PAKISTAN CULTURE AND EDUCATION SYSTEM

PAKISTANI CULTURE

{{Copyedit|date december 2008}}
[[Image:Badshahi Masjid at night on July 20 2005.jpg||thumb|right|200px|The [[17th Century]] Badshahi Mosque built by Mughal emperor [[Aurangzeb]] in Lahore]]
The society of Pakistan ({{lang-ur|'''ثقافت پاکستان'''}}) comprises numerous diverse cultures and ethnic groups from the Punjabis and Sindhis in the east to the tribal cultures of the Baloch and Pashtun, as well as the ancient Dardic people inhabiting its north. The cultures have been greatly influenced by and have themselves influenced many of the surrounding countries cultures, such as those of [[Afghanistan]], [[Iran]], [[India]], [[Central Asia]] and the [[Middle East]] along with other places. Pakistan in ancient times was a major cultural hub, the home of ancient civilizations, including the [[Indus Valley Civilization]], the foundation of South Asian and Afghan culture. Many cultural practices and monuments have been inherited from the rule of many rulers of the region that have added their cultural traditions to the region. One of the most influenced cultures being that of the [[Persian Empire]], also the [[Durrani Empire|Afghan Empire]] and later the short lived but influential [[Mughal Empire]].

Pakistan has a wealthy cultural and ethnic background going back to Indus Valley Civilization, 2800 BC – 1800 BC. A civilization remarkable for its planned urban cities, planned sanitation, parallel lanes and structured society. The region of Pakistan has been invaded in the past, occupied and settled by many different people each of whom have left their imprint on the current inhabitants of the country, this include the [[Aryans]], Greeks, Scythians, Persians, White Huns, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and various Eurasian groups. And indeed the region has formed a distinct cultural unit within the main cultural complex of [[South Asia]], the [[Middle East]] and [[Central Asia]].from earlier times.<ref name="basham">Basham, A.L. (1968), Pacific Affairs, University of British Columbia, 641-643</ref> 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. The cultural origins also received influences from far afield such as from Tibet, Nepal, [[India]] and eastern Afghanistan, with significant influences from Persia, Turkestan and Hellenistic Greece. However, it was the first part of the subcontinent to receive the full impact of [[Islam]]. Further developing a unique Islamic identity rather early on and has since developed an identity of its own.<ref name="basham">Basham, A.L. (1968), Pacific Affairs, University of British Columbia, 641-643</ref>


[[Image:July 9 2005 - The Lahore Fort-Front center view of hall of special audience.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Diwan-e-Khas: The hall of special audience with the emperor]]
[[Image:ShahRukne Alam 2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Bahauddin Zakariya]]

Ancient sites in Pakistan include Zorastrian temples, Buddhist monuments, Pagan shrines, ancient Hindu/Buddhist temples, Central Asian and Persian Gardens, Palaces and Monuments built by Emperors, tombs, pleasure grounds and Anglo-Mogul mansions - some in a state of dereliction which makes their former grandeur more emphatic. 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 have grown into a nuclear family system, owing to the socio-economic constraints imposed by the traditional joint family system.

The past few decades have seen emergence of a middle class in cities such as [[Karachi]], [[Lahore]], [[Rawalpindi]], [[Hyderabad, Pakistan|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.

== Literature ==
[[Image:Iqbal.jpg|thumb|right|170px|Iqbal in deep thought; The picture earned him the Famous title of "The Thinker"]]
[[Image:Ghalib.gif|left|thumb|125px|Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan is considered to be the most influential poet of the Urdu language]]
=== History ===
{{main|Pakistani literature|Books and publishing in Pakistan}}
Pakistani literature, that is, the literature of Pakistan, as a distinct lite gained its nationhood as a sovereign state in 1947. The common and shared tradition of Urdu literature and English literature of South Asia was inherited by the new state. Over a period of time, a body of literature unique to Pakistan has emerged in nearly all major Pakistani languages, including Urdu, English, Punjabi, Pushto and Sindhi.

