Pakistani culture is a mix of various influences throughout history. It is primarily defined by Islam, which provides spiritual values and moral guidance that shape social life. Some Hindu influences from the past, such as dowry practices, also remain. Male dominance is a feature of the patriarchal social structure. Simplicity is valued in dress, diet, customs and traditions. Urdu is widely spoken as a lingua franca. Literature, art, poetry, handicrafts, and sports are all part of Pakistani cultural expression. Religious scholars and Sufi poets also occupy esteemed roles.

1. Culture of Pakistan

2. Meaning of Culture
• the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a
particular people or society
• the characteristics and knowledge of a particular
group of people, encompassing language,
religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.
• set of patterns of human activity within a
community or social group and the symbolic
structures that give significance to such activity.
Customs, laws, dress, architectural style, social
standards, religious beliefs, and traditions are
all examples of cultural elements.

3. • With the passage of time the word “Culture”
has acquired diversified meanings and
interpretation.
• Culture can be conceived as a complex whole
affecting human ideals, actions and modes of
living.
• Some cultures belong to large group of people
and some to small groups

4. Salient Features of Pakistani Culture
• Many nations lived in India before partition
• They had their own traditions, cultures and
civilizations which had its own impact on the local
social conditions
• The impact of Hinduism and Buddhism was also
there
• However the social life in the sub-continent saw a
great change with the advent of Islam in India
• Significant changes emerged in the way of life of
the people who entered the fold of Islam.

5. Main characteristics
• Main characteristics of the Pakistani Culture
are given below:
• Religious Uniformity: The strength of a
Muslim society rests firmly on the spiritual
values provided by Islam. It helps man to
shape his life in this world as a preparation of
hereafter. Islam provides man with the vitality
and moral strength of moulding his life

6. Mixed Culture: Pakistani culture is a mixed
culture. Although majority of people are
Muslims by birth and faith yet there is a strong
influence of Hindu and British culture. Dowry
system and heavy expenditure on the marriage
of girls is the legacy of Hindu Society.
Also there are many customs in rural areas like
women are forced to marry with Quran, tree for
the sake of not giving them property are also
taken from the Era of Jahalat

7. Male Oriented Society: The cultural life in
Pakistan revolves around the male members of
the society, the male having key position in the
social setup.
Simplicity: The social life in Pakistan is very
simple and easy to understand. Social customs
and traditions are very simple and reflect Islamic
touch.
Dress and Diet: Dress are purposeful which
intended to cover bodies and diet is simple
which is in the conformity of Islamic principles

8. Easy Language: A number of languages are
spoken in Pakistan. Most of the languages have
originated from Persian and Arabic. Urdu is
spoken and understood in all parts of the
country.
Literature, Art and Poetry: The poets are writers
express human feelings in a captivating manner,
As they are attached with every individual of the
society, they express their feelings and desires in
a beautiful way

9. Handicrafts: Pakistani craftsmen are considered
as the best in their craftsmanship. They are
known of the high quality of handicraft works
which is very popular in foreign countries. The
province in producing high standard items in
glass and silver industry
Sports: Sports and games are important part of
culture, many games are played at national and
international level. Pakistan has good position in
Cricket, hockey, squash and snooker.

10. Ulema and Mashaikh: Ulema, Mashaikh and
Sufi poets occupy highly honored place in our
cultural aspects of life.
They rendered meritorious services for the
spread of Islam in the subcontinent.
These great men are an asset of our cultural
history.