Pakistan has some deeply rooted cultural norms connected to its culture, religion, customs, history, and tradition which are cherished by the people. It has a diverse and rich culture which reflects the multi-ethnic population of Pakistan.
Some of the key aspects of Pakistani cultural norms are listed below:
Distinct role of men and women:
There are separate roles for men and women. Men are often regarded as the head of the family with extended family living together under one roof. They make important decisions and exert their authority. In the majority of houses, the eldest man in the family is the leader, as Pakistan is a patriarchal society. Women normally focus on domestic chores and caring for the family.
Care for the elderly:
Like many South Asian countries, elderly parents are taken care of by their children for centuries, and it's their cultural norm and expectation, that are deeply rooted in the concept of filial piety. The same tradition is followed in Pakistan. Children must respect and provide care for their ancestors and elders instead of any institution.
Languages:
There are more than 60 languages spoken in Pakistan and Urdu being the national language and English as the official language. Punjab is the biggest province, so the Punjabi language is the most spoken here. The other languages include Sindhi, Pashto, Saraiki, Hindko, etc.
Marriages:
Most marriages are arranged within families with the consent of elders but this is changing with time. Marriages are the time to celebrate the union of two families which lasts for more than 10 days of celebrations and rituals. However, there is a most unfavorable cultural norm of giving dowery to the girl by her parents which is a burden for them, especially for lower-class and middle-class families.
Pakistani cuisine:
Pakistani cuisine consists of hundreds of mouth-watering and unique dishes from all over the country as it is home to a multi-ethnic population along with its varied climates and geographical environments. There are 4 and 5-star hotels and roadside restaurants too, which offer a wide array of regional cuisine. The halal principle is followed because the majority of people are Muslims here. Pakistani food is also famous for its adaptability and fusion with foreign recipes giving it a unique touch.
Celebrations:
In Pakistan, there are several religious and national celebrations. Eids are celebrated with great zeal. Food plays an important role in Pakistani celebrations as a symbol of hospitality and generosity. As a Muslim-populated country, Eid Ul Fitr and Eid Ul Adha are the main celebrations. The day of independence of the British is also celebrated as the day of freedom.
Charity:
Pakistan has a strong culture of charity and philanthropy. The Pakistani nation is known as one of the most charitable nations in the world. People have set up lots of institutes that help poor and lower-class people get free medical treatment and free groceries every month. It has been studied that every adult Pakistani spends up to 10k annually on charity mostly for religious reasons. This spirit of charity and generosity projects the kindness and generosity prevalent among Pakistani people thus making it a cultural norm.
These are some of the norms that are part of Pakistani culture and make it unique and vibrant. The norms are significantly based on religion, region, and socioeconomic status. However, it is important to note that norms evolve with time adding or subtracting things according to the need of the time, growing awareness, and modernization. I hope you enjoyed reading it and having a glimpse into Pakistani culture.
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