=== Poetry ===
{{main|Pakistani poetry|List of Urdu Poets}}
The Urdu language has an old tradition of poetry and includes famous poets as [[Mirza Ghalib]], [[Allama Iqbal]], [[Faiz Ahmad Faiz]] and [[Ahmad Nadeem Qasimi]]. Apart from [[Urdu poetry]], Pakistani poetry also has blends of other languages. [[Arabic poetry]], Balochi poetry, [[Persian poetry]], [[English poetry]], Punjabi poetry and Kashmiri poetry have all incorporated and influenced Pakistani poetry.

== Performing arts ==
=== Music ===
{{main|Music of Pakistan}}
Pakistani music is represented by a wide variety of forms. It ranges from traditional styles (such as [[Qawwali]]) to more modern forms that try to fuse traditional Pakistani music with Western music. [[Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan]] was internationally renowned for creating a form of music which synchronized [[Qawwali]] with western music. Popular forms of music also prevail, the most notable being [[film]] music and [[Urdu]] and [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] [[pop music]]. In addition to this are the diverse traditions of folk music, as well as modern styles such as [[Rock n' Roll|rock]] with bands such as [[Junoon (band)|Junoon]], [[Nazia Hassan]] and [[Zohaib Hassan]] has been recognized internationally.

=== Dance ===
Knife dance of the men of norther areas is remarkable to see.

=== Drama and theatre ===
{{main|Theatre in Pakistan}}
These are very similar to stage plays in theatres. They are performed by well-known actors and actresses in the [[Lollywood]] industry. The dramas and plays deal with many themes from life events, often with a humorous touch.

== Visual arts ==
=== Painting ===
Gulgee and Sadiqain are very prominent painters of Pakistan. [[Pakistani vehicle art]] is a popular [[folk art]].

=== Architecture ===
{{main|Pakistani architecture}}
The architecture of the areas now constituting Pakistan can be designated to four distinct periods — [[History of Pakistan#Prehistory|pre-Islamic]], [[History of Pakistan#The Muslim period|Islamic]], [[History of Pakistan#Colonial era|colonial]] and [[History of Pakistan#Independence|post-colonial]]. With the beginning of the [[Indus civilization]] around the middle of the [[3rd millennium]]<ref>Dehejia, Vidja [http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/sasa/hd_sasa.htm South Asian Art and Culture]. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved on [[February 10]], [[2008]]</ref> B.C., an advanced [[urban culture]] developed for the first time in the region, with large structural facilities, some of which survive to this day.<ref>The Indus Valley And The Genesis Of South Asian Civilization [http://history-world.org/indus_valley.htm] Retrieved on [[February 6]], [[2008]]</ref>[[Mohenjo Daro]], [[Harappa]] and [[Kot Diji]] belong to the pre-Islamic era settlements. The rise of [[Buddhism]] and the [[Persian people|Persian]] and [[Greece|Greek]] influence led to the development of the [[Greco-Buddhism|Greco-Buddhist]] style, starting from the 1st century CE. The high point of this era was reached with the culmination of the [[Gandhara]] style. An example of Buddhist architecture is the ruins of the Buddhist monastery [[Takht Bhai|Takht-i-Bahi]] in the [[North-West Frontier Province|northwest province]].

The arrival of [[Islam]] in today's Pakistan meant a sudden end of Buddhist architecture.<ref>[http://pakistaniat.com/2006/10/10/pakistan-architecture-history/comment-page-2/ Architecture in Pakistan: A Historical Overview]. <u>All Things Pakistan</u>. Retrieved on [[February 10]], [[2008]]</ref> However, a smooth transition to predominantly pictureless [[Islamic architecture]] occurred. The most important of the few completely discovered buildings of Persian style is the [[Rukn-e-Alam|tomb of the Shah Rukn-i-Alam]] in [[Multan]]. During the [[Mughal era]] design elements of Islamic-Persian architecture were fused with and often produced playful forms of the Hindustani art. [[Lahore]], occasional residence of Mughal rulers, exhibits a multiplicity of important buildings from the empire, among them the [[Badshahi mosque]], the [[Lahore Fort|fortress of Lahore]] with the famous [[Alamgiri Gate]], the colourful, still strongly Persian seeming [[Wazir Khan Mosque]] as well as numerous other mosques and mausoleums. The [[Shahjahan Mosque]] of [[Thatta]] in Sindh also originates from the epoch of the Mughals.

