2. Definition of Culture
Culture may be defined as an integral whole which
affects human ideals, actions and modes of living.
"Culture is a complex whole which includes
knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, customs and all
other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a
member of a society."
According to Allama Iqbal, “Culture is the
characteristics and knowledge of a particular group
of people, defined by everything from language,
religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.
3. Culture of Pakistan
The society and culture of Pakistan comprises
numerous ethnic groups: Punjab, Sindh, KPK and
Baluchistan.
• Religion
Religion provide the meeting ground for all the regional
cultures of Pakistan.
• History
Pakistan has a common historical background of almost
1000 years (712-1857 AD) of Muslim rule and Indus valley
civilization (2500 BC).
• Geography
Having a diverse range of physical features, customs,
traditions and habits of the people living in different regions
has provided a rich cultural heritage to Pakistan.
4. Characteristics of Culture of Pakistan
Islamic Values and Traditions
Majority of population comprises of Muslims and
follows teachings of Islam, I-e., belief in one Allah,
Prophet Hood of Hazrat Muhammad P.B.U.H,
brotherhood, equality and social justice etc. Islam
is religion of peace and patience. Pakistani society
is very cooperative.
5. Characteristics of Culture of Pakistan
National and Regional Languages
Pakistan is a large country which comprises of four
provinces, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas
(FATA) and Federally Administered Northern Areas
(FANA). All of these component parts have their
own regional languages. As such Punjabi, Pashtu,
Sindhi, Balochi, Barohi and Kashmiri are regional
languages. However, Urdu is the national language
which is spoken and understood in all parts of the
country.
6. Characteristics of Culture of Pakistan
Mixed Culture
People entered the Indus Valley from Iran, Turkey,
Arabia, Central Asia, Iraq etc. adopted the sea rout
to reach the soil of Sub-Continent. They bought
their traditions, customs, festivals and way of life.
The local culture mixed with the culture of new
arrivals created a multicolored culture on the soil
of present day Pakistan.
7. Characteristics of Culture of Pakistan
Rich Literature
Pakistani culture is rich in the literatures of Urdu,
Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtu, Baruhi, Balochi and Kashmiri
languages. Urdu literature boasts of the
masterpieces of Iqbal, Hali, Ghalib, Manto and Faiz
whereas the Punjabi literature stands out with great
names like Waris Shah, Bulleh Shah and Shah Hussain
etc. Similarly, Sindhi literature glitters with the
masterpieces of Shah Abdul Latif, Sachal Sarmast.
The Pashto literature also boasts of names like Sheikh
Saleh. The Balochi literature comprises of
masterpieces of Muhammad Ali, Hasrat Baloch etc.
8. Characteristics of Culture of Pakistan
Male Dominant 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.
Family Life
Male oriented with strong sense of family bond,
generally preference is given to boys over girls.
Marriage
Considered as a social and emotional bond between
two individuals and families. Arrange
marriages are preferred.
9. Characteristics of Culture of Pakistan
Variety of Dresses
Pakistani culture is rich in variety of dresses: The
people of Punjab, the Pathans of KPK, the Balochi
people and the Siddhi’s wear their own distinct
dresses. These dresses are very colorful and
prominent and give attractive look during national
fairs and festivals.
10. Characteristics of Culture of Pakistan
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. Pakistan has produced
great sportsmen in the past. These include Bholu in
Wrestling, Hanif, Miandad, Imran,Wasim Akram,
and Inzamam in cricket, Shehnaz sheikh,
Islahuddin, Khalid mahmood, Akhtar Rasool, and
Munir Dar in hockey and Jahangir, Jansher in
squash.
11. Characteristics of Culture of Pakistan
Handicrafts
The Handicrafts in Pakistan are of great value and
they are highly appreciated. Both Men and Women
participated in their production. Pakistan enjoys
great distinction in handicrafts at international
level. Some are: Sports and Surgical goods at
Sialkot, Sheets and Bhera of Multan, Cutlery of
Wazirabad, Bangles of Hyderabad is world famous.
12. Characteristics of Culture of Pakistan
Food
About 98% of the daily diet of most Pakistani consi
sts of four basic item~ Roti, Rice, Vegetables
and meat. Most Pakistani dishes are Nehari,
Halwapuri, Korma, Haleem, Biryani etc. Due to
regional and climate variations in Pakistan, variety
of food is available in Pakistan,
• PUNJAB: Paratha, Makhan, Lassi etc.
• SINDH: Fish, Seafood etc.
• KPK: Sajji, Balti Meat etc.
• BALOCHISTAN: Dry fruits, Pulses etc.
13. Characteristics of Culture of Pakistan
Culture Heritage
Pakistan has very valuable cultural heritage.
Shah Jahan Masjid in Thatta, Shalimar Garden,
Badshahi Masjid, and Shahi Qila of Lahore are
few examples of Mughal architecture. Many
archaeological sites in Pakistan are Mohen-jo-daro,
Harappa (Indus valley civilization) and Taxila
(Gundhara).
14. Characteristics of Culture of Pakistan
Art and Craft
Islam prohibited from pictorial art, therefore as
being a Muslim country emphasis in Pakistan is laid
on non-pictorial form of Art like calligraphy, floral
and geometrical design. Sindh is famous for Ajrak,
embroidery glass work and kashi work and.
beautiful decoration pieces made of Sea shells and
marble, Multan is famous for various articles of
camels skin, Chiniot is for wood works, Peshawar is
for Metal work and Baluchistan is for embroidery.
15. Festivals
• Ramadan
• Chand Raat
• Eid celebrations
• Milaad un Nabi
• Muharram (Ashura)
• Jashn-e-Baharan
• Independence Day
• Defense Day Parade