1

Contents

Contents...............................................................................................................................1
The culture:-................................................................................................................4
Culture of Pakistan:.....................................................................................................4
Festivals:......................................................................................................................8
Popular Media:..........................................................................................................10
Mercantile culture:.....................................................................................................11
Holidays:....................................................................................................................13
Punjabi culture:..........................................................................................................13
Sindh..........................................................................................................................18
Baluchistan................................................................................................................21
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa................................................................................................27
 2

DEDICATED TO OUR BEST TEACHER

SHE TEACHES US LIKE A SHINING STAR,AND REPORT.WITH OUT HER

GUIDENCE,WE WOULD NOT BE IN A POSITION.SHE HELPS US IN ALL THE
GROUNDS OF WORK TO COMPLETE THIS REPORT.
 3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

All praises and thanks to Almighty Allah. The lord, Creator of this universe by whose
power and glory all good things are accomplished. He is also the most merciful, who
bestowed on us the potential, ability and an opportunity to work on We owe our
profoundest thanks to our teacher blessed to have her as our teacher, whose strength and
wisdom we learn up to and no doubt, experience of work with her is far better than we
believed possible.

We appreciate her way of teaching, explaining and guiding the students. She really has
an art to get maximum for students without making them feel what he got from them.
She is really a source of inspiration for us and for every student of our. Last but not the
least; ordinary words of gratitude do not encompass the true love and guidance extended
to our loving and caring parents. Their constant interest, prayers and encouragement have
been a very strong support for us and have enabled us to finish our course work.
 4

The culture:-

1.The quality in a person or society that arises from a concern

for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.
2. That which is excellent in the arts, manners, etc.
3.A particular form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain
nation or period: Greek culture.
4. Development or improvement of the mind by education ortraining.
5.The behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social,
ethnic, or age group: the youth culture; the drug culture.
6. The sum total of ways of living built up by group of human beings and transmitted fro
m one generationto another.
7.The cultivation of microorganisms, as bacteria, or oftissues, for scientific study, medici
nal use, etc.
The product or growth resulting from such cultivation.
8. The act or practice of cultivating the soil; tillage.
9. The raising of plants or animals, esp. with a view to their improvement.
10. The product or growth resulting from such cultivation.

Culture of Pakistan:

The society and culture of Pakistan. Comprises numerous diverse cultures and ethnic
groups: the Punjabis, Kashmiri and Sindhis in the east; the tribal cultures of
the Baloch and Pashto in the west; and the ancient Dardicand Tajik communities in the
north. These Pakistani cultures have been greatly influenced by many of the surrounding
countries' cultures, such as the Turkic peoples, Persian, Afghan, and Indians of South
Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.
In ancient times, Pakistan was a major cultural hub. 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 was that of the Persian Empire, of which Pakistan was a
part. In fact, the Pakistani satraps were at one time the richest and most productive of the
 5

massive Persian Empire. Other key influences include the Afghan Empire, Mughal
Empire and later, the short lived but influential, the British Empire.
Pakistan has a cultural and ethnic background going back to the Indus Valley
Civilization, which existed from 2800–1800 B.C., and was remarkable for its ordered
cities, advanced sanitation, excellent roads, and uniquely structured society. Pakistan has
been invaded many times in the past, and 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, Afghans, Buddhists and
other Eurasian groups, up to and including 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 and Central Asia from the earliest times, and is analogous to Turkey's
position in Eurasia. 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 reveal influences from far afield,
including Tibet, Nepal, India and eastern Afghanistan. All groups show varying degrees
of influence from Persia, Turkistan and Hellenistic Greece. Pakistan was the first region
of South Asia to receive the full impact of Islam and has developed a distinct
Islamic identity, historically different from areas further west.
Ancient sites in Pakistan include: Zoroastrian temples, Islamic centres,shia shrines/
Sufi Shrines, Buddhist temples, Sikh, Hindu and Pagan temples and shrines, gardens,
tombs, palaces, monuments, and Mughal and Indo-Saracenicbuildings. 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 mainly of Aryan heritage or have coexisted side by side along
the Indus River for several thousand years, or both. However, over 60 years of
integration, a distinctive "Pakistani" culture has sprung up, especially in the urban areas
where many of the diverse ethnic groups have coexisted and in many cases,
intermarried. Education is highly regarded by members of every socio-economic stratum,
with the country now having a literacy rate of 55%, up from 3% at the time of
independence. Traditional family values are highly respected and considered sacred,
although urban families increasingly form nuclear families, owing to socio-economic
constraints imposed by the traditional culture of the 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, Abbottbad and
Multan. Rural areas of Pakistan are regarded as more conservative, and are dominated by
regional tribal customs dating back hundreds if not thousands of years.

Literature:

Pakistani literature, that is, the literature of Pakistan, originates from when Pakistan
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.
 6

Over a period of time, a body of literature unique to Pakistan has emerged in nearly all
major Pakistani languages, including Urdu, English, Punjabi, Pashto, Seraiki Balochi,
and Sindhi.

Poetry

Poetry is a highly respected art and profession in Pakistan. The preeminent form of
poetry in Pakistan almost always originates in Persian, due in part to the long standing
affiliation the region had with the Persian Empire. The enthusiasm for poetry exists at a
regional level as well, with nearly all of Pakistan's provincial languages continuing the
legacy. Since the independence of the country in 1947 and establishment of Urdu as the
national language, poetry is written in that language as well. The Urdu language has a
rich tradition of poetry and includes the famous poets Dr Allama Iqbal national
poet, Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ahmad Faraz, and Ahmad Nadeem Qasimi. Apart
from Urdu poetry, Pakistani poetry also has blends of other regional languages. Balochi,
Sindhi, Punjabi, Seraiki, and Pashto poetry have all incorporated and influenced
Pakistani poetry.poetry in the form of marsia salam and naath is also very popular among
many Pakistanis.

Music:

Pakistani music is represented by a wide variety of forms. It ranges from traditional

styles such asQawwali and Ghazal to more modern forms that 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 pop
music. There are also the diverse traditions of folk music, as well as modern styles,
with rock bands such as Call being recognized internationally.

Dance:

Folk dances are still popular in Pakistan and vary according to region such as:
• Bhangra -Punjab
• Luddi - Punjab
• Dhammal - Performed at Sufi shrines/ dargahs in Punjab and Sindh
• Attan - Folk dance of Pashtuns tribes of Pakistan including the unique styles
of Quetta and Waziristan
• Khattak Dance - Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
• Jhumar - Siraiki and Balochi folk dance
• Ho Jamalo Sindhi dance
• Lewa - Baluchi folk dance

Drama and theatre:

 7

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: Ustad Allah Baksh, Ajaz Anwar, Ismail Gulgee, Jamil

Naqsh and Sadequain are prominent painters of Pakistan. Pakistani vehicle art is a
popular folk. art.

Architecture: The architecture of the areas now constituting Pakistan can be traced to
four distinct periods: pre-Islamic, Islamic, colonial, and post-colonial. With the
beginning of the Indus civilization around the middle of the 3rd millennium 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.Mohenjo Daro, Harappa and Kot Diji belong
to the pre-Islamic era settlements. The rise of Buddhism and the Persian and Greek
influence led to the development of the 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-i-Bahi in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
The arrival of Islam in today's Pakistan introduced the classical Islamic construction
techniques into Pakistan's architectural landscape. However, a smooth transition to
predominantly picture-less Islamic occurred. The town of Uch Sharif contains the tombs
of Bibi Jawindi, Baha'al-Halim and Jalaluddin Bukhari, which are considered some of the
earliest examples of Islamic architecture in Pakistan and are on the UNESCO Tentative
World Heritage Site list since 2004. One of the most important of the few examples of
the Persian style of architecture is the 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, Hindustani art. Lahore, occasional residence of Mughal
rulers, exhibits a multiplicity of important buildings from the empire, among them
the Badshahi mosque, the 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, as does the Mohabbat Khan Mosque in Peshawar.
In the British colonial age, the buildings developed were predominantly of the Indo-
European style, with 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: The official national sport of Pakistan is field hockey with
squash and cricket also very popular. The national cricket team has won the Cricket
World Cup once (in 1992), were runners-up once (in 1999), and co-hosted the games
twice (in1987 and 1996). Additionally, they have also won the ICC World
Twenty20 once (in 2009), and were runners-up (in 2007). The team has also won
the Australasia Cup in 1986, 1990, and 1994.
 8

At an international level, Pakistan has competed many times at the Summer Olympics in
field hockey, boxing, athletics, swimming, and shooting. Hockey is the sport in which
Pakistan has been most successful at the Olympics, with three gold medals (1960, 1968,
and 1984). Pakistan has also won the Hockey World Cup four times (1971, 1978, 1982,
and 1994).[6] Pakistan has hosted several international competitions, including the South
Asian Federation Games in 1989 and 2004.
A1 Grand Prix racing is also becoming popular with the entry of a Pakistani team in the
2005 season. The Tour de Pakistan, modeled on the Tour de France, is an annual cycling
competition that covers the length and breadth of Pakistan. Recently, 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.