In the British colonial age predominantly representative buildings of the Indo-European style developed, from a mixture of European and Indian-Islamic components. Post-colonial national identity is expressed in modern structures like the [[Faisal Mosque]], the [[Minar-e-Pakistan]] and the [[Mazar-e-Quaid]].

==Recreation and sports==
{{main|Sports In Pakistan}}
[[Image:Polo pakistan.jpeg|thumb|200px|Polo is regarded as a traditional sport and played widely in the northern areas]]
[[Image:PakFHockey.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Field hockey match between Pakistan and India]]
The official and national sport of Pakistan is [[field hockey]], although [[squash (sport)|squash]] and [[cricket]] are also very popular. The [[Pakistani cricket team|national cricket team]] has won the [[Cricket World Cup]] once (in [[1992 Cricket World Cup|1992]]), were runners-up once (in [[1999 Cricket World Cup|1999]]) and co-hosted the games twice (in [[1987 Cricket World Cup|1987]] and [[1996 Cricket World Cup|1996]]). The team has also won the [[Australasia Cup]] in 1986, 1990, and 1994. The country will also be hosting the [[2011 Cricket World Cup]] with [[India]] and [[Bangladesh]].

At an international level, Pakistan has competed many times at the [[Summer Olympic Games|Summer Olympics]] in field hockey, [[boxing]], [[athletics (track and field)|athletics]], [[swimming]], and [[shooting]]. Hockey is the sport that Pakistan has been most successful at the Olympics, with three gold medals ([[Hockey at the 1960 Summer Olympics|1960]], [[Hockey at the 1968 Summer Olympics|1968]], [[Hockey at the 1984 Summer Olympics|1984]]). Pakistan has also won the [[Hockey World Cup]] four times (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994).<ref name="hockey">[http://www.worldhockey.org/vsite/vcontent/page/custom/0,8510,1181-179831-197049-39917-264845-custom-item,00.html World Hockey], International Hockey Federation</ref> Pakistan has hosted several international competitions, including the [[South Asian Federation Games|SAFG]] in 1989 and 2004.

[[A1 Grand Prix]] racing is also becoming popular with the entry of a [[A1 Team Pakistan|Pakistani team]] in the 2005 season. The [[Tour de Pakistan]], modelled on the [[Tour de France]], is an annual cycling competition that covers the length and breadth of Pakistan. Recently, [[football (soccer)|football]] has grown in popularity across the country, where traditionally it had been played almost exclusively in the western province of Balochistan. [[Fifa]] has recently teamed up with the government to bring football closer to the northern areas too. Also, it is hoped that Pakistan will fare better in the [[Football World Cup]] qualifiers for [[2010]].

==Cuisine==

{{main|Cuisine of Pakistan}}

The culinary art in Pakistan comprises a mix of [[Middle Eastern cuisine|Middle Eastern]], [[Indian cuisine|Indian]], [[Iranian cuisine|Iranian]], [[Afghan]], and [[Cuisine of Turkey|Turkish]] [[cuisine]] that reflects the country's [[History of Pakistan|history]] as well as the variation of cooking practices from across the surrounding regions. [[Urban area|Urban centres]] of the country offer an amalgamation of recipes from all parts of the country, while food with specific local ingredients and tastes is available in rural areas and villages. Besides the main dishes of [[curry]] with or without meat cooked with [[vegetables]] or [[lentils]], there are a number of provincial specialties such as [[karahi]], [[biryani]] and [[tikka]] in various forms and flavours, eaten alongside a [[Cuisine of Pakistan#Varieties of bread|variety of breads]] such as [[naan]], [[chapati]] and [[roti]].

There are also local forms of grilled meat or [[kebab]]s, [[Cuisine of Pakistan#Desserts|desserts]], and a variety of [[Cuisine of Pakistan#Drinks|hot and cold drinks]].

== Festivals ==
=== Ramadan ===

The holiest month of the [[Islamic Calendar]]. It is widely observed in Pakistan during which Muslim Pakistanis (about 97% of the population) fast, attend mosques with increased frequency and recite Quran. Special foods are cooked in greater quantities, parties are held and special accommodation is made by workplaces and educational institutes.

