Culture of Pakistan

The 17th Century Badshahi Mosque built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Lahore

The society of Pakistan (Urdu: ثقافت پاکستان) comprises numerous diverse cultures from the Punjabis and Sindhis in the east to the tribal cultures of the easternmost of Pakistan's provinces. The cultures have been greatly influenced by the surrounding cultures of India, Afghanistan, Central Asia and the Middle East along with other places. Pakistan in ancient times was a major cultural hub, the home of ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization, the foundation of Indian culture. Many cultural practices and monuments have been inherited from the rule of many rulers of the region that have added their cultural traditions to the region. One of the most influenced cultures being the Mughals.

Pakistan has a wealthy cultural and ethnic background going back to Indus Valley Civilization, 2800 BC – 1800 BC. The region of Pakistan has been invaded in the past, occupied and settled by many different people, including Aryans, Greeks, White Huns, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and various Eurasian groups. And indeed the region has formed a distinct cultural unit within the main cultural complex of South Asia from earlier times. There are differences in culture among the different ethnic groups in matters such as dress, food, and religion, especially where pre-Islamic customs differ from Islamic practices. The cultural origins come from the civilizations of India and eastern Afghanistan, with significant influences from Persia, Turkestan and Hellenistic Greece. However, it was the first part of the subcontinent to receive the full impact of Islam. Hence it has developed an identity of its own.

Diwan-e-Khas: The hall of special audience with the emperor

Bahauddin Zakariya

Ancient sites in Pakistan include Buddhist monuments, Hindu/Buddhist temples, Palaces and Monuments built by Emperors, tombs, pleasure grounds and Anglo-Mogul mansions - some in a state of dereliction which makes their former grandeur more emphatic. Sculpture is dominated by Greco-Buddhist friezes, and crafts by ceramics, jewellery, silk goods and engraved woodwork and metalwork.

Pakistani society is largely multilingual and multicultural. Though cultures within the country differ to some extent, more similarities than differences can be found as most Pakistanis are of mainly Aryan heritage. However, over 60 years of integration, a distinctive "Pakistani" culture has sprung up especially in the urban areas. Education is highly regarded by members of every socio-economic stratum. The traditional family values are highly respected and considered sacred, although urban families have grown into a nuclear family system, owing to the socio-economic constraints imposed by the traditional joint family system.

The past few decades have seen emergence of a middle class in cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Quetta, Faisalabad, Sukkur, Peshawar, Abbottabad and Multan. The rural areas of Pakistan are regarded as more conservative and are dominated by regional tribal customs dating back hundreds of years.

Pakistan has lots of examples of a thriving cultural scene. However there is no high culture, no interest in Western Classical Music, no Art Cinema, no world renowned literature, no conceptual art scene. As Babur the first Mughal emperor said about India.

Hindustan is a place of little charm. There is no beauty in its people, no graceful social intercourse, no poetic talent or understanding, no etiquette, nobility, or manliness. The arts and crafts have no harmony or symmetry. There are no good horses, meat, grapes, melons, or other fruit. There is no ice, cold water, good food or bread in the markets. There are no baths and no madrasas [Islamic schools].

— Babur, Baburnama

This is quite a harsh observation as there is now ice and cold water and also baths and madrasas. The only thing however that hasn't changed is that it is now just as charmless as it was all those years ago except for a few architectural gems now being essentially destroyed by lack of care from the native populace as they dont care; they'd rather listen to Bollywood Filmi Music and mindless pop than learn about thier history.

Literature

Iqbal in deep thought; The picture earned him the Famous title of "The Thinker"

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Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan is considered to be the most influential poet of the Urdu language

History

Main articles: Pakistani literature and Books and publishing in Pakistan

Pakistani literature, that is, the literature of Pakistan, as a distinct lite gained its nationhood as a sovereign state in 1947. The common and shared tradition of Urdu literature and English literature of South Asia was inherited by the new state. Over a period of time, a body of literature unique to Pakistan has emerged in nearly all major Pakistani languages, including Urdu, English, Punjabi, Pushto and Sindhi.

Poetry

Main article: Pakistani poetry

The Urdu language has an old tradition of poetry and includes famous poets as Mirza Ghaliband Allama Iqbal are famous Urdu Poet in Pakistan. Apart from Urdu poetry Pakistani poetry also has many blends of other languages. Arabic Poetry, Balochi Poetry, Persian poetry, English poetry, Punjabi poetry and Kashmiri poetry have all incorporated and have influenced the different kinds of poetry. Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ahmed Ndeem Qasimi, Hafeez Jalindhari, Sofi Tabasum, and many other names are in list as national poet as they innovated the nationalistic thought. Similarly Iqbal proved to be a true Muslim nationalist poet as a Muslim country Pakistan include Iqbal in national poet list.

