The word "society" in English language has been derived from the Latin word "Socius", meaning "companion." Thus, society refers to a group of companions. A group of people who are living for some common purposes is called a society. People in a society have relationships with each other. Society does not consist of one individual, but consists of a large group of individuals.
The common beliefs, way of life, customs, language and traditions of particular people living in a place are collectively called as their culture. Culture includes all the beliefs, laws, customs, traditions, knowledge, arts and habits etc., which a person adopts as a member of society. Pakistani society is based on Islamic culture. Although Pakistan is inhabited by people speaking different languages, yet they are connected with one another by the bonds of Islam. They have a common culture, in which the Islamic color is prominent. Culture, on the one hand, binds the members of a nation or society together, on the other hand, it distinguishes it from other nations and societies.
Following are the salient features of Pakistani society and culture.
1. Colours of Islamic culture
Pakistan is based on the religion of Islam. So, respect for the religion and adherence to its traditions is evident in the lives of the people here. A majority of people follow Islamic teachings in living, dress, food and socializing. Islam teaches respect for other religions and their followers. The fact is that people living in different parts of Pakistan may differ from one another in terms of their food, clothing, lifestyle, customs and traditions, but Islam is the strong bond that has brought them all together. Islam does not believe in colour, race, language, wealth and poverty. That is why colours of Islamic culture are reflected in brotherhood, fraternity and equality.
2. Joint Family System
On the whole Pakistani family system is joint family system in which the man is considered as the head of the family. He is responsible for the sustenance of his family. Housewife takes care of the house, children and household affairs. Elders are treated with the utmost respect in the home. Serving them in the best way is considered as a religious and moral duty.
3. Customs and Traditions
The people of Pakistan are very friendly and compassionate. People here share each other's joys and sorrows. Gifts are exchanged on child birth, aqeeqah and birthday celebrations etc. On these occasions sweet and savory food are also arranged. For example, immediately after the birth of a Muslim child, Azan is recited in the ears of new born baby so that the minor knows that he/she has been born in a Muslim family by the grace of Almighty Allah. In the same way, people console each other on occasions of a calamity, trouble or death.
When a Muslim passes away, relatives and friends etc. gather at the deceased's house. After the funeral prayers, he is buried. The Holy Qur'an is recited for the deceased person. Non- Muslims living in the country also have the right to perform their marriage, death and other ceremonies in their own way.
4. Religious Harmony
There exists respect for other religions, tolerance and harmony in Pakistan. In subcontinent, a large number of people embraced Islam by getting impressed by the teachings of saints. In Pakistan, caste, colour, race like distinctions are not given much importance. Constitution of Pakistan gives full protection to minorities.
5. Religious Festivals
According to Islamic teachings, two Eids are celebrated in Pakistan every year. At the end of holy month of Ramadhan, Eid- ul- Fitr is celebrated on 1st Shawwal and Eid- ul- Adhaa is celebrated on 10th Zil- Hajj with full religious fervor.
Among other religious festivals, Jashan- e- Milad- un- Nabi is celebrated on 12th of Rabi al- Awwal with religious devotion and respect. On 27th of Rajab is the celebration of Meraj- un- Nabi is celebrated on 15th of Sha'ban, Shab- e- Barat is celebrated. On the 10th of Muharram, Muslims also celebrate Yaum- e- Aashur with religious devotion and respect.
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Festivals like Holi and Diwali are celebrated among Hindu minority while festivals such as Christmas and Easter are observed by Christians. Sikhs celebrate the birthday of Baba Guru Nanak Devji and Baisakhi. The Bihai community celebrates festivals like Eid Now- Ruz, Rid- van etc. with full freedom and zeal.
6. Dress and Food
Majority of Pakistanis prefer to wear simple but neat and dignified dress. The national dress of Pakistan is Shalwar and Qamis. This dress is equally popular among men and women in every region with slight variations and differences. Vest cot, cap, ajrak and turban etc. are part of men's clothing in different regions. Women wear Shalwar Qamis with Dupatta, Chaddar and Abaya etc. Wheat and corn bread, grains, Saag, rice, meat, pulses, vegetables, dry and fresh fruits are the main food of the people here.
7. Mixed Culture
Pakistani society is practically a beautiful bunch of Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun, Balochi, Kashmiri, Balti, Brahvi and Seraiki culture. The customs and dress of Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Bihais and other religious minorities also give a unique colour to Pakistani society.
8. Urs and Fairs
Annual fairs are held in Pakistan at the time of change of seasons, harvesting and on the occasions of Urs of the saints. Among these saints are Hazrat Ali Hajveri known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, Hazrat Shah Inayat Qadri Hazrat Baba Balhe Shah Hazrat Fariduddin Ganj Shukar Hazrat Shah Rukn Alam Multani Hazrat Bahauddin Zakaria Multani Hazrat Madholal Hussain Shah (Mela Chiraghan), Hazrat Sakhi Syedan Shah Shirazi Hazrat Sachal Sarmast Hazrat Lal