"Culture" can be defined in
many different ways. Culture may be defined as behavior peculiar to human
beings, together with material objects used. Culture consists of language,
ideas, values, attributes, beliefs, customs, codes, institutions, tools, works
and arts , religion, law, morality ,ceremonies and festivals.
According to Muller-Layer, Culture can be defined as "Culture is an aggregate
means of achievement and of progress".
Salient Features of Pakistan Culture:
Pakistan is a Muslim country and Islam is the official religion. Islam is the
religion which is professed and practiced by the people of Pakistan.
Pakistani culture can be called as "Mixed Culture". Although the majority of
people in Pakistan are Muslims by birth and faith, there is a strong influence
of Hindu culture on the present Pakistani culture. The shadows of this influence
are quite visible on the marriage ceremonies and festivals like "Basant".
Dowry Systems and heavy expenditures on the marriage of girls is done, which is
inherited from Hindu society because in Hindu society there is no share of women
in the inheritance of their parents. Although women are given a share in the
inheritance of their parents in Pakistani society, there are huge expenditures
on the marriages of daughters.
English is the official language in Pakistan, but the national language is Urdu,
which is widely spoken and understood throughout the country. Punjabi, Pushto,
Sindhi, Baluchi and Kashmiri are the regional languages.
Pakistani society is a "Male Oriented Society", where they are given full
protection and great respect. The family is headed by a male member, usually the
oldest male member of the group. He guides the other members. Old people are
given positions of prestige, honor and respect in Pakistani culture.
Social life is simple. Social customs and traditions reflect Islamic touch:
people are very much conscious about their social traditions and feel pride in
following them.
Dress in a Muslim society like Pakistan is designed and intended to cover human
body, as nudity is prohibited in Islam. So, people of Pakistan prefer to wear
simple dresses according to their climate.
Pakistani handicrafts are gaining popularity in the world market day by day, as
Pakistani craftsman are considered as the best in their craftsmanship. Pakistan
is famous for its high standard items of glass, silver, wooden furniture,
pottery, marble goods and things made of camel skin.
Cricket, Hockey, Football, Kabbadi, squash, badminton, and wrestling are the
major sports in Pakistan.
Ulema, Mushaikh and Sufi poets occupy highly honored places in Pakistani
culture.