Etiquette in Pakistan
Encyclopedia
In Pakistan
, Islamic
culture is predominant but Pakistan also has cultural etiquette
based mainly on South Asian
influence, as well as British
. Pakistan has a rich and vibrant culture. Visitors will find their hosts to be gracious and friendly—English
is widely spoken in major cities such as Karachi
, Islamabad
and Lahore
and the business community, and Pakistan is less rigid in its Islamic practices than many Middle East
ern countries. Visitors should note that there is a large cultural and economic gap between the social classes. Over the past decade, the middle class in particular has been affected by Pakistan's economic and political upheaval, and it is the opinion of many social critics that the middle class has virtually disappeared, leaving only the upper-class elite and the lower classes in Pakistani society. It is best for visitors to have a local host who can assist and accompany them throughout their trip.
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Also, men should not wear shorts and revealing clothes, and women should cover up their legs.
is don't get to the point; preferring to talk in a roundabout way, they will ask about your health, family and business. Pakistanis may ask personal questions as a way to get to know you. Sex conversation is considered taboo as is homosexuality
. It is also not thought good manners to talk about religion
, and someone's female relatives. Pakistanis like talking about current affairs and politics, but do not talk too much about it because it may reveal the amount of knowledge they possess.
A good topic to talk about is the country itself. Pakistanis are very pleased when you praise the country, and will tell you some places to visit.
Table manners in Pakistan are a mixture of Islamic teachings, South Asian tradition and British
influences.
Before the meal, it is traditional amongst the nation's Muslim majority to recite "Bismillah Ar-Rahman al-Rahim" (In the name of Allah Who is most beneficial and merciful). The hands are washed thoroughly beforehand; this is crucial as chapati
is primarily eaten by hand, and is held in the right hand. Diners sit at the table or more traditionally around a Dastarkhan
(a long piece of cloth used for food).
Looking into another's saucers or plate while eating is contrary to etiquette. Chewing should be discreet, with mouth closed, and not loud enough for others to hear. Leaving some food is considered wasteful; eating everything on the plate, gracious. Eating additional servings is considered polite and a compliment to the host. Cutlery is used British style, holding the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. The eldest in the family eats first; it is considered rude to start eating before them.
Bread - or roti - is first torn in half, small pieces are broken off, using only the right hand, if it can be done elegantly. It is used to pinch or scoop food between thumb and fingers. These are very general manners; minor details differ from area to area and might not always be noticed.
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
, Islamic
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
culture is predominant but Pakistan also has cultural etiquette
Etiquette
Etiquette is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group...
based mainly on South Asian
South Asia
South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
influence, as well as British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. Pakistan has a rich and vibrant culture. Visitors will find their hosts to be gracious and friendly—English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
is widely spoken in major cities such as Karachi
Karachi
Karachi is the largest city, main seaport and the main financial centre of Pakistan, as well as the capital of the province of Sindh. The city has an estimated population of 13 to 15 million, while the total metropolitan area has a population of over 18 million...
, Islamabad
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan and the tenth largest city in the country. Located within the Islamabad Capital Territory , the population of the city has grown from 100,000 in 1951 to 1.7 million in 2011...
and Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
and the business community, and Pakistan is less rigid in its Islamic practices than many Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
ern countries. Visitors should note that there is a large cultural and economic gap between the social classes. Over the past decade, the middle class in particular has been affected by Pakistan's economic and political upheaval, and it is the opinion of many social critics that the middle class has virtually disappeared, leaving only the upper-class elite and the lower classes in Pakistani society. It is best for visitors to have a local host who can assist and accompany them throughout their trip.
Introduction and Greeting
- It is customary to say As-Salamu AlaykumAs-Salamu AlaykumAs-Salāmu `Alaykum is a traditional Muslim greeting, often translated as Peace be upon you.-Usage:*In Arabia, the greeting is associated with shaking right hands and then possibly two or three light cheek to cheek kisses....
(May Peace Be Upon You). The reply to which is Wa alaikum As-Salam (And May Peace Be Upon You Too). Western greetings are also acceptable. The greeting is usually initiated by the person entering a conversation or gathering, or a host. - It is considered rude to introduce yourself to strangers, it is generally advisable to ask some mutual acquaintance to introduce you. Strangers will speak with each other in the "formal" register of Urdu, and using the familiar register will be seen as very rude.
- It is customary among men to put your left hand on your chest (heart) when shaking hands. It is also customary for men to put their left hand on their heart and slightly bow when greeting women without a handshake.
- People of opposite sex do not shake hands when they greet each other. Traditionally in rural areas of Sindh, man and women shake hands. In urban Sindh and in other parts of the country, men and women usually lower their head and lift their hand to their forehead to make the "adabAdab (gesture)Adab is a hand gesture used as a greeting, associated with the culture of south Asian Muslims, especially of Urdu-speaking communities of Uttar Pradesh and Hyderabadi Muslims ....
" gesture when greeting each other. - When being introduced to elders or when men are introduced to women while seated it is customary to get up as sign of respect .
- When seated feet or shoes should not be pointed towards anyone. The soles of shoes, sandals or feet are considered unclean.
- It is advisable to ask a person how they wish to be addressed.
- Generally, women who know each other kiss and hug as greeting while men who know each other often hug each other as a form of greeting. Pakistanis take their time during greetings and ask about the person's health and family.