Performing arts

Music

Main article: Music of Pakistan

Pakistani music is represented by a wide variety of forms. It ranges from traditional styles (such as Qawwali) to more modern forms that try to fuse traditional Pakistani music with western music. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was internationally renowned for creating a form of music which synchronized Qawwali with western music. Popular forms of music also prevail, the most notable being Film music and Urdu and Punjabi Pop music. In addition to this are the diverse traditions of folk music, as well as modern styles such as Rock with bands such as Junoon becoming recognized internationally.

Drama and theatre

Main article: Theatre in Pakistan

These are very similar to stage plays in theatres. They are performed by many well-known actors and actresses in the Lollywood industry. There are many types of themes that are brought across with lots of humour. The themes that are bought across ranges from a huge range of events that taken place in ones life. Ahmed Latif is a leading actor in a recent film 'Mein MCD ka dewana' and is said to become prime minister. Other famous actors set to feature in the film include Zain Ali and Omar Chaudhry.

Visual arts

Architecture

Main article: Pakistani architecture

The architecture of the areas now constituting Pakistan can be designated to four distinct periods — pre-Islamic, Islamic, colonial and post-colonial. With the beginning of the Indus civilization around the middle of the 3rd millennium B.C., an advanced urban culture developed for the first time in the region, with large structural facilities, some of which survive to this day.Mohenjo Daro, Harappa and Kot Diji belong to the pre-Islamic era settlements. The rise of Buddhism and the Persian and Greek influence led to the development of the Greco-Buddhist style, starting from the 1st century CE. The high point of this era was reached with the culmination of the Gandhara style. An example of Buddhist architecture is the ruins of the Buddhist monastery Takht-i-Bahi in the northwest province. The arrival of Islam in today's Pakistan meant a sudden end of Buddhist architecture. However, a smooth transition to predominantly pictureless Islamic architecture occurred. The most important of the few completely discovered buildings of Persian style is the tomb of the Shah Rukn-i-Alam in Multan. During the Mughal era design elements of Islamic-Persian architecture were fused with and often produced playful forms of the Hindustani art. Lahore, occasional residence of Mughal rulers, exhibits a multiplicity of important buildings from the empire, among them the Badshahi mosque, the fortress of Lahore with the famous Alamgiri Gate, the colourful, still strongly Persian seeming Wazir Khan Mosque as well as numerous other mosques and mausoleums. Also the Shahjahan Mosque of Thatta in Sindh originates from the epoch of the Mughals. In the British colonial age predominantly representative buildings of the Indo-European style developed, from a mixture of European and Indian-Islamic components. Post-colonial national identity is expressed in modern structures like the Faisal Mosque, the Minar-e-Pakistan and the Mazar-e-Quaid.

Recreation and sports

Main article: Sports In Pakistan

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Polo is regarded as a traditional sport and played widely in the northern areas

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Field hockey match between Pakistan and Inda

The official and national sport of Pakistan is field hockey, although squash and cricket are also very popular. The national cricket team has won the Cricket World Cup once (in 1992), were runners-up once (in 1999) and co-hosted the games twice (in 1987 and 1996). The team has also won the Australasia Cup in 1986, 1990, and 1994. The country will also be hosting the 2011 Cricket World Cup with India and Bangladesh.

At an international level, Pakistan has competed many times at the Summer Olympics in field hockey, boxing, athletics, swimming, and shooting. Hockey is the sport that Pakistan has been most successful at the Olympics, with three gold medals (1960, 1968, 1984). Pakistan has also won the Hockey World Cup four times (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994). Pakistan has hosted several international competitions, including the SAFG in 1989 and 2004.

A1 Grand Prix racing is also becoming popular with the entry of a Pakistani team in the 2005 season. The Tour de Pakistan, modelled on the Tour de France, is an annual cycling competition that covers the length and breadth of Pakistan. Recently, football has grown in popularity across the country, where traditionally it had been played almost exclusively in the western province of Balochistan. Fifa has recently teamed up with the government to bring football more closer to the northern areas too. Also, it is hoped that Pakistan will fare better in the Football World Cup qualifiers for 2010.

Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Pakistan

The culinary art in Pakistan comprises a mix of Middle Eastern, Indian, Iranian, Afghan, and Turkish cuisine that reflects the country's history as well as the variation of cooking practices from across the surrounding regions. Urban centres of the country offer an amalgamation of recipes from all parts of the country whereas food with specific local ingredients and tastes is available in rural areas and villages. Besides the main dishes of curry with or without meat cooked in vegetables or lentils, there are a number of provincial specialties such as karahi, biryani and tikka which are served in various forms, flavours and tastes and are eaten alongside a variety of breads such as naan, chappati and roti. There are also local forms of grilled meat or Kebabs, desserts as well as hot and cold drinks.