Cuisine: Culinary art in Pakistan comprises a mix of Middle Eastern, Iranian, Afghan,
north west Indian, and Turkish cuisine that reflects the country's history as well as the
variation of cooking practices from across the surrounding regions. 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 salan, with or without meat and cooked with vegetables or lentils, there
are a number of provincial specialties such as karahi, biryani and tikka, in various forms
and flavors, eaten alongside a variety of breads such as naan, chapati and roti.
There are also local forms of grilled meat or kebabs, desserts, and a variety of hot and
cold drinks.

Festivals:

Ramadan: The holiest month of the Islamic Calendar, which is a month of fasting from
sunrise to sunset and self discipline, it is widely observed in Pakistan. 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, but due to the flood
few months ago, most of the people didn't have anything to fast from in morning and eat
in the afternoon.

Chand Raat: Occurs after the Islamic month of Ramadan. Chand Raat occurs the night
before Eid day celebrations commence, marking the end of the month of Ramadan. In the
night known as Chand Raat, people celebrate by various means, such as girls
putting henna on their hands. People buy gifts and sweets that will be given to friends
and families who come over to celebrate the end of Ramadan. The streets, major building
and landmarks, even outside of malls and plazas, put on displays of elaborate decorations
and colourful light shows. There are large crowds in the city center to celebrate the
beginning of Eid, and it is usually a boom time for business.
 9

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. On 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 and as gifts to young children.
On Eid ul-Adha, people may also distribute meat to relatives and neighbors and donate
food for charity.

Milaad un Nabi: 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 day of Muharram is marked in the memory of
Imam Hussein (Aliahsalam), the grandson of Muhammad, who was a martyr, along with
72 family members, friends and followers during the Battle of Karbala. It is marked
mainly among the Shia community of Pakistan.

Jashn-e-Baharan: Jashn-e-Baharan, also referred to as Basant, is a pre-

Islamic 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 (now prohibited). 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
name Jashn (celebration) Baharan(spring).

Nowruz: This festival is like Nowruz of Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia. In Northern
Pakistan (Chitral, Gilgitand Baltistan) Nowruz is celebrated as a socio-religious festival.
It is also celebrated with much fervour in 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 features of Nowruz are the giving
of coloured eggs to friends and polo matches. 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 theAchaemenid and Sassanid Persian empires.

Independence Day: On August 14, the people of Pakistan celebrate the day Pakistan
gained its independence from British India and formed an independent state for Muslims.
 10

However, one-third of the Muslims decided to remain in India. There are many
celebrations all over the country, with people singing and dancing in the streets. 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 reflect on their
pride in the country of Pakistan.

Defense Day Parade: September 6 is another patriotic day, when the 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, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) put on display the new joint
manufactured Chinese-Pakistani aircraft called the JF-17 Thunder.

Popular Media:

Television: 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. The past decade has seen
the emergence of several private TV channels showing news and entertainment, such
as GEO TV, AAJ TV, ARY Digital, 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.

Radio: After independence, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) was the sole radio
channel in Pakistan during 1947. The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation was formed on
14 August 1947, the day of Pakistani independence. It was a direct descendant of
the Indian Broadcasting Company, which later became All India Radio. At
independence, Pakistan had radio stations in Dhaka, Lahore, and Peshawar. A major
programmed 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 (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: 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. Indian movies
are popular in Pakistan despite being ban since the Pakistan-India War in 1965. 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, but as
 11

Lahore became the headquarters of the film industry, the number of Urdu films decreased
while the number of Punjabi works rose.
The film industry suffered badly during the rule of the military dictator Gen. Zia, who
forced women to cover their heads even on government controlled Pakistan TV. The
number of films produced per year also declined due to several other factors including
the wide spread use of VCR and DVD players, since Pakistanis prefer Indian movies
over their own. Today, Lollywood has totally collapsed and once busy film producing
studios have been turned into more profitable business ventures. Most of cinema houses
too have been turned into commercial business plazas.
Pakistan also has another film industry based in Peshawar, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 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 gets together to celebrate achievements in the industry.
Under the fear of Taliban and religious extremists, the film industry in Peshawar has
come to a standstill today. The Northwestern province of Pakistan has its own culture
which is very restricted and even in good old days the buses will turn off entertainment
programs upon entering into this province.

National Address: The national dress of Pakistan is Shalwar Qameez 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 Persians, and Mughal
Empire 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 a collar and buttons (similar to a polo shirt). Men often wear an
outer waistcoat over the shalwar kameez. 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. Sari is also worn by women in Pakistan, especially in the
region of Sindh.
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 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.
Both the Sherwani and the Shalwar Qameez are also commonly worn in India, and in
places which Pakistanis and Indians have migrated to.

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

Mercantile culture:
 12

Pakistan's service sector accounts for 53% of the country's gross domestic
product. 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 having the best shopping malls in the world (visited by many
celebrities eg: Angelina Joli, Justin Bieber and many more)- 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.

Cultural Traditions: Pakistanis have a distinct culture, traditions and customs. Shalwar
kamiz is the dress commonly worn, both by men and women in Pakistan. Pakistani food
is rich in meat (including beef), whereas wheat is the main staple. Pashto, Punjabi,
Balochi, Sindhi, Kashmiri, etc. music and dances are distinctly unique with their own
melodies, instruments, patterns and styles. Pakistani arts in metal work, tiles, furniture,
rugs, designs/paintings, literature, calligraphy, etc. are distinct and diverse. Pakistani
architecture is unique with its Islamic styles. The manners and lifestyles are guided by a
blend of Islam and local traditions. In comparison both Pakistanis and
the Indians definitely have distinct cultures of their own. Some Indian women wear
Shalwar kameez, which is due to Persian cultural influence which is more strong in
Pakistan. Many Pakistani food dishes are shared with Indian cuisine (like naan, tikka,
kebab, biryani/pulao, etc.). There is barely any Hindu architectural influence in Pakistan
(Gandhara is Graeco-Buddhist and Harappan is distinct),. The lives of most Pakistanis
are shaped by Islam, whereas the lives of most Indians are shaped by Hanadic-Hinduism.

Racial groups: The vast majority of Pakistanis are Caucasoid by race but many other
distinct minority are also present. The majority of Pakistanis are of average to above
average height. Pakistan is notable for having several individuals in the Guinness Book
of World Records, such as Alam Channa for the tallest man in the world and Abdul Sattar
Edhi for creating the world's largest ambulance help service and charity. Pakistanis are
diverse, many possessing dark hair and eyes but light coloured eyes andlight colored
hair do occur in significant portions of the population as well, notably in the North
amongst the Dardic, Kalash, Tajik, and north western Pashtun tribes. The
typical Pakistani can range from light to dark brown skin tones with a few exceptions in
mountainous regions of the north. Many of the people inhabiting Pakistan's western
regions share genetic affinities with ethnic groups in Iran,Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
While the racial features of each ethnic group in Pakistan are not uniform,Chitrali's and
some of the Dardic tribes in the north are the most Caucasoid phenotypically, followed
by the Pashtuns (also known as Pakhtuns), Kashmir’s, Balochis, Punjabis,
and Sindhis, Muhajirs, and Seraikis. The Negroid people live along the Makran coast and
are a small minority known as theSheedi who came from East Africa in the 15th century.
Panjabi's, Seraiki and The Sindhis have considerable admixture and show a diverse
phenotypic features representative of their multicultural history. Muhajirs have some
dark skin groups due to their links and origin from parts of india to the south east.
The Mongoloid people also inhabit Pakistan are of Central Asian origin where oftentimes
 13

their racial elements are infused within the dominant Caucasoid genes of the vast
majority of Pakistanis, however there are many instances in which some have retained
their distinct racial characteristics. Pakistan's genetic diversity is due to various factors
including the numerous waves of migration from other regions and
include Aryans mainly, in smaller amount Greeks, Iranians, Arabs, Turks, Scythians,
Afghans to name a few and also because of its geopolitical location straddling the Iranian
Plateau, Central Asian, Tibetan and South Asian genetic spheres and as a result, the
phenotypic expression of its people is reflective of this diversity. Large influxes of
refugees from the surrounding nations have further exacerbated this change
(Muhajirs from india in 1947, Kashmirisrefugees in 1948, Iranians in 1978, Afghans in th
1980's, Tajiks and Iraqis in 2001 etc..)

