Pakistan is a beautiful country that is known for its beauty and culture. Understandably, vacationers are in a constant lookout for cheap flights to Pakistan. Take a look at different aspects of life in Pakistan that is sure to make Pakistan holidays fun.
Pakistan is bestowed with incredible natural beauty that is stunning to stay the least! Holiday makers who grab flights to Pakistan and land up in this wonderful nation are enamoured with its glorious scenic splendours! Some get pleasantly flustered at the charming cultural scene of the region! For quite some time now, Pakistan has been on the verge of breaking into the scene as the ‘next big thing in the tourism industry.’ However, the charms and attractions of Pakistan are still by and large underexplored! So, what best time than now to look for cheap flights to Pakistan, pack up bags and visit this remarkable country. Pakistan’s social, cultural and religious’ constitution is extremely different from that of Europe or Americas, and is also a major part of Pakistani tourism. Any traveller who books flights to Pakistan and descends on its golden shores for the first time might get bamboozled on his holidays. It is best to have some beforehand knowledge on different aspects of the country as this will enable the travellers to tackle and enjoy their Pakistan tour much better!
Language in Pakistan
Urdu is the official language of Pakistan. However, English is also spoken widely throughout the country. Other languages that are spoken in Pakistan are Punjabi, Siraiki, Sindhi, Pashtu, Balochi, Hindko, Brahui, Burushaski, Balti, Khawar and Gujrati.
Religion in Pakistan
Pakistan is an Islamic state with 97% of the Pakistanis being Muslims. Pakistan is the second most populous Muslim majority country. Other religious groups in Pakistan include Christians, Hindus and Sikhs.
Pakistani Society & Culture
Islam
Islam is the way of life in Pakistan as it is practised by the majority of Pakistanis. Islam governs the day to day life of the people in this country. Be it food, clothes, politics or lifestyle – Islam impacts each and every facet of life in Pakistan. Muslims in the country are expected to offer prayers five times a day. Travellers to the country must keep in mind that Friday is the holy day for Muslims and everything is closed on the day. During the holy month of Ramadan, every Muslim is expected to fast from dawn to dusk with only six hours of work per day. Fasting includes no food, drinks, smoking or gum chewing. Religion is highly revered in Pakistan and travellers who book cheap flights to Pakistan and visit the nation to enjoy its different facets must keep this in mind on their tour.
Family
Family is of utmost importance to the people of Pakistan and is the foundation of the social structure as well as individual identity. For most Pakistanis, loyalty to their respective families comes first before every other kind of social relation. Nepotism is accepted in the Pakistani society and even viewed positively in some quarters as this allows the hiring of people who can be trusted by the owners of the business or the organization. Trust is of extreme significance and this trust also reflects in the development of the country. Vacationers to Pakistan from other parts of the world must keep in mind that families in this country are much more private than in most other cultures. Females are generally guarded from outside influences and it is considered unapt to ask questions about someone’s wife or other female relatives. Western holiday makers who travel to the country must keep this in mind.
Hierarchy
Pakistan is pretty much a hierarchical society where individuals are respected because of their age and position. Older people are treated with utmost respect as it is believed that age is a sign of wisdom and knowledge. During meals, the aged are served first and the best portion of the food. The most senior (in terms of age or position) of the group or family is expected to make decisions that are in the best interest of everyone. Titles in Pakistan are very important and convey respect. Tourists who travel to Pakistan are advised to use a person’s title or their surname until they are encouraged to use their first name.
Customs and Etiquette in Pakistan
Greeting
Greetings usually take place between the members of the same sex; however in cities greetings may take place across sex lines.
Men usually greet each other by shaking hands of each other. Women greet each other by a hug and kiss.
Pakistanis may take their time in greetings, asking the person about his health, family, and business.
While addressing a Pakistani, it is best to ask them how they wish to be addressed. First names are not commonly used to address each other, except among close friends.
Dining
One is expected to dress conservatively when invited at a Pakistani home.
Greet the elder members of the family first as this denotes respect.
Start eating only after the oldest person at the table has started eating.
