The Cultural Diversity Of Pakistan

According to United Nation data, Pakistan’s population is 219,159,481, based on Worldometer elaboration, conducted on February6,2020 which is equal to 2.83% of the world’s population. Ethnically, Pakistan is a diverse country. Basically, Pakistan is divided in four provinces; Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and three territories; Islamabad capital territory, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. Pakistani people are divided with respect to geography; carry a set of norms which, afterwards, identify them as a unique ethnic group. Major Pakistan ethnic groups regarding areas are Punjabi (Punjab), Sindhi(Sindh), Pashtun(Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Balochi (Balochistan), Saraikis(Southern Punjab) and Kashmiris(Kashmir). Despite it, Pakistani people are abide in low number in other areas as well and known as its ethnic groups, for example; Brahui, Hindko, Pahari, Shin, Burusho, Wakhi, Balti, Chitral, Muhajir,Yusufzai, Orakzai, Swati, Afridi, Wazir, Mohmand, Mahsud etc. Except for that, the people of northern Pakistan (Hunza, Chitral, Gilgit, Dir etc.) are known as unique people with respect to their norms and culture to the rest of the people of Pakistan. Pakistani people carry its own uniqueness of culture and customs with respect to its regional traditions. As thus every ethnic group has its own colour.

Cultural Diversity

Pakistan is an Islamic country which is a remarkable influential mark on every custom and tradition of Pakistan. Culturally, Pakistan is a rich country because Pakistani people are attached emotionally to their cultural and societal norms. These all cultural norms have been maintained since 1947 when Pakistan came into existence and justify their distant beauty. Pakistani people’s culture is greatly shaped up by their history, geographical and ethnic identities. Majorly, Pakistani culture is influenced by India, Persia, Iran, Afghan, Central Asians, South Asians and Western Asians. On the basis of physical features, food, historical bloodlines, language, customs and music, every group has its own cultural values. Cultural ethics of some of the ethnic groups are given below;

1. Punjabi: Punjabi culture is a culture of friendship and tolerance which is manifested by the teachings of saints and sufis. They teach to spread love all around irrespective of cast, religion and colour. Punjab is quite progressive in its culture as it is open to foreigners; open to foreign invaders(Afghanistan and Central Asia) in the past.
2. Sindhi: Sindhi ethnic group is next to Punjabi group in size, it is second biggest ethnic group. Sindhi are closer to Indian culture than the rest of Pakistan. Just like Punjab, their culture norms are shaped up by the religious scholars, saints and sufi; the prominent names are Sachal Sermast, Shah Abdul Lateef Bhitai and Lal Shahbabz Qalander. Its culture is not as much advanced as of Punjabi because this area was limited connections with foreigners; this area was invaded once “Muhammad Bin Qasim”.
3. Pashtuns: Pashtuns belong to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; culturally, it is strongly influenced by Afghanistan. Pashtuns are known for taking revenge, giving shelter, courage, generosity to defeat, self respect, justice, hospitality, tolerance and loyalty. Despite the strong influence of Afghan, its culture also shows strong attachment to Indian and culture as well. The famous poets and mystic figures of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are Rahman Baba, Khushaal Khan Khattak and Pir Baba whose ultimate message was love.

Dress Codes and Rituals

The national code of Pakistan is Shalwar Kameez for men and women. With the Shalwar Kameez, common accessories waistcoat, Achkan, Sher wani, Churidar Pajama, Jinnah cap, Khussa etc are worn all around Pakistan. As Pakistan is a culturally diverse country so regionally culture to culture rituals and dress codes vary. For example; Punjabi likes to wear kurta and dhoti and on the other hands women wear Lacha, kurta or Salwar Kameez with dupatta and wear bangles. Pashtun male wear Shalwar Kameez with waist coats on the other hand, as Khyber Paktinkhawa closely linked with Islamic norms, women wear Burqa or Chadar, restricting them to cover their heads and face. As dress codes, the ethnic groups have their own rituals just like special ritual dances of every ethnic group. Punjabi love to do “Bhangra” or “Ludi”.

Food Varieties

Pakistani foods are much similar to south Asia food varieties. The food varieties of Pakistan are greatly influenced by Asia, Central Asia and Middle eastern cuisines. Pakistani cuisine is richly flavored by spices, herbs and seasoning such as red chilli, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and garam masala. Pakistani people prepare their food as curry and later eat it with roti and most of the time curry is prepared with vegetables, meat and lentils. Rice is also common in Pakistani food items. Rice is used as fried, boiled, spicy and sweet dished. Despite it, as Pakistan is culturally rich to every region and culture carry its own delicious and famous dish.