Holidays:

There are many festivals celebrated annually in Pakistan, some of which, including
Pakistan Day (23 March), Independence Day (14 August), Defence of Pakistan Day (6
September), Pakistan Air Force Day (7 September), the anniversaries of the birth (25
December, a national holiday) and death (11 September) of Quaid-e-Azam, birth
of Allama Iqbal (9 November) and the birth (30 July) and death (8 July) of Madar-e-
Millat, are observed as national public holidays. Several important religious festivals are
celebrated by Pakistani Muslims during the year; the celebration days depend on the
lunar Islamic calendar. Ramadan, the ninth month of the calendar, is characterised by
daytime fasting for 29 or 30 days and is followed by the festival of Eid ul-Fitr. In a
second festival, Eid ul-Adha, an animal is sacrificed in remembrance of the actions of
Prophet Abraham (Arabic: Ibrahim) and the meat is shared with friends, family, and the
less fortunate. Both Eid festivals are public holidays, serving as opportunities for people
to visit family and friends, and for children to receive new clothes, presents, and sweets.
Muslims also celebrate Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi - the birthday of the prophet Muhammad -
in the third month of the calendar (Rabi' al-Awwal) and mark the Day of Ashurah on the
9th and 10th days of the first month (Muharram) to commemorate the martyrdom
of Husayn bin Ali.
Zorastrians, Parsis, Bahai's, Nestorians, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Christians in
Pakistan also celebrate their own festivals and holidays. Sikhs come from across the
world to visit several holy sites in Punjab, including the shrine of Guru Nanak, the
founder of Sikhism, at Hasan Abdal in Attock District, and his birthplace, at Nankana
Sahib. There are also several regional and local festivals, such as the Punjabi festival
of Basant, which marks the start of spring and is celebrated by kite flying.
• Pakistani Culture
• Punjabi culture
• Sindhi culture
• Balochi culture
• NWFP culture

Punjabi culture:
 14

Punjabi Culture is the culture of the Punjab region. It is one of the oldest in world
history, dating from ancient antiquity to the modern era. The Punjabi culture is the
culture of the Punjabi people who are now distributed throughout the world. The scope,
history, sophistication and complexity of the culture are vast. Some of the main areas
include, Punjabi Philosophy, poetry, spirituality, education, artistry, music, cuisine,
science, technology, military warfare, architecture, traditions, values and history.

Middle Age Pakistani culture

Middle Age Punjabi Culture, during the period of foreign invasions, saw the already very
high number of layers and complexity of the Punjabi Culture increase to another level.
During this time contributions from Greek, Persian, Mongol and Afghan influences were
incorporated into the enormous complexity and sophistication of the Punjabi Culture.
During this period saw the birth and rise of a new world-religion in Punjab, Sikhism, this
had a dramatic effect on the culture and gave it an additional dimension. This further
increased the martial and military dimensions of the Punjabi culture and of the Punjabi
People.

Modern Punjabi culture

Due to the large number of Punjabi People distributed throughout the
world, Pakistan and India, many people are increasingly experiencing the culture and
becoming influenced by it. Traditional Punjabi culture is being strengthened and
expanded in the Western world (e.g. U.S., UK, EU, Canada etc.), the scope is huge,
ranging from Punjabi Philosophy, poetry, spirituality, education, artistry, music, cuisine,
architecture etc.

Culture
People of different languages, cultures, customs and races came to Punjab for various
reasons. These immigrants influenced and were influenced by Punjabi culture.
Punjabi Music
Bhangra is one of the many Punjabi musical art forms that is increasingly being listened
to in the west and is becoming a mainstream favourite.Punjabi music is being used by
western musicians, in many ways, such as mixing it with other compositions to produce
award-winning music. In addition, Punjabi Classical music is increasingly becoming
popular in the west. Punjabi Cuisine has an immense range of dishes and has become
world-leader in the field so much so that many entrepreneurs that have invested in the
sector have built large personal fortunes due to popularity of Punjabi Cuisine throughout
the world.
Punjabi Poetry
Punjabi Poetry is renowned for its extremely deep meaning, beautiful, exciting and
hopeful use of words. The poetry is one of the clearest views into the Punjabi mindset.
The large number of Punjabi poetry works are being translated throughout the world into
many languages. Famous Punjabi poets.

Punjabi Dances
 15

Punjabi Dances, due to the long history of the Punjabi culture and of the Punjabi
people there is a large number of dances. These dances are normally performed at times
of celebration, including harvests, festivals, and weddings. The particular background of
the dances can be non-religious and religious. The overall style can range from the high
energy "Bhangra" men's dance to the more reserved "Jhumar," the "Gidha" women's
dance, etc.
Punjabi wedding traditions
Punjabi wedding traditions and ceremonies are traditionally conducted in Punjabi and are
a strong reflection of Punjabi culture. While the actual religious marriage ceremony,
among Muslims, Hindus,Sikhs, and Jains may be conducted in Arabic, Punjabi, Sanskrit,
by the Qazi, Pundit, Granthi or Priest. There are commonalities in ritual, song, dance,
food, dress. The Punjabi wedding has many rituals and ceremonies that have evolved
since traditional times.

Punjabi culture in the western world

Due to the values and heritage of the Punjabi Culture, the Punjabi people have become
one of the most successful and wealthiest sections of society in the west. This is in
addition to on average being the wealthiest in Pakistan and India.

Punjabi region
The Punjab is a geographical region straddling the border between India and Pakistan
which includes Punjab, India and Punjab.The name of the region is Persian in origin and
signifies "(The Land of) Five Waters"referring to the following rivers: theJhelum,
the Chenab, the Ravi, theSutlej, and the Beas. All are tributaries of the Indus River,
theJhelum being the largest. Punjab has a long history and rich cultural heritage. The
people of the Punjab are called Punjabis and their language is called Punjabi. The
mainreligions of the Punjab region areIslam, Sikhism and Hinduism.
The area now known as the Greater Punjab comprises what were once vast territories of
West Pakistan and northern western India. The bigger section of the Punjab at about 60%
lies within Pakistan and 40% within Republic of India where it has been further divided
into three states.
The region is populated by Indo-Aryan speakers. Of these people there are different
religious groups such as Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs,Christians, Jains and Buddhists. It has
also been inhabited by Greeks, Persians, Arabs, Turks, Mughals,Afghans, Balochis,
and British. In 1947, it was partitioned between British's successor states with three out
of the five rivers going toPakistan and the remaining two rivers were allotted to India.
The Pakistani Punjab now comprises the most densely populated province in Pakistan. In
India, the Government further sub-divided Punjab into the modern Indian states of
Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Delhi. The Pakistani part of the
region West Punjab (which includes the Islamabad capital territory) covers an area of
205,344 square kilometers (79,284 square miles), whereas the Indian State of Punjab is
50,362 square kilometers (19,445 square miles). Besides the Indian Punjab, the region
also includes the Jammu state of India. The populations of the region are divided as
86,084,000 (2005) in West Punjab (Pakistan) and 24,289,296 (2000) in the present-day
State of (East) Punjab (India). Punjabi is spoken by (approximately) 60% of the entire
 16

