PRESENTATION REPORT

This report contains brief history of Pakistani culture, elements Contributing to the Evolution
of Pakistan's Culture, its characteristics and role of education in promotion of Pakistani
culture.
 Presentation Report

Acknowledgements
　

All the praises are for the almighty Allah who bestowed me with the ability and potential to
complete this assignment. I also pay my gratitude to the Almighty for enabling me to complete
this presentation report within due course of time.

Words are very few to express enormous humble obligations to my affectionate Parents for their
prayers and strong determination to enabling me to achieve this job.

I also appreciate the cordial co-operation from all my concern teachers and colleagues for
providing me requisite information and knowledge for compilation of my complete report.

Dedication
I dedicate this to my teacher “Miss Alina Raza” for all her love & attention which has made it
possible for me to make it up to this point and, who bestowed me with the courage, the
commitment and the awareness to follow the best possible route, by their unmatchable style and
by best possible training.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Culture of Pakistan………………………………………………………….. 04
1.1 Definition……….………………………………………………………...04
1.2 Brief introduction and history…………………………………………….04

2. Elements Contributing to the Evolution of Pakistan's Culture……………….05

2.1 Religion…………………………………………………………………..05
2.2 Language………………………………………………………………...05
2.3 History…………………………………………………………………...05
2.4 Geography………………………………………………………………..05

3. Characteristics of Pakistani culture…………………………………………...06

3.1 Islamic Values……………………………………………………………06
3.2 National and Regional Languages……………………………………….06
3.3 Mixed Culture…………………………………………………………....06
3.4 Rich Literature……………………………………………………............07
3.5 Male Dominated Society…………………………………………………07
3.6 Variety of Dresses………………………………………………………...07
3.7 Fairs and Festivals………………………………………………………..07
3.8 Sports……………………………………………………………………..07
3.9 Handicrafts……………………………………………………………....08
3.10 Ethnic Diversity…………………………………………………….....08
3.11 Marriage…………………………………………………………….....08
3.12 Family Life…………………………………………………………....08
3.13 Ancient & Modern…………………………………………………….08
3.14 Cultural Heritage……………………………………………………....09
3.15 Art and Craft………………………………………………………......09

4. Role of education in society……………………………………………………09

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Culture of Pakistan
DEFINITION

Culture may be defined as an integral whole which affects human ideals, actions and modes of
living. According to E.B. Taylor,
"Culture is a complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, customs and all
other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of a society."
Every great nation enjoys its own culture. Similarly, Pakistani culture is very distinct due to its
Islamic nature and rich historical background.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY

The society of Pakistan (Urdu: ‫ )پاکستانی ثقافت‬comprises numerous diverse cultures and ethnic
groups from the Punjabis and Sindhis in the east to the tribal cultures of the Baloch and Pashtun
in the west and the ancient Dardic in the north. These Pakistani cultures have been greatly
influenced by many of the surrounding countries' cultures, such as those of Turkish, Persian,
Afghan, and Indians of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.

In ancient times, Pakistan was a major cultural hub and the home of ancient civilizations, such as
the Indus Valley Civilization - one of the first 'settled' peoples. Many cultural practices and great
monuments have been inherited from the time of the ancient rulers of the region. One of the
greatest cultural influences is that of the Persian Empire. Other key influences include the
Afghan Empire and later the short lived but influential Mughal Empire.

Pakistan has a rich cultural and ethnic background going back to the Indus Valley Civilization,
2800 BC – 1800 BC. A civilization remarkable for its ordered cities, advanced-planned
sanitation, straight roads and uniquely structured society. Present day Pakistan has been invaded
many times in the past. it has been occupied and settled by many different peoples each of whom
have left their imprint on the current inhabitants of the country. Some of the largest groups were
the 'Aryans', Greeks, Scythians, Persians, White Huns, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and other
Eurasian groups right up until the British who left in the late 1940s.

The region has formed a distinct cultural unit within the main cultural complex of South Asia,
the Middle East and Central Asia from the earliest times.[1] There are differences in culture
among the different ethnic groups in matters such as dress, food, and religion, especially where
pre-Islamic customs differ from Islamic practices. Their cultural origins also show influences
from far afield; including from: Tibet, Nepal, India and eastern Afghanistan. All groups show
varying degrees of significant influence from Persia, Turkestan and Hellenistic Greece. Pakistan
was the first region of the South Asia to receive the full impact of Islam and has developed a
distinct Islamic identity, historically different from that further west.[1]

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Ancient sites in Pakistan include: Zorastrian, Buddhist, Hindu and Pagan temples and shrines,
gardens, tombs, palaces, monuments, pleasure grounds and Mughal and Indo-Saracenic
buildings. Sculpture is dominated by Greco-Buddhist friezes, and crafts by ceramics, jewellery,
silk goods and engraved woodwork and metalwork.

