To Understand what Pakistan is??

Pakistan, a country in Southern Asia, has a rich culture and heritage. Formerly, a part of 'Hindustan', Pakistan became an independent country on August 14, 1947.. The neighboring countries of Pakistan, like Iran (in the west), Afghanistan (in the northwest) and India (in the east) also influence its culture.

Language 

Although, English is widely spoken in Pakistan, Urdu is the official language. The other languages that are spoken in Pakistan are Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushto, Balochi, Saraiki, etc. 

Religion 

The majority of Pakistan's population are Muslims and they follow the Islamic religion in a strict fashion. They offer prayers five times everyday. Ramadan, the most important festival of the Muslims, is also considered as a sacred month. During this month, they fast from morning till sunset without drinking water and are strictly prohibited from smoking and consuming alcohol. The last day of Ramadan is Eid which is celebrated with great fervor with family and friends. 

Architecture

The architecture of Pakistan is miscellaneous, as every nation that invaded and settled in this country has left a mark on it. In ancient times, this Islamic country was a part of the Indus Valley Civilization and the architectures of Mohenjo Daro, Harappa, are considered as the heritage sites.

The invasion of the Mughal empire led to the development of Islamic architecture. The Shah Jahan Mosque of Thatta is the first building that was constructed according to the principles of Mughal architecture. One of the very important monuments that came up during this period is the Badshahi Mosque. It was built during the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb, and is flanked by the magnificent Alamgiri gate. 

Later, during the time of colonization, the constructions were majorly of Indo-Western style. Today, in the post-colonial era, we can see a mixture of all these styles along with the modernized structures. 

Sports

Although, field hockey is the national game of Pakistan, cricket is a game that is followed with lot of passion. In recent times, even soccer has become popular among the people. The country also internationally represents in sports like swimming, boxing, shooting and athletics.

Art and Literature

Poetry is the most important form of literature in Pakistan. One of the most known exponent of Urdu poetry is Mirza Ghalib. He has written various poems in Urdu and Persian. His poems are still read and loved by Urdu and Hindi speaking people around the globe. 

Pakistani literature is not restricted only to Urdu poetry. There is an embodiment of works written in English, Punjabi, Sindhi and Pushto languages. Also, there are Pakistani diasporic writers around the world. 

Music is a primary interest of the Pakistanis. Qawwali, which was said to have been introduced by Amir Khusrau, is one of the most traditional forms of music that exists in Pakistan. Film, Urdu and Punjabi pop music is also popular among the people. Nowadays, it is blended with western music and this amalgamation has developed into a popular music genre. 

The most popular entertainment medium in Pakistan are the television and the radio. Pakistan's film industry is referred to as Lollywood with a production of 40 motion pictures every year. Indian movies are also popular in Pakistan, although, it has been banned by the Government of Pakistan. 

Social Culture

The Pakistanis are mostly conservative in nature. They follow a strict code of conduct. They live in a patriarchal family where the eldest male member is the head of the family. The elders are given lot of respect and their opinions are regarded with utmost importance while taking important decisions. 

Although education is considered as a very important factor among the middle class people, most Pakistani women are not given the freedom to work. But nowadays, many joint families are disintegrating into nuclear families due to the social and economic limitations that are enforced by the joint family system. 

Pakistan, is a country, that adheres to its traditional beliefs, values and customs especially in matters of religion. Although, the Pakistanis are deeply rooted in their cultural values, the nation is not lagging behind, with globalization affecting every part of the world. Westernization has embarked into the Pakistani culture which has paved the way for positive development.

Bisma amjad 

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Pakistan's Cultural Heritage.....to be Saved.

Located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, Western Asia and the Arab Gulf region, Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage is in fact both diverse and unique. It’s historical sites range from the ancient urban settlements of Mohenjo-daro from the Indus Valley civilisation of Sindh and the rich Buddhist Ghandara civilisation, to Mughal monuments, shrines of Muslim mystics, Sikh and Hindu temples and colonial period architecture, as well as numerous natural wonders.

However, at present the cultural diversity of Pakistan receive little attention in comparison to the gigantic political, social and economic problems confronting the country. It is also unfortunate that the present international image of Pakistan obscures the cultural heritage of the country, leading to its increased international isolation. In order to reverse trends, it is vital to draw attention to its unique cultural heritage and promote a more balanced picture of the country. 

In order to do so, it is necessary for relevant government institutions to make greater efforts to protect and promote the aspirations of the diverse range of ethnic and linguistic groups which reside in Pakistan. Efforts must be made to encourage increased participation of local communities, including women, in conservation and management of varied national cultural assets, including historical buildings, local literature, folklore and even music. After all, this heritage is a testament to the rich diversity of cultures and religions in this land for centuries. There is an absence of practical measures for protection, conservation and maintenance of numerous other heritage sites strewn across Pakistan. However, its low priority and the lack of sufficient resource allocation to realise this goal has resulted in attempts to promote cultural heritage, mostly in the form of renovation or preservation of a very limited number of historical sites.

Cultural tourism perhaps offers the best means to promote cultural assets, while at the same time deriving economic benefits out of them. There are many international examples from Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa and South America indicating how cultural sites can be preserved through adoption of sustainable tourism plans. Although there is huge potential for tourism in Pakistan, growing insecurity in the country must be tackled first.

Mariam Arif

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