population in Pakistan mainly in the Punjab province, making it the most spoken
language in Pakistan, and 92.2% in Indian Punjab. (3% of overall Indian population).[The
capital city of undivided Punjab was Lahore, which now sits close to the partition line as
the capital of West Punjab; while the capital of East Punjab is Chandigarh; which is not
far from Lahore. Indian Punjab uses the Gurmukhiscript, while Pakistani Punjab uses .
Punjabi People
The Punjabi people (Punjabi: ‫( پنججججابی‬Shahmukhi), (Gurmukhi), Hindi: (Devanagari)),
also Punjabi people, are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group from South Asia. They originate
from the Punjab region, which has been host to some of the oldest civilizations in the
world including one of the world's first and oldest civilizations,the Indus Valley
Civilization. The Punjabi identity was primarily cultural and linguistic, with Punjabis
being those who considered the Punjabi Language their first language. However, in
recent times, the definition has been broadened to include emigrants of Punjabi descent
who maintain Punjabi cultural traditions, even when they no longer speak the language.
Punjabis are primarily found in the Punjab region of Indiaand Pakistan, which forms the
present Indian state of Punjab and Pakistan province of Punjab. In the times that followed
after gaining independence from Britain, the Punjab region was divided between the two
nations. In Pakistan, Punjabis are the largest ethnic group comprising of roughly 60% of
the total population of the country. Majority reside predominantly in the province of
Punjab and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In India, Punjabis represent about 3% of the
population. The majority of Punjabi-speaking people in India can be found across the
greater Punjab region which comprises of the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal
Pradesh, Delhi and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Moreover, large communities of
Punjabis are also found in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir and the states of
Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
Punjabi is the dominant language spoken in Pakistan, and 11th most spoken language in
India. According to theEthnologue 2005 estimate,[ there are 88 million native speakers of
the Punjabi language, which makes it approximately the 11th most widely spoken
language in the world. According to the 2008 Census of Pakistan,there are approximately
76,335,300 native speakers of Punjabi in Pakistan, and according to the Census of India,
there are over 29,102,477 Punjabi speakers in India. Punjabi is also spoken as a minority
language in several other countries where Punjabis have emigrated in large numbers,
such as the United Kingdom (where it is the second most commonly used language) and
Canada, in which Punjabi has now become the fourth most spoken language after
English, French and Chinese, due to the rapid growth of immigrants from Pakistan and
India. There are also sizable communities in United States, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda,
Persian countries, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
Punjabis are ethno-linguistically and culturally related to the other Indo-Aryan peoples of
South Asia. There are an estimated 120 million Punjabis around the world.

Punjabi language

Punjabi or Panjabi is an language spoken by inhabitants of the historical Punjab (north

western India and in Pakistan). For Sikhs, the Punjabi language stands as the official
language in which all ceremonies would take place and Punjabi is the most spoken
language in Pakistan.
 17

According to the Ethnologue 2005 estimate, there are 88 million native speakers of the
Punjabi language, which makes it approximately the 13th most widely spoken language
in the world. According to the 2008 Census of Pakistan, there are 76,335,300 native
Punjabi speakers in Pakistan and according to the 2001 Census of India, there are
29,102,477 Punjabi speakers in India.
Punjabi language has many different dialects, spoken in the different sub-regions
of greater Punjab. The Majhi dialect is Punjabi’s prestige. This dialect is considered as
textbook Punjabi and is spoken in the historical region of Majha, centralizing in
Lahore and Amritsar.
Along with Lahnda and Western Paharilanguages, Punjabi is unusual among modern
Indo-European languages because it is a tonal language.

Music of Punjab
Punjab is a region in the Indian subcontinent, including both Punjab (India) and Punjab
(Pakistan) which has a diverse style of music, ranging from folk and Sufi to classical,
notably the Patiala gharana.

Bhangara
However, it is musically best-known as the home ofbhangra, a lively folk dance form that
evolved into a popular form of bhangra songs, which in the recent decade has developed
into Bhangra pop, with electronic music amongst Punjabi diaspora community in the
United Kingdom and United States. Giddha is also a popular Punjabi dance practiced by
women in Punjab.

Punjabi Dance
Punjabi dances, due to the long history of the Punjabi culture and of the Punjabi
people there is a large number of dances. These dances are normally performed at times
of celebration the most prominent being at Punjabi weddings, where the elation is usually
particularly intense. The particular background of the dances can be non-religious and
religious. The overall style can range from very high energy to more reserved, however
the common elements make it particularly attractive to the viewers whether they be of
Punjabi heritage or not, the allure is considered universal. Punjabi dances are designed
for either men or women. At Punjabi weddings everyone is encouraged to take part in the
dances. Married Punjabi couples usually dance as one unit at specific points of the
wedding. The husband dances in the style of male Punjabi dances and the wife dancing in
the style of female Punjabi dances.
Common Female Punjabi Dances
• Sammi
• Giddha
• Jaago
• Kikli
• Luddi
• Common Male Punjabi Dances
• Bhangra
• Malawi Giddha
 18

• Jhumar
• Luddi
• Julli
• Dankara
• Dhumal

Sindh

Sindh (pronounced [sɪnd̪ʱ]: Sindhi: ‫سجججججججججنڌ‬, Urdu: ‫)سسسسسسسسسسند ھ‬ is one of the

four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally
known as the "Mehran" (‫ ;مهران‬River). Sindhi Muslims are the largest population in the
province, but other cultural, religious and ethnic groups also reside in Sindh. The
neighboring regions of Sindh are Balochistan to the west and north, Punjab to the
north, Gujarat and Rajasthan to the southeast and east, and the Arabian Sea to the south.
The main language spoken isSindhi. The name is derived from the Indus River that
courses through it, and was known to the Assyrians(as early as the seventh century BCE)
as Sinda, to the Greeks as Indos, to the Romans as Indus, to the Persians as Abisind, to
the Arabs as Al-Sind, and to the Chinese as Sintow. To the Javanese the Sindhis have
long been known as the Santri. The province of Sindh and the people inhabiting the
region had been designated after the river known in ancient times as the Sindhu River,
now known as the Indus River. In Sanskrit,sínd.means "river, stream", and refers to the
Indus river in particular. The Greeks who conquered Sindh in 325 BC under the
command of Alexander the Great rendered it as Indus, hence the modern Indus. When
the British conquered South Asia in the 17th century, they expanded the term and applied
the name to the entire region of South Asia and called it India. Sindh is located on the
western corner of South Asia, bordering the Iranian plateau in the west. Geographically it
is the third largest province of Pakistan, stretching about 579 km from north to south and
442 km (extreme) or 281 km (average) from east to west, with an area of 140,915 square
kilometers (54,408 sq mi) of Pakistani territory. Sindh is bounded by the Thar Desert to
the east, theKirthar Mountains to the west, and the Arabian Sea in the south. In the centre
is a fertile plain around the Indus River.

Aerial view of Karachi

 19

Sindh is situated in a subtropical region; it is hot in the summer and cold in winter.
Temperatures frequently rise above 46 °C (115 °F) between May and August, and the
minimum average temperature of 2 °C (36 °F) occurs during December and January. The
annual rainfall averages about seven inches, falling mainly during July and August. The
southwest monsoon wind begins to blow in mid-February and continues until the end of
September, whereas the cool northerly wind blows during the winter months from
October to January.
Sindh lies between the two monsoons — the southwest monsoon from the Indian
Ocean and the northeast or retreating monsoon, deflected towards it by the Himalayan
mountains — and escapes the influence of both. The average rainfall in Sindh is only 6–7
in (15–18 cm) per year. The region's scarcity of rainfall is compensated by the inundation
of the Indus twice a year, caused by the spring and summer melting of Himalayan snow
and by rainfall in the monsoon season. These natural patterns have recently changed
somewhat with the construction of dams and barrages on the Indus River.
Sindh is divided into three climatic regions: Siro (the upper region, centred
on Jacobabad), Wicholo (the middle region, centred on Hyderabad), and Lar (the lower
region, centred on Karachi). The thermal equator passes through upper Sindh, where the
air is generally very dry. Central Sindh's temperatures are generally lower than those of
upper Sindh but higher than those of lower Sindh. Dry hot days and cool nights are
typical during the summer. Central Sindh's maximum temperature typically reaches 43–
44 °C (109–111 °F). Lower Sindh has a damper and humid maritime climate affected by
the southwestern winds in summer and northeastern winds in winter, with
lower rainfall than Central Sindh. Lower Sindh's maximum temperature reaches about
35–38 °C (95–100 °F). In the Kirthar range at 1,800 m (5,900 ft) and higher at Gorakh
Hill and other peaks in Dadu District, temperatures near freezing have been recorded and
brief snowfall is received in the winte