Pakistani society is largely multilingual, multi-ethnic and multicultural. Though cultures within
the country differ to some extent, more similarities than differences can be found as most
Pakistanis are of mainly 'Aryan' heritage and/or have lived side by side along the Indus River for
the past several thousand years and coexisted. However, over 60 years of integration, a
distinctive "Pakistani" culture has sprung up especially in the urban areas. Education is highly
regarded by members of every socio-economic stratum. The traditional family values are highly
respected and considered sacred, although urban families increasingly form nuclear families,
owing to the socio-economic constraints imposed by the traditional culture of extended family.

The past few decades have seen emergence of a middle class in cities such as Karachi, Lahore,
Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Quetta, Faisalabad, Sukkur, Peshawar, Sialkot, Abbottabad and Multan.
The rural areas of Pakistan are regarded as more conservative and are dominated by regional
tribal customs dating back hundreds of years.

ELEMENTS CONTRIBUTING TO THE

EVOLUTION OF PAKISTAN'S CULTURE

 RELIGION

Religion is not only a base of the social system of Pakistan but it is also an effective force
that can provide the meeting ground for all the regional cultures of Pakistan.

 LANGUAGE

A common language could create natural understanding to such on extent that speaker and
listener comes together at one cultural level. Among the other regional languages and
dialects Urdu is the language which is spoken and understood throughout the country.

 HISTORY

Common History creates a sense of belonging to one nation. Pakistan has a common
historical background of almost 1000 years (712-1857 AD) of Muslim rule and Indus valley
civilization (2500 BC).

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 GEOGRAPHY

Variety of physical contours; it has green fertile plains, hot deserts, beautiful valleys, snow clad
mountains and magnificent coast line. Having a diverse range of physical features, customs,
traditions and habits of the people living in different regions has provided a rich cultural heritage
to Pakistan

CHARACTERISTICS OF PAKISTANI
CULTURE
Pakistani culture has the following characteristics:

ISLAMIC VALUES

Pakistani culture is actually a part of the contemporary Islamic civilization which draws its value
and traditions from Islam and rich Islamic history. Majority of population comprises of Muslims
and follows teachings of Islam, i-e., belief in one Allah, Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad
P.B.U.H, brotherhood, equality and social justice etc. Islam is religion of peace and patience.
Pakistani society is very cooperative. National calendar is marked by religious days which are
observed with great devotion.

NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LANGUAGES

Pakistan is a large country which comprises of four provinces, the Federally Administered Tribal
Areas (FATA) and Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA). All of these component
parts have their own regional languages. As such Punjabi, Pashtu, Sindhi, Balochi, Barohi and
Kashmiri are regional languages. However, Urdu is the national language which is spokin and
understood in all parts of the country.

MIXED CULTURE

Practically speaking Pakistani culture is a beautiful blend of the Punjabi, Sindhi, Pathan,
Baluchi, Barohi, Seraiki and Kashmiri cultures. In addition, the presence of Hindu community in
Sindh gives touches of dance and music in the Sindhi region. The Hindus sing Bhejas but
Pakistani culture has adopted Qawwali which is a praise of the Holy Propher P.B.U.H.

RICH LITERATURE
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Pakistani culture is rich in the literatures of Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtu, Baruhi, Baluchi and
Kashmiri languages. Urdu literature boasts of the masterpieces of Maulana Azad, Iqbal, Shibli,
Hali, Ghalib, Agha Hashar, Manto and Faiz whereas the Punjabi literature stands out with great
names like Waris Shah, Sultan Bahu, Ghulam Farid, Bulhay Shah and Shah Hussain etc.
Similarly, Sindhi literature glitters with the masterpieces of Shah Abdul Latif, Sachal Sarmast,
Shah Qadir Bakhsh, and Faqir Nabi Bakhsh. The Pushto literature also boasts of names like
Sheikh Saleh, Raghoon Khan, Akhund dardeeza, Khushal Khan Khattak and Rahman Baba. The
Baluchi literature comprises of masterpieces of Jam Durk, Muhammad Ali, Zahoor Shah
Hashmi, Ghani Parvez, Hasrat Baluch, Abbas Ali Zemi and Aziz Bugti etc.

MALE DOMINATED SOCIETY

Pakistani society is dominated by male members. Each family is headed by the senior most male
member who is responsible for arranging the bread and butter of the family.

VARIETY OF DRESSES

Pakistani culture is rich in variety of dresses: The people of Punjab, the Pathans of NWFP, the
Baluchi people and the Sindhis wear their own distinct dresses. These dresses are very colourful
and prominent and give attractive look during national fairs and festivals.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

The culture of Pakistan has great tradition of Fairs and festivals. These fairs are held in all parts
of the country. Moreover, annual urs of great saints are held to commemorate their anniversaries.
On these occasions, fairs are also held in which people take part in great numbers. Out of these
the Horse and Cattle shows of Lahore, Mianwali and Sibi are famous wheseas the Polo festival
fo Gilgit is prominent at national and international level. Moreover annual urs of Hazrat Daata
Ganj Bakhsh, Madhu Lal Hussain, Baba Bulhay Shah, Baba Farid Gunj Shakar, Baba Gulu
Shah, Pir Jamaat Ali Shah, Abdul Latif Bhitaii, Hazrat Noshah Ganj Bakhsh, Bari Imam, Lal
Shahbaz Qalandar, and Bahauddin Zakriya are celebrated with great fervour.