Festivals

Ramadan

The holiest month of the Islamic Calendar. It is widely observed in Pakistan during which Muslim Pakistanis (about 97% of the population) fast, attend mosques with increased frequency and recite Quran. Special foods are cooked in greater quantities, parties are held and special accommodation is made by workplaces and educational institutes.

Chand Raat

After an Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, just the night before Eid comes, everyone gets ready for Eid. In the night known as Chand Raat, girls put henna on their hands. Most people have parties at their house. People go out for the last minute shopping for gifts and sweets that will be given to friends and families. Even outside at the malls and the plazas, there are many colourful lights. There are large crowds in the city center to celebrate the beginning of Eid.

Eid celebrations

The two Eids, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha commemorate the passing of the month of fasting, Ramadan, and the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael for God. During these days there are national holidays and many festivals and events take place to celebrate Eid. As Pakistan is a Muslim state, there are three days off for all businesses and Government offices.

On the night before Eid, people search for the new moon to mark the end of Ramadan and arrival of Eid ul-Fitr. The day starts with morning prayers, then returning home for a large breakfast with family members. The day is spent visiting relatives and friends and sharing gifts and sweets with everyone. During the evening people hit the town for some partying, going to restaurants or relaxing in city parks.

On Eid ul-Fitr, money is given for charity and as gifts to young children.

Milaad un Nabi

Milaad un Nabi is a known religious festival which is celebrated in many parts of Pakistan. The Milaad is the celebration for the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Muharram (Ashura)

In Pakistan, the first ten days of Muharram are observed officially. The 10th of Muharram is celebrated in the memory of Hussain, the grandson of Muhammad, who was killed, along with 72 family members, friends and followers during the Battle of Karbala. It is celebrated mainly among the Shia community of Pakistan.

Jashn-e-Baharan

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Kites on display before Basant festival in Lahore

Main article: Basant

Jashn-e-Baharan also referred to as Basant is a pre-Islamic Punjabi festival that marks the coming of spring. Celebrations in Pakistan are centered in Lahore and people from all over the country and abroad come to the city for the annual festivities. Kite flying competitions take place all over the city's rooftops during Basant. The fertile province of Punjab was intimately tied via its agriculture to the different seasons of the year. The arrival of Spring was an important event for all farmers and was welcomed with a celebration, hence the origins of Jashn (celebration) Baharan (spring).

Nowruz

This festival is like Nowruz of Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia. In Northern Pakistan (Chitral, Gilgit and Baltistan) Nowruz is celebrated as a socio-religious festival. It is also celebrated with much fervour in Balochistan. The day coincides with the Spring Equinox on March 21, but the celebration continues for weeks. In Baltistan, the main feature of Nowruz is gifting of coloured eggs to friends and polo matches. While in Balochistan, the festival is marked with outdoor feasts, and the traditional jumping over a fire to wash away sins and usher in a fresh start. The origins of this festival are pre-Islamic and date back to when Pakistan was part of the Achaemenid and Sassanid Persian empires for several hundred years.

Independence Day

Main article: Independence Day (Pakistan)

On August 14, the people of Pakistan celebrate the day Pakistan gained its independence from the British Raj for an independent state for Muslims. There are many celebrations all over the country, the streets are full of joyful people singing and dancing. Concerts are held with many pop and classical singers. Parades are held in the capital city (Islamabad). Many people decorate their houses and fly the flag of Pakistan. At night, fireworks are used in many cities. Many people pray for the country and think how proud they are to be Pakistanis.

Defense Day Parade

Main article: Pakistan Defence Day

September 6 is another patriotic day, when the Army of Pakistan is put on display for the general public to show Pakistan arms. All Government officials attend the ceremony and medals and recognitions are awarded to special people for their work. In March 2007, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) put on display the new joint manufactured Chinese-Pakistani aircraft called the JF-17 Thunder.

Popular media

Television

Main article: List of Pakistani television and radio channels

Traditionally, the government-owned Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) has been the dominant media player in Pakistan. The PTV channels are controlled by the government and oppositional views are not given much time. However, past decade has seen emergence of several private TV channels (news, entertainment) such as GEO TV, AAJ TV, ARY Digital, Indus Vision, HUM, MTV Pakistan and others. Traditionally the bulk of TV shows have been plays or soap operas, some of them critically acclaimed. Various American, European, Asian TV channels and movies are available to a majority of the population via Cable TV.