Culture Of sindh

Archaeological discoveries
Archaeological discoveries sometimes help to unfold the certain latent aspects of a
specific culture. The excavations of Mohenjo-daro have unfolded the city life of
a civilization of people with values, a distinct identity and culture. Therefore, the first
definition of the Sindhi culture emanates from that over the 7000 year old Indus Valley
Civilization. This is the pre-Aryan period, about 3,000 years B.C., when the urban
civilization in Sindh was at its peak. In Sir Mortimer Wheeler's book,Civilization of the
Indus Valley and Beyond, it is said that; "Civilization, in a minimum sense of the term, is
the art of living in towns, with all that the condition implies in respect of social skills and
disciplines." When people speak of Sindhi civilization, they have to concern themselves,
mainly with the material and concrete side of human habitation of which Sindhi culture is
the only essence called the superstructure. The present day Sindh, along with the
Northern part of the Indus Valley Civilization (around 3000 to 2500 B.C.) is located on
its urban civilization.[
Ranikot Fort is also a landmark of the Indus valley civilization. It is the world's largest
fort, with walls extending to 20 km. It has been called a "second Wall of China", and it
attracts many visitors.
 20

Language
Sindhi language is an ancient language spoken in Pakistan and many other parts of the
world. It is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by approximately 41 million people in
Pakistan, and 12 million people in India; it is the second most spoken language of
Pakistan, mostly spoken in the Sindh province. It is a recognized official language in
Pakistan, and also an official language in India. Pakistan issues National Identity Cards to
its citizens only in two languages; Sindhi and Urdu.
Literature

History
Sindhi language is ancient and rich in literature. Its writers have contributed extensively
in various forms of literature in both poetry and prose. Sindhi literature is very rich, and
is one of the world's oldest literatures. The earliest reference to Sindhi literature is
contained in the writings of Arabhistorians. It is established that Sindhi was the first
Eastern language into the Quran, when it was translated in the eighth or ninth century
A.D. There is evidence of Sindhi poets reciting their verses before the
Muslim Caliphs in Baghdad. It is also recorded that treatises were written in Sindhi
onastronomy, medicine and history during the eighth and ninth centuries.

Poetry
Sindhi poetry is also prominent in Sindhi culture. Poetry of Shah Abdul Latif
Bhittai. Sachal Sarmast is very famous amongst all of Pakistanis. Regional poets
are Shaikh Ayaz, Ustaad Bhukhari, Ahmed Khan MAdhoosh, Adal Soomro, Ayaz Gul,
Abdul Ghaffar Tabasum, Rukhsana Preet, Waseem Soomro. Many Sindhi poets are
doing their poetry work continuously.

Music
Sindhi music has its own unique quality. It is performed in many different ways. Sufi
music is performed at shrines, and other simple music is performed at studios and
gatherings.

Cultural Character
The ancient Sindhi civilization was the place, where the aesthetic utilization of leisure
was freely indulged. There has been evidence, that the excavations of sites dating back
to 3000 B.C. (all over Sindh) is also true, around 1200 years ago when Jaina Dakshiniya
Chihna (778 A.D.) described the distinguished features of Sindhis in this way: "Elegant,
with a lovely, soft and slow gait, they are fond of the art of Gandharvas (that is, songs,
music and dancing) and full affection towards their country."
Sindhis celebrate Sindh Cultural day world wide on 6th December by wearing Ajrak &
Sindhi Topi on that occasion.

Islam in Sindh
From the beginning of Muslim rule of the Sindh in 713 CE, the Muslim technocrats,
bureaucrats, soldiers, traders, scientists, architects, teachers, theologians and Sufis
traveled from the rest of the Muslim world to the Islamic Sultanate in Sindh, and settled
 21

there permanently. The majority of Sindhis converted to Islam by the Sufi mystics
from Middle East and Central Asia. The Sindh became distinct in its identity and culture,
and many contemporary writers in medieval age referred to Sindh and Hind as two
different countries. The Sindhi culture flourished with a new stimulus from Islamic
sources from Persia and Afghanistan. Many Baloch and Afghan tribes also settled in
Sindh, adopting Sindhi culture.

Sports
There are many regional sports that are played in Sindh. Malakhiro(Malakhra) is one of
the famous sports of Sindh. Other sports include Wanjh wati, Kodi
Kodi, Beelarhoo, Thipai Rand, Notinn and Biloor.

Baluchistan

Balochistan, or Baluchistan, Pashto, is a province in Pakistan, the largest in the country

by geographical area; it is slightly smaller than Norway. It contains most of the historical
region of Balochistan and is named after the Baloch people. Its neighbouring regions are
Iranian Balochistan to the west, Afghanistan and the Federally Administered Tribal
Areas to the north and Punjab and Sindh to the east. To the south is the Arabian Sea. The
principal languages in the province are Baluchi, Brahui,Sindhi and Pashto. The capital
and largest city is Quetta. Balochistan is believed to be rich in mineral resources. It is the
second major, after Sindh, supplier of natural gas to the country.

Geography
Balochistan is located at the eastern edge of the Iranian plateau and in the border region
between Southwest, Central, and South Asia. It is geographically the largest of the four
provinces at 347,190 km or of Pakistani territory; and composes 48% of the total land
area of Pakistan. The population density is very low due to the mountainous terrain and
scarcity of water. The southern region is known as Makran. The central region is known
as Kalat.
The Sulaiman Mountains dominate the northeast corner and the Bolan Pass is a natural
route into Afghanistan towards Kandahar and was used as a route during the British
campaigns to Afghanistan. Much of the province south of the Quetta region is sparse
desert terrain with pockets of towns mostly near rivers and streams.
The capital city is Quetta, located in the most densely populated district in the northeast
of the province. Quetta is situated in a river valley near the border with Afghanistan, with
a road to Kandahar in the northwest.
At Gwadar on the coast the Pakistani government is currently undertaking a large project
with Chinese help to build a large port. This is being done partially to provide the
Pakistan Navy with another base, and to reduce Pakistan's reliance on Karachi and Port
Qasim, which are currently the only major ports

Climate
 22

Very cold winters and hot summers characterise the climate of the upper highlands.
Winters of the lower highlands vary from extremely cold in the northern districts to mild
conditions closer to the Makran coast. Summers are hot and dry, especially the arid zones
of Chaghai and Kharan districts. The plain areas are also very hot in summer with
temperatures rising as high as 120 F (50 C). Winters are mild on the plains with the
temperature never falling below the freezing point. The desert climate is characterised by
hot and very arid conditions. Occasionally strong windstorms make these areas very
inhospitable.

Demographics
Balochistan has a population of around 10 million inhabitants. Overall, the Baloch and
Brohi tribes comprise 62% of the province's population. The rest are mainly Pashtuns,
Hazaras and Sindhis. Baloch are concentrated in the sparsely populated north-west, west,
east and south; Brohis in the centre of the province, while the Pashtuns are the majority
in the north. Quetta, the capital of the province, has a Pashtun majority with Baloch,
Hazaras and Punjabi minorities. Near the Kalat region and other parts of the province
there are significant numbers of Brohi speakers. Along the coast various Makrani
Balochis predominate. In addition, 769,000 Afghan refugees can be found in the province
including Pashtuns, Tajiks, and Hazaras. Many Sindhi farmers have also moved to the
more arable lands in the east. There are also a growing number of other(s) ethnic groups
consisting of Kurdish, Punjabi, Muhajir and Iranians who have made Balochistan their
home in recent decades.

Society
Balochistan has a deeply patriarchal and conservative culture, in which ' honour killings'
are commonplace.
In one recent incident in August 2008, the Asian Human Rights Commission reported
that five women (including three teenagers) in a remote village had been beaten, shot and
buried alive in a ditch for the 'crime' of having wished to choose their own husbands. One
of the tribesmen involved was the younger brother of a provincial minister from the
ruling Pakistan People's Party, and local police therefore refused to take any action.
After human rights activists brought the case to national and international attention, Israr
Ullah Zehri, who represents Balochistan in the Pakistani Parliament, defended the
killings and asked his fellow legislators not to make a fuss about the incident. He told
Parliament, "These are centuries-old traditions, and I will continue to defend them. Only
those who indulge in immoral acts should be afraid."