SPORTS

Pakistani people are great lovers of sports and games. Modern games like hockey, cricket,
football, badminton, squash, table tennis and lawn tennis are played throughout the coutnry. In
addition wrestling, boxing, and athletics are also very popular among masses. Pakistan has
produced great sportsmen in the past. These include Bholu in Wrestling, Hanif, Miandad, Imran,
Wasim Akram, and Inzamam in cricket, Shehnaz sheikh, Islahuddin, KHalid mahmood, Akhtar
Rasool, and Munir Dar in hockey and Jahangir, Jansher in squash.

HANDICRAFTS

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Pakistan enjoys great distinction in handicrafts at international level. Wooden furniture of

Chiniot, sports goods of Sialkot and embroidery of Multan and Hyderabad is world famous. \

ETHNIC DIVERSITY

Immigration from central Asia, Afghanistan, Middle East, Turkey

and Persia over the countries complicated the racial mixture of the country. Pathan,

Balochi, Sindhi and Punjabi are the four major groups of people who are living in

Pakistan. A proportion of the population belongs to Urdu speaking who arrived in

Pakistan at the time of partition from different part of India. There is a unifying sense

of being Pakistani too but regional loyalty is more powerful then the sense of being

Pakistani.

MARRIAGE

Considered as a social and emotional bond between two individuals and families. Arrange
marriages are preferred. Wedding ceremony is characterized by Menhdi, dowry and lavish
parties from both brides and grooms families.

FAMILY LIFE

Male oriented with strong sense of family bond, generally preference is given to boys over girls.

FOOD

About 98% of the daily diet of most Pakistani consists of four basic item~ Roti, Rice,
Vegetables and meat. Most Pakistani dishes are Nehari, Halwa puri, Korma, Haleem, Biryani
etc.

ANCIENT & MODERN

New ideas and, new technology exist side by side with the old for ex. Mild houses with
electronic bulb arid transistor, veiled women and fashion shows, automobiles and horse-drawn
tangas, nuclear energy and absence of clear drinking water.

CULTURAL HERITAGE

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Pakistan has very valuable cultural heritage. Shah Jahan Masjid in Thatta, Shalimar Garden,
Badshahi Masjid, and Shahi Qila of Lahore are few examples of Mughal architecture. Many
archaeological sites in Pakistan are Moen-jo-daro, Harappa (Indus valley civilization) and Taxila
(Gundhara).

ART AND CRAFT

Islam prohibited from pictorial art, therefore as being a Muslim country emphasis in Pakistan is
laid on non pictorial form of Art like calligraphy, floral and geometrical design. People living in
different areas of Pakistan make different articles from the raw materiel available in their areas
for example Sindh is famous for Ajrak, embroidery glass work and kashi work and. beautiful
decoration pieces made of Sea shells and marble, Multan is famous for various articles of camels
skin, Chiniot is for wood works, Peshawar is for Metal work and Baluchistan is for embroidery.

FESTIVALS
 Ramadan

 Chand Raat

 Eid celebrations

 Milaad un Nabi

 Muharram (Ashura

 Jashn-e-Baharan

 Independence Day

 Defense Day Parade

ROLE OF EDUCATION IN SOCIETY

Education is very important and vital part of our lives without which our lives would have no
meanings and would be leading our lives in a way that wild animals do. Education teaches the
manner to live and move in society and help us making our lives and society to be a better place
to live.

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“Education is the underlying firmament that makes good governance, a fair and open judicial
system, and technological development possible. The true nature of education in the civilized
society runs deeply through all that we are and have achieved. In fact, I contend that without
education the civilized society would not be possible. Education defines what a civilized society
is. Education does not “polish off” a society and make it that little bit more civilized, it is not the
icing on the cake when everything else has been dealt with, but rather is the fundamental pillar
of the structure that helps to makes society civilized in the first place”.

( Speech by Olwyn Enright TD, Spokesperson on Education and Science)

Now as we realized that education plays a vital role in any society and the quality of education is
also very important.

What education teaches us in an Islamic society (Pakistan) is what are right ways and what are
wrong, it aware us with respect and tells us about our Holy Prophet and his model life and trains
us to love Allah and his Prophet and to aim and try to walk on way Holy Prophet (SAWW)
shown to us and it makes us functional Muslim Pakistani, and the sole purpose to demand
Pakistan (freedom to live life as Muslim)

Being a Muslim the main and sole purpose is to worship Allah and enjoy life discovering his
things, his creations and the whole universe was made for man to discover and remember Allah.
But our educational system glided a bit from the way and made Islamite and Islamic teachings a
different subject, Islamic teachings are mostly looked like another subject in educational
institutes, just take the class memorize it and pass the examination, it’s not taught as a code of
life as a guide to live and as the root of all subjects.

Our educational system is making Islam just another subject. How can we hope for a truly
Islamic member of society from an institute when we never told him that the worldly issues and
jobs are in the end to live a life according to Islam and to worship Almighty Allah.

CONCLUSION

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