=== Chand Raat ===

After an Islamic month of fasting, [[Ramadan]], just the night before Eid comes, everyone gets ready for Eid. In the night known as [[Chand Raat]], girls put [[henna]] on their hands. Most people have parties at their house. People go out for the last minute shopping for gifts and sweets that will be given to friends and families. Even outside at the malls and the plazas, there are many colourful lights. There are large crowds in the city center to celebrate the beginning of Eid.

=== Eid celebrations ===

The two Eids, [[Eid ul-Fitr]] and [[Eid ul-Adha]] commemorate the passing of the month of fasting, Ramadan, and the willingness of [[Ibrahim]] to sacrifice his son [[Ishmael]] for [[God]]. During these days there are national holidays and many festivals and events take place to celebrate Eid. As Pakistan is a Muslim state, there are three days off for all businesses and Government offices.

On the night before Eid, people search for the [[new moon]] to mark the end of Ramadan and arrival of Eid ul-Fitr. The day starts with morning prayers, then returning home for a large breakfast with family members. The day is spent visiting relatives and friends and sharing gifts and sweets with everyone. During the evening people hit the town for some partying, going to restaurants or relaxing in city parks.

On Eid ul-Fitr, money is given for [[Charity (practice)|charity]] and as gifts to young children.

=== Milaad un Nabi ===

[[Milaad|Milaad un Nabi]] is a known religious festival which is celebrated in many parts of Pakistan. The Milaad is the celebration for the birthday of the Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]].

=== Muharram (Ashura) ===

In Pakistan, the first ten days of [[Muharram]] are observed officially. The 10th of Muharram is celebrated in the memory of [[Husayn ibn Ali|Hussain]], the grandson of Muhammad, who was martyr, along with 72 family members, friends and followers during the [[Battle of Karbala]]. It is celebrated mainly among the Shia community of Pakistan.

=== Jashn-e-Baharan ===

[[Image:Lahore Basant Festival.jpeg|thumb|220px|Kites on display before Basant festival in Lahore]]
{{main|Basant}}
Jashn-e-Baharan also referred to as ''Basant'' is a pre-Islamic [[Punjabi culture|Punjabi]] festival that marks the coming of spring. Celebrations in [[Pakistan]] are centered in [[Lahore]] and people from all over the country and abroad come to the city for the annual festivities. [[Kite]] flying competitions take place all over the city's rooftops during Basant. The fertile province of Punjab was intimately tied via its agriculture to the different seasons of the year. The arrival of Spring was an important event for all farmers and was welcomed with a celebration, hence the origins of ''Jashn'' (celebration) ''Baharan'' ([[Spring (season)|spring]]).

=== Nowruz ===

This festival is like ''[[Nowruz]]'' of [[Iran]], Afghanistan and Central Asia. In Northern Pakistan ([[Chitral]], [[Gilgit]] and [[Baltistan]]) Nowruz is celebrated as a socio-religious festival. It is also celebrated with much fervour in [[Balochistan (Pakistan)|Balochistan]] and in almost all of Pakistan's major urban centres. The day coincides with the Spring Equinox on March 21, but the celebration continues for weeks. In Baltistan, the main feature of Nowruz is gifting of coloured eggs to friends and polo matches. While in Balochistan, the festival is marked with outdoor feasts, and the traditional jumping over a fire to wash away sins and usher in a fresh start. The origins of this festival are pre-Islamic and date back to when Pakistan was part of the [[Achaemenid]] and [[Sassanid]] Persian empires.

=== Independence Day ===
{{main|Independence Day (Pakistan)}}
On [[August 14]], the people of Pakistan celebrate the day Pakistan gained its independence from the [[British Raj]] for an independent state for Muslims. There are many celebrations all over the country, the streets are full of joyful people singing and dancing. Concerts are held with many pop and classical singers. Parades are held in the capital city ([[Islamabad]]). Many people decorate their houses and fly the [[flag of Pakistan]]. At night, fireworks are used in many cities. Many people pray for the country and think how proud they are to be Pakistanis.