History
Balochistan was the site of the earliest known farming settlements upon the Iranian
plateau bordering South Asia, the earliest of which was Mehrgarh dated at 6500 BCE.
Pakistani Balochistan corresponds to the ancient Achaemenid province of Gedrosia.
Balochistan was sparsely populated by various tribes, possibly of Dravidian and Indo-
Iranian origin, for centuries following the decline of the nearby Harappa-Mohenjo-daro
civilisation to the east. Over time, Balochistan was invaded by various Eurasian groups
including the Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Kushans, Arabs, Turks, Mongols, Mughals,
Afghans, and the British. Aryan invasions appear to have led to the eventual demise of
 23

the Elamo-DravidianDavid McAlpin, Proto-Elamo-Dravidian, Philadelphia 1981 with

the exception of the Brahui who may have arrived much later as did the Balochis
themselves. The Balochis began to arrive from their homeland in northern Iran and
appear to be an offshoot of the Kurdish tribes that would mainly populate the western end
of the Iranian plateau. The Balochi tribes eventually became a sizeable group rivalled
only by another Iranian group where Brohis and Pashtuns came under influnces of
Balochis.
Islamic arrival in Baluchistan
What is now Baluchistan province of Pakistan, in the 7th century was divided into two
main regions, its south western parts were part of Kerman Province of the Persian Empire
and north eastern region was part of the Persian province Sistan. The southern region was
included in Makran.
In early 644, Caliph Umar sent Suhail ibn Adi from Busra to conquer the Kerman region
of Iran; he was made governor of Kerman. From Kerman he entered the western
Baluchistan and conquered the region near to Persian frontiers. South Western
Baluchistan was conquered during the campaign in Sistan the same year.
During Caliph Uthmans reign in 652, Baluchistan was re-conquered during the campaign
against the revolt in Kerman, under the command of Majasha ibn Masood, it was first
time when western Baluchistan came directly under the Laws of Caliphate and gave
tribute on agriculture.In those days western Baluchistan was included in the dominion of
Kerman. In 654 Abdulrehman ibn Samrah was made governor of Sistan, an Islamic army
was sent under him to crush the revolt in Zarang, which is now in southern Afghanistan.
Conquering Zarang a column moved north ward to conquer areas up to Kabul and
Ghazni in Hindu Kush Mountains, while another column moved towards North western
Baluchistan and conquered area up to the ancient city of Dawar and Qandabil (Bolan), by
654 the whole of what is now Baluchistan province of Pakistan was under the rule of
Rashidun Caliphate except for the well defended mountain town of QaiQan (now Kalat),
which was conquered during Caliph Alis reign. Abdulrehman ibn Samrah made Zaranj
his provincial capital and remained governor of these conquered areas from 654 to 656,
until Uthman was murdered.
During the Caliphate of Ali, the areas of Baluchistan, Makran again broke into revolt.
Due to civil war in the Islamic empire Ali was unable to deal with these areas until 660
when he sent a large force under the command of Haris ibn Marah Abdi towards Makran,
Baluchistan and Sind. Haris ibn Marah Abdi arrived in Makran and conquered it by force
then moved north ward to north eastern Baluchistan and re-conquered Qandabil (Bolan),
then again moving south finally conquered Qaiqan (Kalat) after a fierce battle. In 663
during the reign of Umayyad Caliph Muawiyah I, Muslim lost control of North eastern
Baluchistan and Kalat when Haris ibn Marah and large part of army died in the battle
field against a revolt in Kalat. Muslim forces latter re-gained the control of the area
during Umayyads reign. It also remained part of Abbasid Caliphate's empire.
History of Baloch people
Many Balochis believe that their origins are Semitic and not Iranian contrary to linguistic
and historical evidence. Balochis claim that they left their Aleppo homeland in Syria at
some point during the 1st millennium CE and moved to Balochistan,M. Longworth
Dames, Balochi Folklore, Folklore, Vol. 13, No. 3 , pp. 252-274 on the other hand it is
considered more likely they are an Iranian group who have possibly absorbed some Arab
 24

ancestry and cultural traits instead, it is also believed that Baloch are of Arab blood, it
could be they left the Arab world when Iraq broke from Persia in 652 AD and there is
historical evidence that suggests they lived in (Khuzestan) and (Bushehr) before moving
to Kerman and Hormozgan. In 15th century Mir Chakar Khan Rind became first king of
Baluchistan. Balochistan subsequently was dominated by empires based in Iran and
Afghanistan as well as the Mughal Empire based in India. Ahmed Shah Durrani annexed
the region as part of a "greater" Afghanistan. The area would eventually revert to local
Balochi control, while parts of the northern regions would continue to be dominated by
Pashtun tribes.
During the period of the British Raj, there were four Princely states in Balochistan:
Makran, Kharan, Las Bela and Kalat. In 1876 Sir Robert Sandeman concluded a treaty
with the Khan of Kalat and brought his territories - including Kharan, Makran, and Las
Bela - under British suzerainty. After the Second Afghan War of 1878-80, the Treaty of
Gandamak concluded in May 1879, the Afghan Emir ceded the districts of Quetta
Pishin,Sibi, Harnai, and Thal Chotiali to the British. In 1883 the British leased the Bolan
Pass, southeast of Quetta, from the Khan of Kalat on a permanent basis. In 1887 some
areas of Balochistan were declared British territory. In 1893, Sir Mortimer Durand
negotiated an agreement with Amir Abdur Rahman Khan of Afghanistan to fix the
Durand Line running from Chitral to Balochistan to as the boundary between the
Afghans and the British.
There were two devastating earthquakes in Balochistan during British colonial rule: The
1935 Balochistan Earthquake devastated Quetta and the 1945 Balochistan Earthquake,
with its epicentre in Makran region, was felt in other regions of South Asia.
On 15 June, 2006, an estimated 600 fighters, led by three commanders, agreed to lay
down their weapons after talks with Shoaib Nausherwani, Baluchistan's minister for
internal affairs, in Dera Bugti district. On August 26, Balochistan tribal leader Nawab
Akbar Khan Bugti was killed in airstrikes carried out by the Pakistani military.
In 1998 Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in Ras Koh and in the Kharan desert, both in the
Kharan District in north-western Balochistan. After Musharraf's coup against the Nawaz
Sharif Government, the separatist insurgency resurfaced.

Government
The unicameral Provincial Assembly of Balochistan comprises 65 seats of which 4% are
reserved for non-Muslims and 16% for women only.
Administrative division
Balochistan is divided into 27 districts.

Economy
The economy of the province is largely based upon the production of natural gas, coal
and minerals. Outside Quetta, the infrastructure of the province is gradually developing
but still lags far behind other parts of Pakistan. Tourism remains limited but has
increased due to the exotic appeal of the province. Limited farming in the east as well as
fishing along the Arabian Sea coastline are other forms of income and sustenance for the
local populations. Due to the tribal lifestyle of many Baluch and Brahui, animal
husbandry is important as are trading bazaars found throughout the province.
 25

Though the province remains largely underdeveloped, there are currently several major
development projects in progress in Balochistan, including the construction of a new
deep sea port at the strategically important town of Gwadar. The port is projected to be
the hub of an energy and trade corridor to and from China and the Central Asian
republics. There is considerable Chinese involvement in the project, leading some to
consider Gwadar it as the Chinese outpost on the Arabian Sea. The total cost of the
project is estimated at more than US$2 billion. China has also invested in a coastal
highway to link Gwadar with Pakistan's largest city, Karachi.
Further west is the Mirani Dam multipurpose project, on the River Dasht, 50 kilometres
west of Turbat in the Makran Division. It will provide dependable irrigation supplies for
the development of agriculture and add more than 35,000 km of arable land. There is also
Chinese involvement in the nearby Saindak gold and copper mining project.

Education
There are five main public universities in Balochistan, as well as several private
institutions.
Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology
Balochistan University of Information Technology and Management Sciences
Command and Staff College
Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University
University of Balochistan
This is a chart of the education market of Balochistan (Pakistan) estimated by the
government in 1998.

