An Introduction to Pakistan's Culture

Subcontinent is the name given to the countries of India, Pakistan & Bangladesh with its boundaries marked by Himalayas in north, Indian Ocean in south, Iran in the west and Burma in the east. This part of the world has got a rich culture, with it's roots in pre-historic times of Mohanjodaro and Harrapa, it is a blend of Muslim and Hindu civilization also influenced by the British Colonial Empire which left this region in 1947 with the formation of Pakistan & India.

The partition of Sub-Continent has been explained by the historians as the inevitable consequence of the differences between Hindus & Muslims nevertheless the cultures of both countries are somewhat alike. Most probably the biggest reason for this point being that before partition both nations were under the same British rule and during that period they shared each other's rituals and customs and result is very much obvious now that both share a very much alike modern culture. Still now the vast population of Muslims in India share their lives with Hindus.

The conception of Pakistan has been traced down by historians to the advent of Islam in sub-continent, when the first Muslim conqueror, Muhammad Bin Qasim, entered Sindh (now a province of Pakistan). Islam affect Pakistan's culture in particular making religion a main priority for the people. Its basic teachings are tolerance and love and Pakistanis follow these rituals strictly, feeling pride in doing so.

Pakistan comprises of four assorted provinces, Punjab, Balochistan, NWFP & Sindh, each with it's own values and customs. This is a land of vast cultures yet its people are bound together by such common elements as patriotism and respect for religion. Most of the population belongs to lower class, lacking even basic necessities of life, which makes them more concerned with income for them and their families. These people are characterized as tough, brave, flamboyant and zest. The dresses of the people are simple and decent, influenced by various climatic regions. Same is the case with their foods, they are simple, nutritious and are according to local needs. With so many cultural divisions in Pakistan, there are numerous langauges spoken in different parts of the country with some as famous as Urdu & English and some limited to local areas like Brahawi & Balti.

Importance of music in a Muslim culture is obvious with the fact that great scholars like Farabi and Ibn-e-Sina wrote books on the subject. Qawalli in Pakistan represents this type of music along with modern styles of Sufi Rock. The matchless music is famed all over the world with its soothing as well as mystic effects. Musical instruments used are unique to this part of the world. It is interesting to know that all four provinces of Pakistan have got their own local traditional musical heritage totally different from each other. In urban areas, the new culture is greatly affected by western style, with new pop and rock bands taking control of the stage.

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