Value Of Pakistani Culture
(Marium Iftikhar, Karachi)
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 of Islam 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. Our 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 we can see these
days. 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 Muslim Relations but Indian culture can not be
accepted here. Some major differences occur. Like they worship Gods consider
them as statue stone. We believe in one God and it's a belief within our souls.
We do not make statues. Like movies our industry is not well known but we still
do make movies.
We 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 traveling to Pakistan and returning and investing
there. At the same time there is also a reactionary movement in Pakistan which
wants to move away from these changes made by the western influence in Pakistan.
This group is strongly conflated with Islam and is on a strong mission.