=== Defense Day Parade ===

{{main|Pakistan Defence Day}}
[[September 6]] is another patriotic day, when the [[Pakistan Army|Army of Pakistan]] is put on display for the general public to show Pakistan arms. All Government officials attend the ceremony and medals and recognitions are awarded to special people for their work. In March 2007, [[Pakistan Air Force]] (PAF) put on display the new joint manufactured Chinese-Pakistani aircraft called the [[JF-17 Thunder]].

== Popular media ==
=== Television ===
{{main|List of Pakistani television and radio channels}}
Traditionally, the government-owned [[Pakistan Television Corporation]] (PTV) has been the dominant media player in Pakistan. The PTV channels are controlled by the government and oppositional views are not given much time.
However, past decade has seen emergence of several private TV channels (news, entertainment) such as [[GEO TV]], [[AAJ TV]], [[ARY Digital]], [[Indus Vision]], [[HUM]], [[MTV Pakistan]] and others. Traditionally the bulk of TV shows have been plays or soap operas, some of them critically acclaimed. Various American, European, Asian TV channels and movies are available to a majority of the population via [[Cable TV]].

Television accounted for almost half of the advertising expenditure in Pakistan in 2002.[http://www.warc.com/LandingPages/Data/NewspaperTrends/PDF/Pakistan.pdf(pdf)]

=== Radio ===
{{main|Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation}}
After independence, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) was the sole radio channel in Pakistan during 1947. The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation was formed on 14th August 1947 when Pakistan became independent. It was a direct descendant of the [[Indian Broadcasting Company]] which later became [[All India Radio]]. At independence Pakistan possessed three radio stations at [[Dhaka]], [[Lahore]] and [[Peshawar]]. A major programme of expansion saw new stations opened at [[Karachi]] and [[Rawalpindi]] in 1948, and a new broadcasting house at Karachi in 1950. This was followed by new radio stations at [[Hyderabad, Pakistan|Hyderabad]] (1951), [[Quetta]] (1956), a second station at Rawalpindi (1960) and a receiving centre at Peshawar (1960). During the 1980s and 1990s the corporation expanded its network to many cities and towns of Pakistan to provide greater service to the local people. Today, there are over a hundred radio stations due to more liberal media regulations.

=== Cinema ===

{{main|Cinema of Pakistan|Pollywood|Kara Film Festival}}
An indigenous movie industry exists in [[Pakistan]], and is known as "[[Lollywood]]" as it is based in [[Lahore]], producing over forty feature-length films a year. In contrast, Indian movies are popular in Pakistan despite a ban since the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|Pakistan-India War in 1965]]. However, due to the massive [[film piracy]] industry in Pakistan, Indian [[Bollywood]] films and American [[Hollywood]] films have made it to Pakistani movie shelves and home videos for over thirty years. The Lollywood industry used to produce many Urdu films however as Lahore became the headquarters of the film industry, slowly the number of Urdu films decreased with the same rate of Punjabi language rising.

Pakistan also has another film industry based in [[Peshawar]], [[North West Frontier Province]] that produced Pashto language films. As demand for films has increased, Karachi has its own version of film festivals, which includes the Kara Film Festivals where many film producers, actors and film staff get together to celebrate achievements in the industry.

==National Dress==
[[Image:Jinnah fatimasalwar.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Muhammad Ali Jinnah]], founder of [[Pakistan]], in shalwar, [[sherwani]] and [[karakul (hat)|karakul]]i hat, with his sister [[Fatima Jinnah]], in [[shalwar kameez]]. Picture taken in [[1947]].]]

The national dress of Pakistan is '''[[shalwar kameez]]''' ({{lang-ur|''' شلوار قمیض '''}}) for both men and women. It consists of a long, loose fitting tunic with very baggy trousers. The dress is believed to be an amalgamation of the dresses worn by the ancient [[Turk]]s, [[Persian people|Persians]] and [[Afghan]]s ([[Pashtun]]s) who have left their impression on the people and culture of Pakistan.

The men's version consists of solid, masculine colours and is almost always accompanied by collar and buttons (similar to polo shirt). The women's version almost never contains collar and buttons but is often embroidered and consists of feminine colors and may feature lace or flower patterns.