Famous people
There are many famous people from Balochistan including the following:
;Historical Personalities
Mir Chakar Khan Rind

Culture of Baluchistan

PEOPLE
A number of tribes constitute to make people of Balochistan. Three major tribes are
Baloch, Pashtoon and Brahvi. The Balochi speaking tribes include Rind, Lasher, Marri,
Jamot, Ahmedzai, Bugti Domki, Magsi, Khosa, Rakhashani, Dashti, Umrani,
Nosherwani, Gichki, Buledi, Sanjarani and Khidai. Each tribe is further sub-divided into
various branches. The tribal chief is called Sardar while head of sub-tribe is known as
Malik, Takari or Mir. Sardars and Maliks are members of district and other local Jirgas
according to their status .The Baluchis, believed to have originally come from Arabia or
Asia minor, can be divided in to two branches: the Sulemani and Mekrani as distinct
from the Brahvis who mostly concentrate in central Balochistan. Among the eighteen
major Baloch tribes, Bugtis and Marris are the principal ones who are settled in the
buttresses of the Sulemania. The Talpur of Sind aIso claim their Baluch origin.
Brahvi speaking tribe include Raisani, Shahwani, Sumulani, Bangulzai, Mohammad
Shahi, Lehri, Bezenjo, Mohammad Hasni, Zarakzai (Zehri) , Mengal and Lango, most of
 26

these tribes are bi-lingual and are quite fluent both in the Baluchi and Brahvi Languages.
The Pashtoon tribes include Kakar, Ghilzai Tareen, Mandokhel , Sherani, Looni, Kasi
and Achakzai.

LANGUAGES
Balochistan, despite its scarce population, has an uncommon racial and tribal diversity.
Most of the people in the cities and towns understand and speak more than two
languages. In adddition to Baluchi, Pashtoo and Brahvi, the majority of the population
understand and speak Urdu, the national language. In Kachhi and Sibi districts, people
speak Seraiki and Sindhi. Quetta city, the confluence point of all linguistic groups
accommodates not only Urdu, Baluchi, Pashtoo, Brahvi and Sindhi speaking people but
Punjabi, Darri and Persian speaking ones as well. Dehwar tribe of Sarawan sub-division
in Kalat, also speaks a language derived from Persian.

CULTURE
Cultural landscape of Balochistan portrays various ethnic groups. Though people speak
different languages, there is a similarity in their literature, beliefs, moral order and
customs. The cementing factor is religion which provides a base for unity and common
social order.
Brahvi, Balochi and Pashtoon tribes are known for their hospitality. Guest is accorded is
held in high esteem and considered a blessing from God. Better off people even slaughter
sheep or goat for their guest. Sometimes, it so happens that where there are more houses,
the guest is assumed to be the guest of the whole village. This open heartedness is the
loving feature of the tribal people and is not as deep in the city or town dwellers.
Another adorable feature of Balochistan culture is faithfulness and sincerity in all
relationships. There is no place or respect for unfaithful people in prevalent moral order.
If fidelity is reciprocated with disloyalty or betrayal it is never forgotten.

DRESS
The mode of dress among the Balochi, Pashtoon and Brahvi tribes is very similar having
a few minor dissimilarities. Turban is the common headwear of the men. Wide loose
shalwar (a bit similar to loose trouser) and knee-long shirts are worn by all. The dress of
the woman consists of the typical shirt having a big pocket in front. The shirt normally
has embroidery work with embedded small round mirror pieces. Big ‘Dopatta’ or
‘Chaddar’, a long rectangular piece of cloth cascading down the shoulders and used to
cover head, are used by the women.

FESTIVALS
There are religious and social festivals celebrated by the people of Balochistan. Two
major religious festivals are Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fiter. On these festivals people
adorn their houses, wear new dresses, cook special dishes and visit each other. Eid-
Meladun-Nabi is another religious festival. It is a celebration of the Holy Prophet’s
birthday. Numerous colorful social festivals are also source of jubilation. Sibi festival
that traces its roots to Mehergar, an archeological site of ancient human civilization,
attracts people from across the country. It is attended by common folks, ministers and
 27

other government officials. Folk music performance, cultural dances, handicrafts stalls,
cattle shows and a number of other amusing activities present a perfect riot of color.
Buzkashi is a peculiar festival showing valour of Balochistan people. It is celebrated on
horse-back by two teams that use their skills to snatch a goat from the each other.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Pashto:locally previously known as the North-West Frontier

Province, is one of the four provinces of Pakistan, located in the north west of the
country. It borders Afghanistan to the north-west, Gilgit-Baltistan to the north-east, Azad
Jammu and Kashmir to the east, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) to the
west and south and Punjab and the Islamabad Capital Territory to the south-east.
The main ethnic group in the province are the Pushtuns, locally referred to as Pukhtuns,
followed by a number of smaller ethnic groups, most notably, the Hazarawals and
Chitralis. The principal language is Pashto, locally referred to as Pukhto and the
provincial capital is Peshawar, locally referred to as Pekhawar.

Geography
Khyber Pukhtunkhwa sits primarily on the Iranian plateau and comprises the junction
where the slopes of the Hindu Kush mountains on the Eurasian plate give way to the
Indus-watered hills approaching South Asia. This situation has led to seismic activity in
the past. The area of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa is compareable to the size of New England.
The famous Khyber Pass links the province to Afghanistan, while the Kohalla Bridge in
Circle Bakote Abbottabad is a major crossing point over the Jhelum River in the east.
The province has an area of 28,773 mi² or (74,521 km²). The province's main districts are
Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, Abbottabad Haripur and Mansehra. Peshawar and
Abbottabad are the main cities.
The region varies in topography from dry rocky areas in the south to forests and green
plains in the north. The climate can be extreme with intensely hot summers to freezing
cold winters. Despite these extremes in weather, agriculture remains important and viable
in the area.
The hilly terrain of Kalam, Upper Dir, Naran and Kaghan is renowned for its beauty and
attracts a great many tourists from neighbouring regions and from around the world.
Kalam is also termed 'a piece of Switzerland' as there are many landscape similarities
between it and the mountainous terrain of Switzerland.
According to the 1998 census, the population of the province was approximately 17
million. of whom 52% are males and 48% are females. The density of population is 187
per km² and the intercensal change of population is of about 30%. Geographically the
province could be divided into two zones: the northern one extending from the ranges of
the Hindu Kush to the borders of Peshawar basin, and the southern one extending from
Peshawar to the Derajat basin.
The northern zone is cold and snowy in winters with heavy rainfall and pleasant summers
with the exception of Peshawar basin, which is hot in summer and cold in winter. It has
 28

moderate rainfall. The southern zone is arid with hot summers and relatively cold winters
and scanty rainfall.
The major rivers that criss-cross the province are Kabul River, Swat River, Chitral River,
Kunhar River, Siran River, Panjgora River, Bara River, Kurram River, Dor River, Haroo
River, Gomal River and Zhob River.
Its snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys of unusual beauty have enormous potential
for tourism.

Climate
The climate of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa varies immensely for a region of its size,
encompassing most of the many climate types found in Pakistan. The province stretching
southwards from the Baroghil Pass in the Hindu Kush covers almost six degrees of
latitude; it is mainly a mountainous region. Dera Ismail Khan is one of the hottest places
in the South Asia while in the mountains to the north the weather is temperate in the
summer and intensely cold in the winter. The air is generally very dry and consequently
the daily and annual range of temperature is quite large.
Rainfall also varies widely. Although large parts of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa are typically
dry, the province also contains the wettest parts of Pakistan in its eastern fringe.
Three main climatic regions can be distinguished within Khyber Pukhtunkhwa:

Culture of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is province of Pakistan with area 74520km2.Pshawar is provincia
capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Pathan are main population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and
language is Pushto. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also called Sarhad.Pathan are very hopitable
and warrior.Peoples of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rendered great services in British
army.peoples of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are religious as compare to the other provinces
people.Traditionally peoples like to abide by the values and norms.Pathan are very
familiar for their hospitablity and Hujra Cultuture is very common.A Hujra is place
where guest are recieved and served.Men sit at hujra.Qisa Khawani bazar in Peshawar is
famous for cultural activities. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the main target of terrorist in
Pakistan as terrorist have safe heavens in Tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Khattak
Dance is famous dance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Peshawar-the capial of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa runs along the border with Afghanistan. Peshawar is it's
capital city. Peshawar can no doubt be called as the meeting place of sub-continent and
the central Asia. Peshawar like Lahore and Multan is another very historic city. In some
aspects it can even be considered the most historic city of Pakistan and some historians
also call it as the most historic city of Pakistan. Peshawar can also be called as one of the
best museums of Pakistan. Culture of this historic city is very deep and rich, one can feel
and observe that the culture of Pathans (the locals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) is totally
different, and this makes Peshawar a very different and unique city. No culture is like the
culture of this historic city. Pathan tribesmen have got a culture of their own.
Pathans are no doubt a race apart from all other races, Pathan men usually like to keep
beards, one will even find Pathans who have never ever shaved in their entire lives,
 29

