuous amendments are being done in
the national culture of the state. Let us have the overview as from where the culture of Pakistan
has originated. Before independence in 1947 Pakistan was combined with the Sub Continent
India, where Hindus and Muslims used to live together on one land. Before that it was the
Mughal Empire of Muslims which made us renowned and popular all over the globe and it is not
surprising that still after hundreds of years we do have various features and reflection of that old
traditional culture in our modern Pakistan.So from those old days the culture of Pakistan is being
transferred and is being redefined at regular intervals. After the independence when the Muslims
of Sub Continent got the separate homeland, it was the time when the real culture of Pakistan
was being formed which was being made complementing with the ideology on the basis of
which the independence was being acquired. Sometimes it is the fact that the people living in any
specific culture modify themselves to make them compatible with it, while in the other cases
people modify the culture which suits their way of life. Western countries are the major example
of the second type in which people modify the culture as per their interest and their comfort
ability. Going back to the Indus Valley Civilization, it was renowned for its ordered cities,
advanced sanitation, excellent roads, and uniquely structured society. Various invasions have
taken place in the territories of Pakistan as it has been invaded many times in the past, and has
been occupied and settled by many different peoples, each of whom have left their imprint on the
current inhabitants of the country. Being a Muslim and the country being the Islamic Republic of
Pakistan, the culture of the country should be aligned with the teachings of Islam, Quran and
Sunnah. The rules and regulations which are being established in the state are not contradictory
to the teachings of Islam and that is why after the independence the name of the state was being
finalized as Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Being an Islamic country the trend of Madaris and
religious institutions are very much common and that has also given a unique identity for the
Muslims as long beard and dresses of Shalwar Kameez are very much common which is
concerned to be a very important personality trait amongst the people of Pakistan. The
constitution of the state is according to the rules and regulations of Islam. The national holidays
of the state also include three major celebrations for Muslims, which is Eid-ul-Fitar, Eid-ul-Adha
and Eid Milad-un-Nabi (P.B.U.H). The fulfillment of all the religious obligation is one of the
most crucial and Significant characteristics of Pakistani Culture.There are so many languages
which are being spoken in the country but when it comes to the national language the solidarity
is being observed as the national language of Pakistan is Urdu, which contributes a lot in the
strengthening of the culture and the unity of the nation in Pakistan. The provincial languages are
also very much important in the Pakistani culture as each of the province do have their own local
native language like; Pushto, Punjabi, Sindhi, Siraiki, Kashmiri and Baluchi.Pakistan is a sports
loving country in which the trend of sports not only in the major grounds but also on roads,
streets and small green belts is very much common which shows the affiliation of the people of
Pakistan towards their sports. As the national game of the country is Hockey but still huge
following of Cricket, Football and Squash is being seen. The traditional culture of Pakistan also
gives huge importance to games like Kabbadi and Wrestling.
Dresses have always been the most prominent feature in the culture of any country and that is
why Pakistan does also have specific cloths which represent the national culture. The national
dress of Pakistan is Shalwar Kameez which is not just the national dress but also the main feature
of the appearance of a Pakistani culture..Pakistan does have a very unique tradition, history and
culture as far as the calligraphy & architecture is being concerned as the inheritance of this art in
Pakistan is of the Muslim period of South Asia. The Mughals specially built different buildings,
parks, monuments, places, Mosques & Forts. Their service in the field of art and architecture is a
bright example of Islamic art & culture, as one of the very famous and long lasting example of
this creativity and creation is Taj Mahal which is being located in Agra, India which was being
made by the emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his third and the most beloved wife Mumtaz
Mahal. Media is the all important feature of the Culture of Media, which plays the vital role in
establishing strong basis for the national culture but unfortunately in Pakistan the case is reverse
as media is one of those negative features which are endangering the national culture.
Traditionally, the government-owned Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV). There are several
private TV channels showing news and entertainment. There are many FM radio channels too.
The world is becoming a global village for which the media has also advanced himself is such a
way that they have crossed all the limitations which were being bound to follow. Pakistan has a
very unique mixed culture in which the various cultures from different provinces combines
together to form an amalgamation of ethics, values, norms and beliefs which forms a very
charming and attractive national culture of Pakistan. But the problem arises when the people of
Pakistan starts adopting the culture of other people mainly including India from the neighbors
and Western countries. This is when the commonality of the national culture becomes threatened
and imperil. Then very common example to this is the Mehndi function which is nowadays a
very important function in all the weddings in Pakistan is not our culture, but it is being adopted
from India, Basant festival which is being celebrated with the utmost excitement and enthusiasm
is being adopted again from India, and the unethical dresses in females and males is being
adopted from the west. The people of Pakistan should stick to their own Pakistan culture and
should always promote it by being its brand ambassador so that the entire world show know and
praise them due to their exquisite culture of Pakistan.