Define Culture and discuss the salient features of Pakistani Society.

By

Syed Rukhsar Shah Lecture: 21,22

1 Definition of Culture

2 Pakistani Culture is an Islamic Culture

3 Salient Features of Pakistani Culture & Society.

4 Conclusion

Definition of Culture:

Culture may be defined as behaviour peculiar to human beings, together with material
objects used. Culture consists of language, ideas, beliefs, customs, codes, institution, tools,
techniques, works of arts, ceremonies and so on.

According to Allama Iqbal

Culture encompasses all the mental, spiritual and physical activities of a nation. It includes
teh basic beliefs and faith, values and literature, art and architecture, music and mode of
dress, manners and customs prevalent in a given society.

Pakistani Culture is an Islamic Culture

Pakistan is an ideological Islamic State. Its very existence is due to Islam, so the Pakistani
culture is primarily based on the Islamic way of life. All other ingredients of culture are
nspired by Islam. Pakistani culture is highlighted by its grandeur, simplicity, firm convictions
and noble deeds and ideas.

Salient Features of Pakistani Culture

The main characteristics of Pakistani culture are as follows:

1. Religious Uniformity

Pakistan came into existence to provide its people a system of life based on Islam. The
people, in spite of some differences of languages, customs and traditions commonly follow
one religion of Islam. This is the religion, which is practiced by all people of Pakistan.
2. Language

A number of languages are spoken in Pakistan. Some of them are Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushto
and Balochi. But Urdu is spoken and understand in all parts of Pakistan. Being the official
language, it is the media of communication between all regions of Pakistan.
3. Literature and Poetry

Literature is an important aspect of our cultural life. Most of our poets reflect Islamic code
and trend in their poetry. They gave the message of love and brotherhood. Similarity of
thought amongst poets and writers of all regions is an important factor of our cultural life.
4. Dress and Diet

Dress is an important menifestation of culture. The regional dresses of Pakistan under go

changes in the light of local traditions, economic condition, way of living and wealth in the
region. But in all Provinces people generally wear Shalwar Kameez.
5. Mixed Culture

Pakistani culture is mixed culture although majority of people are Muslims by birth and
faith. But there is great influence of Hindus and British culture on the present Pakistani
society.
6. Male Dominated Society

In Pakistani culture, the male member of the family enjoys the key position. Family is
headed by a male member and in most cases, he is the sole source of income for other
members of the family.

7. Arts and Architecture

The iconoclasm of Islam has given a characteristic form and pattern in the use of elegant
designs, based on geometric figures and floral forms borrowed from nature. The Shah Jahan
Masjid, Shalimar Garden, Badshahi Masjid, Shahi Qila and many such graceful buildings are
a living proof of the excellent Mughal architecture.

8. Handicrafts

Embroidery, leather works, glazed pottery, wood work, carpet making, metal crafts and
ivory are the essential parts of our culture. Pakistani craftsmen are considered as the best in
their craftsmanship. They are known for the high quality works which is very popular in
foreign countries.
9. Recreational Activities – Sports

The recreational activities all over the Pakistan are common. The games like Cricket,
Hockey, Football, Kabaddi etc are popular in every part of our country. These games reflect
our cultural identity.

10. Education

Education contributes a great deal in developing national character. Educational system

plays a vital role in the formation of Culture, Unity and Solidarity of a nation. It is therefore,
important that the entire syllabus right from the lower to higher level should be placed in
accordance with the ideology of Pakistan.

11. Religious Festivals

Festivals play an important part of our culture. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha are our two main
religious festivals. They are celebrated with great happiness throughout the country.
12. Islamic Rituals and Religious Festivals

Islamic rituals and festivals play an important part of our culture. The rituals and festivals
are observed with unusual enthusiasm. Obligatory prayers, fasts during the month of
Ramadan and the payment of Zakat prescribed by Islam are being observed almost
everywhere. Statistics reveal that Paksitanis attendance at Hajj is usually very high. The
enthusiasm with which Pakistani families celebrate religious festivals is a inspirational
spectacle. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha are our two main religious festivals. They are
celebrated with great happiness throughout the country.

13. Ulema, Mushaikh and Sufi Poets

Ulema, Mushaikh and Sufi Poets occupy an honoured place in our cultural aspect of life.
Sufis like Lal Shahbaz, Data Ganj Baksh, Shah Abdul latif, Sachal Sarmast, Hazrat Sultan
Bahu and Waris Shah rendered meritorious services for the spread of Islam in the Sub
Continent.

Conclusion
Culture which includes religion, literature art, architecture, dresses, music, manners and
customs has its roots in the Islamic culture. Islam has described the rights and duties of
every individual. Even in drinking, eating and dressing, we have to observe certain rules
prescribed by Islam. So it may be said that Pakistani culture represents the true picture of
Islamic culture. Pakistani Culture is very unique in terms of its social and ethical values. These values
are something which are given due importance. This culture revolves around the religion which teaches
equality among every human being that exists on this planet. Pakistan’s culture is very diverse. It has
been invaded by many different people belonging to different races. These people include the white Huns,
Persian Arabs, Turks, Mongols, and various Eurasian groups. These groups differ in there way of
dressing, food, religion. Pakistani culture consists of different cultures starting from the Punjabis and
Sindhis to the tribal cultures of the easternmost Pakistani provinces. Now these cultures have strongly
been influenced by surrounding cultures of India, Central Asia and the Middle East along with other
places.

Pakistani society is largely multilingual and multicultural. There are some similarities than differences that
can be found as most Pakistanis belong to Aryan heritage. Like Sindhis and Punjabis obviously have a
language difference. Traditional family values are known every where in this multicultural environment.
The rural areas of Pakistan are still dominated by their own tribal customs dating back hundreds of years.

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.

Pakistanis are doing almost everything done in other parts of the world. Large number of Pakistanis lives
in other parts of the world like UK, United States, Canada, Australia as well as the Scandinavian nations.
Large number Pakistanis are also living in Middle East. These emigrants and their children influence

Pakistan culturally and economically by travelling to Pakistan and returning and investing there .