Television accounted for almost half of the advertising expenditure in Pakistan in 2002.[2]

Radio

Main article: Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation

After independence, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) was the sole radio channel in Pakistan during 1947. The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation was formed on 14th August 1947 when Pakistan became independent. It was a direct descendant of the Indian Broadcasting Company which later became All India Radio. At independence Pakistan possessed three radio stations at Dhaka, Lahore and Peshawar. A major programme of expansion saw new stations opened at Karachi and Rawalpindi in 1948, and a new broadcasting house at Karachi in 1950. This was followed by new radio stations at Hyderabad (1951), Quetta (1956), a second station at Rawalpindi (1960) and a receiving centre at Peshawar (1960). During the 1980s and 1990s the corporation expanded its network to many cities and towns of Pakistan to provide greater service to the local people. Today, there are over a hundred radio stations due to more liberal media regulations.

Cinema

Zibahkhana, also known as Hell's Ground, is a Pakistani Horror Film

Main articles: Cinema of Pakistan, Pollywood, and Kara Film Festival

An indigenous movie industry exists in Pakistan, and is known as "Lollywood" as it is based in Lahore, producing over forty feature-length films a year. In contrast, Indian movies are popular in Pakistan despite a ban since the Pakistan-India War in 1965. However, due to the massive film piracy industry in Pakistan, Indian Bollywood films and American Hollywood films have made it to Pakistani movie shelves and home videos for over thirty years. The Lollywood industry used to produce many Urdu films however as Lahore became the headquarters of the film industry, slowly the number of Urdu films decreased with the same rate of Punjabi language rising.

Pakistan also has another film industry based in Peshawar, North West Frontier Province that produced Pashto language films. As demand for films has increased, Karachi has its own version of film festivals, which includes the Kara Film Festivals where many film producers, actors and film staff get together to celebrate achievements in the industry.

National Dress

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Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, in Shalwar, sherwani and Karakuli hat, with his sister Fatima Jinnah, in Shalwar Qameez. Picture taken in 1947.

The national dress of Pakistan is Shalwar Qameez (Urdu: شلوار قمیض ) for both men and women. It consists of a large, loose fitting tunic with very baggy trousers. Men's version consists of solid, masculine colours and is almost always accompanied by collar and buttons (similar to polo shirt). Women's version almost never contains collar and buttons but is often embroidered and consists of feminine colors and may feature lace or flower patterns.

In the summer, a cotton version is often worn, while during the winter, a heavier, wool version is worn.

The Sherwani or Achkan with Karakuli hat is the recommended dress for male government employees and officials, as it is not specifically associated with any of the provinces. Most male government officials wear the formal black sherwani on state occasions.

Globalization

Increasing globalization has amplified the influence of "Western culture" in Pakistan. Pakistan ranks 46th in the world on the Kearney/FP Globalization index. Many Western restaurant chains have established their franchises in major cities and towns in Pakistan.

A large Pakistani diaspora exists in the West. Whereas Pakistanis in the United States, Canada and Australia tend to be professionals, the majority of them in the United Kingdom, Germany and the Scandinavia originally came from a rural background belonging to the working class. A large number of Pakistani expatriates are also living in the Middle East. These emigrants and their children influence Pakistan culturally and economically, keeping close ties with their roots by travelling to Pakistan and especially by returning or investing there.

Mercantile culture

See also: Economy of Pakistan and Economy of Karachi

Pakistan's service sector accounts for 53% of the country's GDP. Wholesale and retail trade is 30% of this sector. Shopping is a popular pastime for many Pakistanis, especially among the well-to-do and the thirty-million strong middle class. The cities of Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad, Faisalabad and Quetta are especially known for the great contrast in shopping experiences - from burgeoning bazaars to modern multi-story shopping malls. In particular, Lahore and Karachi are peppered with colourful shopping plazas.

Over 1,081 patent applications were filed by non-resident Pakistanis in 2004 revealing a new found confidence.

Sexual conservatism & cultural taboos

The direct translation of Pakistan's name means Land of (the) Pure, implying spiritual purity. The roots of this spirituality would be based on the Islamic faith, which prescribes strict sexual conservatism, especially when compared to the west. Therefore, the following norms of a western society are usually strict cultural taboos in Pakistan:

• Public displays of affection, even by married couples. This however varies from place to place.
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is illegal in Pakistan. Only non-Muslim Pakistanis and non-Muslim foreigners are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages (after receiving government issued license). However, a Parsi owned brewery operates in Pakistan called Murree Brewery, which produces all sorts of alcoholic beverages. Despite all the restrictions, there are reports that underground alcoholic activities exist.

External links

• Menu Lahore - A blog about eating out in Lahore
• Pakistan Culture and Environment
• Danka's List of Cultural Events in Pakistan
• Pakistan: a cultural profile
• About Pakistani culture at Pakistans.com
• Read Columns & Articles about Pakistani Culture at IBITIANS.com (Urdu)