Pathan women wear veils to cover their faces and there are women who have not been
seen by any other man except her father, brother and husband.
No one has ever managed to subdue the Pathans Mughals, Afghans and the British all
have tried to defeat them but Patinas are such a brave race that no one has ever been able
to conquer them.
Pathan`s have got their own customs which are as old as the Pathan race itself is, and no
other race has ever managed to get the Pathans to change these customs of theirs, rather
Pathans have changed the other races. And these stubborn Pathans make up the historic
city of Peshawar.
The most exciting part of Peshawar is its Old City which comes all along from the old
days when Mughals and the Sikhs were the emperors of this city. Old City is a mixture of
narrow lanes and colorful bazaars.
Foods of this city are very tasty and rightly famous too. Where ever you will be travelling
in NWFP you will face no difficulty in finding some very nice and spicy food, Pathan
hotels are not only confined to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but they are spread all across
Pakistan and equally loved whether it is eaten by a Pathan or any other person.
Pottery of Peshawar is also very famous. The local potters do the pottery work in a very
impressive manner. The pottery work is not only very valuable with in Pakistan but it has
also got great deal of value out side Pakistan. Pakistan government is continuously
making efforts to enhance this industry.
The copyright of the article Peshawar-the capial of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistani
Culture is owned by Hasan Mehmood. Permission to republish Peshawar-the capial of
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
People of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Pakhtoon designates a person who speaks Pukhtu. Pathan is a Hindi term adopted for
them by the British. The racial composition of the Pukhtoons is less than clear. The tribes
who dwelled in the area in the days of the Greek historians are believed to be part of the
great Aryan horde which had moved down from Central Asia a millennium earlier. Over
the course of centuries, the Greek, Persian, Turk, and Mongol invaders who passed
through the Frontier have added their blood.
Nearly one-third of the population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is non-Pakhtoon. In the tribal
areas they are called Hamsaya or Kadwal. In the border areas of Hazara and Derajat,
social norms more closely resembling those in Punjab and Kashmir may be discerned.
Clan groups remain important, but mainly as social networks, particularly for marriages.
Chitral has a separate language and culture of its own; a visible difference crossing over
from Dir is that the carrying of arms is uncommon. Most distinct are the indigenous
Kalash, people now confined to three small valleys in Chitral. Their way of life is rooted
in the worship of ancestral spirits and trees. Their unique customs attract a lot of attention
from visitors. However, due to the conversions of the Kalash to Islam, their age-old
traditions are rapidly becoming extinct.
Around 68 per cent of the households in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are Pukhtu speaking,
eighteen per cent are Hindko speaking while Seraiki is the mother tongue of four per
cent. Around eight per cent of households speak local languages, such as Kohwar in
Chitral district, while Urdu and Punjabi speaking migrants account for only two per cent
of the households. With the exception of Sindh, Islam came to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
earlier than to any other part of South Asia.
 30

PUKHTOON SOCIETY

The Pukhtoon society comprises both the people of the tribal areas and the settled
districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The tribal society has been the focus of many studies
as it has kept alive the true Pukhtoon ethos. The Pukhtoon of the settled districts have
however been subject to external influence and have moderated some of the more
traditional aspect of their culture and customs. The Yousafzai, Muhammadzai and Khalil
tribes belong to the settled districts and have limited links in the tribal areas. All other
Pukhtoon tribes of the settled districts have extensive affinal and consanguninal ties with
the tribal Pukhtoons.
The Pukhtoon society is individualistic despite the rigid behavior prescribed by clan
membership. While Pukhtu speaking people constitute one cultural and social entity,
Pukhtoon society is divided into tribes, based on genealogies. The tribes are sub-divided
into Khels, which may be equated with clans. Within the Khels, the basic division is the
expanded family group. The leader of each family group is called a Malik, and the most
important of a group of Maliks is designated as the leading Malik of the Khel. The usual
object of allegiance is the Malik, and in settled districts, a Khan. They gain their title by
their ability to lead followers in public affairs. A Pukhtoon Malik is however no more
than a first among equals, and acquires the status through personal merit and the ability
to inspire fellow tribesmen. Primogeniture is not recognized, and leadership is accorded
to the most capable.
The social structure in the settled districts has altered a great deal from the tribal order.
The Khans have lost much of their original leadership role in the settled districts.
Agriculture is a notable characteristic of the culture of both the settled and tribal areas. In
the former, it is however more developed in terms of irrigation, cultivation of cash crops
and utilization of modern technology. The literacy rate is higher in the settled districts,
especially for women. The trend towards having nuclear rather than extended families is
also more pronounced in the settled districts.
The Jirga is the Pukhtoon assembly in which all public and private affairs are settled. The
Jirga, of which the Khan is the head, now contends with the state judiciary in the settled
districts. Rules of the federal and provincial governments are enforced through state
intervention. The decisions of the village Jirga in the districts have to be reinforced by
the court of law if the law enforcement authorities have also registered the case. Unlike
in the tribal areas, a legal permit is required for the manufacture and possession of arms
and ammunition. The Hujra is traditionally a male club and social centre, which exists in
every village of the tribal as well as settled areas. It is the focus of community opinions
and actions. While Hujras exist in the villages of the settled districts as well, they have
lost much of their functional importance.
Traditionally, the conduct of Pukhtoons was guided by a code of honor called the
Pukhtunwali. The foremost commandment of the Pukhtunwali is Badal or revenge
(revenge is a dish which tastes better cold, Pukhtoon proverb). The obligations to take
revenge for wrong falls not only upon the man who has suffered it, but also upon his
family and tribe. Insults and retaliation hence involve clans and perpetuate blood feuds.
The most frequent causes of trouble are money, women and land (zar, zan, and zamin). In
rare instance, feuds are terminated when the weaker party throws itself on the mercy of
 31

its enemy, called Nanawati or acceptance of a bonafide truce, when blood money may be
accepted in lieu of revenge. The third component of Pukhtunwali is Melmastia, or
hospitality towards a guest, stranger, or an enemy if he seeks it. A formal escort or
assurance of safety to a guest or enemy is called Badragga. The Pukhtunwali provides for
law and order in a harsh environment, and is still a strong force in the tribal areas.
Women are intelligent and aggressive within the limits prescribed by custom. They play
an important role in arranging marriages and alliances between families. Women also
provide the practical means of implementing Melmastia. Women of the working classes
are responsible for domestic work, some outdoors. They do not observe Purdah in the
same way as the affluent classes. With modernization, more and more women have
emerged into the working world and can be found performing well in offices and
industries.

FAMILY
An attractive feature of the Pukhtun way of life is the joint family system, which signifies
their deep love for the family’s solidarity and welfare. The desire for communal life
emanates from a consideration of economic security and integrity. All the family
members, even the married sons, live jointly in a house large enough to separately
accommodate each married couple under the authority of the father who as head of the
family, manages the family affairs and exercises an immense influence in his own
domain.
All the earning hands of the family, married as well as unmarried, contribute their share
of income to the common pool of resources. All expenses on food, clothing, education,
health, birth, marriages and deaths are defrayed from the common fund. The mantle of
authority falls on the eldest son’s shoulders after the death of the father or when old age
renders him unable to discharge his functions. The internal management of the household
rests with the mother who exercises her authority within her own sphere of influence.
The joint family system, however, is gradually giving way to individualistic trends under
the impact of modern influence. It is losing its hold, particularly in educated classes and
well off sections.

References:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punjabi_culture
• [Quraishee 73] Punjabi Adab De Kahani, Abdul Hafeez Quaraihee, Azeez Book
Depot, Lahore, 1973.
• Sindhi Culture And Customs. Retrieved on 9 July 2008.
• Thakur, U (1959). Sindhi Culture. University of Bombay.
• Dani, A.H. and Zaman, W. (1975). Proceedings of the First Congress of Pakistan
History & Culture. University of Islamabad Press.
• Sindhi Culture. Retrieved on 9 July 2008
 32

• http://baask.com/diwwan/index.php?topic=4365.0
• http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/4556704-culture-of-pakistanpeoples-
and-culture-of-nwfp