Etiquette in Pakistan

In Pakistan, etiquette, or the code of social behavior that governs human interactions, is largely derived from Islam and focuses on the values commanded by the religion, and has its own cultural etiquette based mainly on South Asian influences.

Introduction and greeting

• In contemporary times, the unit-family system is commonly observed, although references to the combined-family system are also prevalent. In this structure, elders are typically esteemed and receive affection and respect from younger individuals, including those who may be unfamiliar to them and encounter one another for the first time in various circumstances.
• Visitors are esteemed and treated with respect, and with a sense of connection among relatives, colleagues, friends, and neighbors. It is customary for guests to notify their hosts in advance of their arrival, allowing for minimal disruption to the host's routine.
• In formal contexts, it was previously considered rude to introduce yourself to strangers, and therefore 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. However, This is not the case in everyday life.

In urban Sindh and other parts of the country, men and women usually lower their heads and lift their hands to their forehead to make the "adab" gesture when greeting each other.

• When being introduced to elders or strangers while seated it is customary to get up as a sign of respect.
• It is advisable to ask a person how they wish to be addressed.
  • In Pakistani culture, there is a prevalent affection towards children. It is commonly regarded as impolite and disrespectful to not engage with children, regardless of their age.
  • Pakistanis generally speak in a very roundabout way, often using many similes and metaphors, and it is fairly common for passages from poems to be recited or cited during conversions.
  • It is inadvisable to bring alcohol as a gift to any Pakistani home (As Islam is the dominant religion in the country and it prohibits any mind-altering and intoxicating substances).
  • It is recommended to avoid discussing subjects such as sex and intimacy as these are considered to be taboo.
  • Most Pakistanis are not accepting of homosexuality, and it is generally considered a taboo in the country.
  • Arranged marriages are a common practice in Pakistan. Suitable spouses are chosen by the elders of the family by taking into consideration the other family's financial and social standing.

Meeting etiquette of man and woman

• Casual dating is considered inappropriate, and people of the opposite gender seen together in public are sometimes subject to judgement. Dating is thought to bring 'shame and dishonor' to the family. However, liberal societies in the cities such as, Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore, are more relaxed in this matter. Many educated Pakistanis there, even encourage dating if the boy and girl are meeting each other within the boundaries and values that are considered compatible with the culture and are serious about marriage and settling together in future.
• In many areas, people of the opposite sex do not usually shake hands, and interact only to talk, although this rule is more relaxed if one of the participants is an elder or a close relative. However, this type of gender-segregation is not common in the metropolitan cities, such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Muhajir-dominated (Urdu-speaking) areas of Karachi.
• Islamabad Capital Territory, Lahore, and many metropolitan areas in Karachi are more liberal, whereas the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are a bit conservative and prefer to keep up with traditions wholeheartedly. The literacy rate is higher in the Muhajir-dominated areas of Karachi and northern Punjab than in the other cities or provinces in Pakistan.
• Lahore, Islamabad and Muhajir-dominated areas of Karachi are also liberal in terms of female clothing, but this means that women in these areas are generally safe to reveal their hairs, forearms, etc. and can wear shirts, tops, jeans or trousers that are not revealing or tight. Wearing the outfits like, short-skirts or revealed tops are not considered appropriate in any area of Pakistan. Even at beaches in Karachi, women fold the hems of their shalwars, jeans or trousers up till below the starting of their knees (so that only their feets and shins are revealed and not above than that) when they go in the water for wading or standing. No one usually swim in public beaches, however when swimming in water parks, post pubescent women often wears burkini or other modest swimsuits that are at least covering from shoulders till the knees.

Etiquette in a business environment

• English is widely spoken and understood in major cities. The local dialect is called Pakistani English.
• It is generally recommended 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.
• Meetings are not scheduled at prayer time.

See also

• History of Pakistan
• Pakistani cuisine

Further reading

• Karin Mittmann; Zafar Ihsan. Culture shock! Pakistan – a guide to customs and etiquette.