Culture refers to the
cumulative deposits of knowledge, experience, beliefs, values, hierarchies,
attitudes and possession acquired by a group of people in the course of
generations through individuals and group striving. Different cultural groups
think, feel and act differently. As time passes cultural differences manifests
themselves in different ways and different levels.
When we look at the culture of Pakistan, the society and culture of Pakistan is
a collection of various ethnic groups; the Punjabis, Potwaris, Sindhis, Balochis,
Makranis, Kashmiris, Hazaras, Pashtuns and Muhajirs. These Pakistani ethnic
groups were influenced by the South Asia, the Central Asia, West Asia etc.We can
say that Pakistani culture is a mixed culture.
Although Pakistani culture is an Islamic culture, the people of Pakistan are
following much of the western culture which is the root cause of the identity
crisis which we and especially the youth are facing today. The love of poetry
and literature of Allama Iqbal and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the grace of royal
families of Delhi, the rich heritage and folk lore of Punjab, the tempt of
Sindh's ancient civilization, the hospitality and competitive warrior pride of
Pathans and Balochis, now have been left back. In the name of modernization we
have forgotten our own cultural values and beliefs. It can be noticed that
people are not proud to speak their own language. Yes! english is an
international language but it doesn't means that we will forget our national
language. For example Malaysian Prime Minister uses Malay language to converse
with other ministers. He used his National language and gave it its importance.
We are more eager about Holi, Diwali, Christmas, Halloween and New Year. Yet
these activities are not included in our culture, we find them more entertaining
and enjoyable. Conversation between our youth are often focused on Indian songs,
Indian movies and Indian actors. Many of us have very least awareness of the
Pakistani music industry but when we listen a song of a Pakistani singer which
he sang for India we make him popular and praise him but when he used to sing
for Pakistan we didn't even new his name. That's what we call loosing our
culture loosing our identity. The Qawalis of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sahab were
being ignored from so long but when the Indian music industry used it in their
industry we started taking interest in those Qawalis. This is what Western
countries and bollywood has done to us.
Several Pakistanis believe that banning Indian movies and daily soaps is the
only way to overcome the losses suffered by Pakistani culture. Until there is no
real sense of responsibility to recover our society and put Pakistani interests
first no major change can begin to occur. As a beautiful saying is:
"i lead no party, i follow no leader, i have given the best party of my life to
careful study of Islam, its law and policy, its culture, its history and its
literature." Allama Mohammad Iqbal.