- It is also customary for a PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
i to reply "fine" or "Thank God" when asked about their healthHealthHealth is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living being. In humans, it is the general condition of a person's mind, body and spirit, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain...
even if you are visiting them at a hospitalHospitalA hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
. Similarly, it is common to say "Allah ka shuker hai" (Thank God) or "Alhamdulillah" (Praise to God) as an answer to any inquiry about one's health, family or business condition regardless of actualities. - When leaving a gathering it is customary to say Khuda HafizKhuda HafizKhuda Hafiz , usually shortened to Khodafez in Persian, is a parting phrase traditionally used in Persia, Kurdistan, and the Indian subcontinent...
(May God Protect You).
Dress
Gapyear.com suggests that blondes consider dying their hair or buying a hat. This is due to the fact that most of the locals will be dark-haired and being blonde could attract unwanted attention. Now, Pakistan is a country where women do have more rights than in some countries that people in the United States think of when they think of Muslim countries. However, Pakistani do hold their women in high esteem and “protect” them from outside influence. To avoid any trouble, heed the following advice.- Avoid public displays of affection.
- Avoid long eye contact with opposite sex as this can be misconstrued as a sexual advancement on your part.
- Avoid talking to women face-to-face. Also, know that you will be spoken to through a woman (if you are a woman).
Also, men should not wear shorts and revealing clothes, and women should cover up their legs.
Gift Giving
- It is customary to take a giftGiftA gift or a present is the transfer of something without the expectation of receiving something in return. Although gift-giving might involve an expectation of reciprocity, a gift is meant to be free. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging money, goods, etc. may contribute to...
if you are taken to someone's home (especially for the first time). - The gift may be PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
i sweetIndian sweetsSouth Asian Sweets are a unique type of confectionary in Indian, Pakistani and other South Asian cuisines. The Hindi-Urdu word used to refer to sweets and confectionary is mithai. South Asian sweets are made with sugar, milk and condensed milk, and cooked by frying. The bases of the sweets and...
s, chocolateChocolateChocolate is a raw or processed food produced from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia in Mexico, Central and South America. Its earliest documented use is around 1100 BC...
s and flowers. - Do not give white flowers as they are used in weddings.
- It is not considered nice to give a gift to women directly. It should be given to her male relatives.
- Do not give alcohol.
- Gifts are not opened in front of the giver.
- Gifts are given and received with both hands.
- It is usual to receive a gift showing pleasure even one doesn't like the giver.
Topic of Conversation
PakistanPakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
is don't get to the point; preferring to talk in a roundabout way, they will ask about your health, family and business. Pakistanis may ask personal questions as a way to get to know you. Sex conversation is considered taboo as is homosexuality
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same...
. It is also not thought good manners to talk about religion
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
, and someone's female relatives. Pakistanis like talking about current affairs and politics, but do not talk too much about it because it may reveal the amount of knowledge they possess.
A good topic to talk about is the country itself. Pakistanis are very pleased when you praise the country, and will tell you some places to visit.
Business Meeting
- English is widely spoken and understood in major cities .
- Appointments are necessary and should be made, in writing, 3 to 4 weeks in advance, although meetings with private companies can often be arranged with less notice.
- The best time to schedule meetings is in the late morning or early afternoon.
- If at all possible, try not to schedule meetings during Ramadan. The workday is shortened, and since Muslims fast, they will not be able to offer you tea, which is a sign of hospitality.
- You should arrive at meetings on time, but be prepared to be kept waiting.
- In general, Pakistanis have an open-door policy, even when they are in a meeting. This means there may be frequent interruptions.
- Meetings are formal so avoid wearing jeans.
- Business meetings start after prolonged inquiries about health, family, etc.
- Meeting are not scheduled at namaz time.
Dining
See also:Table MannersTable manners in Pakistan are a mixture of Islamic teachings, South Asian tradition and British
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
influences.
Before the meal, it is traditional amongst the nation's Muslim majority to recite "Bismillah Ar-Rahman al-Rahim" (In the name of Allah Who is most beneficial and merciful). The hands are washed thoroughly beforehand; this is crucial as chapati
Chapati
Chapati or Chapatti or Chapathi is an unleavened flatbread from the Indian subcontinent. Versions of it are found in Turkmenistan and in East African countries Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania...
is primarily eaten by hand, and is held in the right hand. Diners sit at the table or more traditionally around a Dastarkhan
Dastarkhān
A dastarkhan is the name applied across Central Asia to the traditional space where food is eaten. The term may refer to the tablecloth which is spread on the ground, floor, or table and is used as a sanitary surface to use for food, but it is also used more broadly to refer to the entire meal...
(a long piece of cloth used for food).
Looking into another's saucers or plate while eating is contrary to etiquette. Chewing should be discreet, with mouth closed, and not loud enough for others to hear. Leaving some food is considered wasteful; eating everything on the plate, gracious. Eating additional servings is considered polite and a compliment to the host. Cutlery is used British style, holding the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. The eldest in the family eats first; it is considered rude to start eating before them.
Bread - or roti - is first torn in half, small pieces are broken off, using only the right hand, if it can be done elegantly. It is used to pinch or scoop food between thumb and fingers. These are very general manners; minor details differ from area to area and might not always be noticed.
Further reading
- Culture shock! Pakistan - a guide to customs and etiquette. by Karin Mittmann, Zafar Ihsan