In the summer, a light, cotton version is often worn, while during the winter, a heavier, wool version is worn.

The [[sherwani]] or [[achkan]] with [[karakul (hat)|karakul]]i hat is the recommended dress for male government employees and officials, as it is not specifically associated with any of the provinces. Most male government officials wear the formal black sherwani on state occasions.

==Globalization==
Increasing [[globalization]] has amplified the influence of "[[Western culture]]" in Pakistan. Pakistan ranks 46th in the world on the [[Globalization#Measurement of globalization|Kearney/FP Globalization index]].<ref>[http://www.foreignpolicy.com/issue_marapr_2004/countrydetail.php Measuring Globalization: Economic Reversals, Forward Momentum], A.T. Kearney, Foreigh Policy Magazine, 2004</ref> Many Western restaurant chains have established their [[Chain store|franchise]]s in major cities and towns in Pakistan.

A large [[Pakistani diaspora]] exists in the [[Western world|West]]. Whereas Pakistanis in the [[United States]], [[Canada]] and [[Australia]] tend to be professionals, the majority of them in the [[United Kingdom]], [[Germany]] and the [[Scandinavia]] originally came from a rural background belonging to the [[working class]]. A large number of Pakistani [[expatriates]] are also living in the [[Middle East]]. These emigrants and their children influence Pakistan culturally and economically, keeping close ties with their roots by travelling to Pakistan and especially by returning or investing there.

==Mercantile culture==
{{seealso|Economy of Pakistan|Economy of Karachi}}
Pakistan's service sector accounts for 53% of the country's GDP. [[Wholesale]] and [[retail]] trade is 30% of this sector. Shopping is a popular pastime for many Pakistanis, especially among the well-to-do and the thirty-million strong middle class. The cities of Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad, Faisalabad and Quetta are especially known for the great contrast in shopping experiences - from burgeoning bazaars to modern multi-story shopping malls. In particular, Lahore and Karachi are peppered with colourful shopping plazas.

Over 1,081 patent applications were filed by non-resident Pakistanis in 2004 revealing a new found confidence.<ref>[http://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/patents/patent_report_2006.html#P93_7755 Worldwide Patent Filings], WIPO Patent Report: Statistics on Worldwide Patent Activity (2006 Edition)</ref>

==Sexual conservatism & cultural taboos==
{{Disputed-section|date=March 2008}}
{{Original research|article|date=September 2007}}
The direct translation of Pakistan's name means '''Land of (the) Pure''', implying ''spiritual purity''. The roots of this spirituality would be based on the Islamic faith, which prescribes strict sexual conservatism, especially when compared to the west. Therefore, the following norms of a western society are usually '''strict''' cultural taboos in Pakistan:
* Public displays of affection, even by married couples. This however varies from place to place and amongst various ethnic groups.
* Consumption of alcoholic beverages by Muslims is officially illegal in Pakistan. Only non-Muslim Pakistanis and non-Muslim foreigners are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages (receiving government issued license). However, State and Christian/Parsi owned brewery operate in Pakistan such as the [[Murree Brewery]], Quetta Brewery, which produces all sorts of alcoholic beverages and earn considerable revenue for the government. Despite all the restrictions, there are reports that underground alcoholic activities exist and have thrived ever since the law banning Alcohol consumption was passed in the late 70's.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://lahore-menu.blogspot.com Menu Lahore - A blog about eating out in Lahore]
* [http://www.nwfptourism.com.pk Sarhad Tourism Corporation, Govt. of NWFP]
* [http://www.nicepakistan.com/culture.htm Pakistan Culture and Environment]
* [http://www.southtravels.com/asia/pakistan/pakistanevents.html Danka's List of Cultural Events in Pakistan]
* [http://www.cp-pc.ca/english/pakistan/index.html Pakistan: a cultural profile]
* [http://www.pakistans.com/ About Pakistani culture at Pakistans.com]

{{Asia in topic|Culture of}}

[[Category:Pakistani culture| ]]
[[Category:Pakistani social culture|+]]

[[simple:Culture of Pakistan]]