SADIA KHALID BAJWA
BS EDUCATION
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

Culture Definition A simple definition of culture is that it is the human response to the forces of Nature and History. According to the (World Conference on Culture Policies, Mexico 1982)Culture is “the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterize a society or social group. It includes not only arts and letters, but also modes of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions and beliefs." PAKISTANI CULTURE
Pakistan is the country full of natural and cultural wealth. Pakistan has its own unique and specific cultural identification. Culture and heritage of Pakistan reflects the extra ordinary skill and devotion of Pakistani people. Pakistani people are playing a vital role in the presentation, development and promotion of Pakistani culture. The Pakistani culture is dominated by Islamic tradition and heritage. Islamic heritage has great impact on Pakistani culture.
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 massive Persian Empire. Other key influences include the Afghan Empire, Mughal Empire and later, the short-lived but influential, the British Empire.
Punjabi
Objectives Pakistan is a country of diverse communities with cultural traditions, belief systems, value systems, life styles, dialects and aspirations which determine the objectives of the policy, which are listed below. They aim at providing an environment conducive to the growth and promotion our culture as enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. * To highlight the culture of tolerance, harmony and social integration inherent in Pakistan’s Islamic cultural fabric and to eradicate the culture of violence, intolerance and fanaticism by affirmative cultural action through education and legislation. * To relate our spiritual cultural aspects with their physical manifestations and to highlight and develop the universal values of our respective belief systems and the message of the founders of Pakistan in the promotion of our culture. * To encourage a positive cultural response to negative aspects of foreign and local culture through national media by articulating and promoting Pakistan’s cultural activities. * To meet the challenges of globalization by enhancing awareness and dissemination through traditional and modern technological means of our own cultural heritage and quality of cultural expressions in performing and visual arts * To further enrich our national language by recognizing our rich linguistic diversity through research and study and by providing a framework of adaptation and assimilation through the encouragement of language translation from Pakistani languages and world literature into the national language and vice-versa. * To encourage the growth of public-private partnerships and to support civil society cultural initiatives by providing material incentives, support and exposure. * To provide a free and healthy environment for the promotion of all cultural activities at different levels of society. * To ensure a healthy interaction with other cultures through cultural exchange programmes, exhibitions, and international interaction at governmental and non-governmental levels. * To encourage the thoughts and aspirations of our artists, intellectuals, musicians, singers, poets writers, artisans, architects, stage and film artists, dancers and other related with cultural activities towards the process of national integration, while retaining the integrity of cultural diversity in the federating Units. * To inculcate a quest for inquiry and research in application of modern technology to our social and economic needs through critical thinking and constructive reasoning. * To map, record and document all tangible and intangible cultural assets in the country and to frame national cultural strategies to sustain cultural heritage. * To generate a sense of pride in the rich historical and archaeological heritage of Pakistan. Elements of pakistani culture * Performing Arts * Cinematic Arts and Videograph * Musical Heritage * Folklore, Folk Arts and Traditional Skills * Architectur * Literature * Poetry * Festivals * traditions

* Performing Arts Pakistan’s performing arts have come of age and it is time that recognition of these is formalised by the state. It is therefore necessary to * establish a National Theatre in Islamabad * establish Performing Arts Academies and Centres * allocate a percentage of public development funds for promotion of performing arts through a National Committee formed by Federal Government * constitute an advisory board under the Federal Government * Cinematic Arts and Videography * The once popular national cinema is now in serious danger of extinction. It is therefore imperative to * establish a National Film Academy at Islamabad for training in Cinematic Arts and Videography * facilitate establishment of Film/Video Studios and provide subsidies and tax rebates on the import of related professional equipment and raw stock * in schools, educational Institutions at all levels * Folklore, Folk Arts and Traditional Skills * The folk heritage of Pakistan is a vigorous and vibrant tradition that now requires support to preserve our rapidly dying traditions. Guidelines for folklore aim to * encourage intangible folklore research, collection, documentation and establishment of centres at national, provincial and district levels * Musical Heritage * Pakistan’s rich musical heritage is the synthesis of neighbouring influences blended into an indigenous base. Policy guidelines in this sector aim to * encourage research, collection, documentation and establishment of a National Conservatory at Islamabad. * arrange frequent concerts and musical festivals of great musicians both at home and abroad encourage establishment of music teaching * Music

The variety of Pakistani music ranges from diverse provincial folk music and traditional styles such as Qawwali and Ghazal Gayaki to modern forms fusing traditional and western music, such as the synchronisation of Qawwali and western music by the world renowned Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. In addition Pakistan is home to many famous folk singers such as the late Alam Lohar, who is also well known in Indian Punjab. The arrival of Afghan refugees in the western provinces has rekindled Pasto and Persian music and established Peshawar as a hub for Afghan musicians and a distribution center for Afghan music abroad. * Architecture
The Lahore Fort, a landmark built during the Mughal era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The architecture of the areas now constituting Pakistan can be traced to four distinct periods: pre-Islamic, Hindu heritage, Buddhist culture, 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.

Literature
Pakistani literature 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. 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 pre-eminent 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, Jazib Qureshi, and Ahmad Nadeem Qasimi
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 Qur'an. Special foods are cooked in greater quantities, part

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 A.S to sacrifice his son Ishmael for God. On these days, there are national holidays and many festival events that take place to celebrate Eid. As Pakistan is a Muslim state, there are three days off for all businesses and government offices.

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

Cultural traditions
Pakistanis have evolved an often distinct and unique set of culture, traditions and customs in the region. Shalwar Qameez is the dress commonly worn, both by men and women, and Kashmiru, etc. put 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, and much more are diverse and renowned internationally. Pakistani architecture is unique with its infusion of Islamic, Persian, Turkish and Indigenous styles. The manners and lifestyles are guided by a blend of traditions as well as the culture. Food dishes are also attracting quite a lot of attention with its wide blend of flavors and spices.