Salient Features of Pakistani Culture

2nd Year Pakistan Studies Notes

Salient Features of Pakistani Culture

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DEFINITION OF CULTURE



Culture may be defined as behaviour perculiar to human beings,together
with material objects used.Culture consists of
language,ideas,beliefs,customs,codes,institution,t
ools,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 the basic beliefs and faith,values and literature
,aart and architecture,music and mode of dress,manners and customs
prevalent in a given Society."

PAKISTANI CULTURE IS A 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 inspired 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 Baluchi.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.Literatur and Poetry



Literature is an important aspects of our cultural life.Most of our
poets reflect Islamic code and trend in their poetry.They gave the
message of love and brotherhood.Simlarity of thoughts amongst poets and
writers of all regions is an important factor of our cultural life.

4.Dress and Diet



Dress is an important manifestation of culture.The regional dresses of
Pakistan under go changes in the light of local traditions,economic
conditions,way of living and wealth in the region.But in all provinces
people generally wear Shalwar Qameez.



Our eating habits,foods and social etquette are stricktly in conformity with Islamic principles.

5.Mixed Culture



Pakistani culture is a mixed culture although majority of people are
Muslims by birth and faith .But there is great influence of Hindu 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
soul sources 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 elwgant 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 exellent Mughal architecture.

8.Handicrafts



Embroidery,Leather works,glazed pottery,wood work,carpet making,metal
crafts,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 wrestling,hockey ,cricket,football,squash,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 syllabi 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.Ulema,Mushaikh and Sufi Poets



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

CONCLUTION



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.