'Culture' and 'Tradition' are more significant in a country like Pakistan which has always been its rich culture and heritage. What are we doing now? It’s a shame to see that 'Pakistan’s pride', 'We Pakistani Youth', doesn’t have even a bit of importance for Pakistan’s culture and heritage, its culture. And we are easily influenced by western culture. Right from our clothing, till the music, the films, our attitude, our lifestyle, in short, every aspect of our life has totally changed. “Change doesn’t happen own; it’s we who bring about the change”. But by this change, our motherland has lost its sheen and beauty; its place; its uniqueness in the world for which it’s quite well known for worldwide. But these things are just on paper and are slowly losing our national culture. Why? Pakistan is known by her/him people. We, the younger generation are the representatives of Pakistanis in the true sense of the word. Even in history, we come across various incidents where the youth took the lead to bring about a change and get Pakistan independence from the British rule. We, the Pakistan youth have always been the power and pride of Pakistan. We are the soul of love and respect Pakistan’s pride and its heritage which actually lies in its culture, its diversity, its uniqueness is facing the problem of losing its culture, are we, the youth; the Pakistani youth not actually responsible for this? Are we not putting our own self-image, our self-respect, our mother Pakistan’s pride at stake by doing so? Just think about it, my dear friends. There is a problem as such why we follow western culture to this extent. The problem is we are forgetting our culture to a greater extent. Why should we do so? Every culture has its own pros and cons. We individuals should be strong enough to take the good and throw off the bad. But we are unable to provide culture and national discipline & education our school and collages it's our request to Government of Pakistan to increase the share of national culture its propagation through our education institution i.e. school, college and universities.
Balochistan Culture
Though Balochistan is an area of barren lands, deserts and mountains, the Baloch culture is full of traditions, arts and crafts. Balochi embroidery is one of the most popular arts and crafts which are done by females. Baluchistan is also known for its tribes and festivals.
Like all the other provinces of Pakistan, the national dress shalwar kameez with distinct additions and modifications are worn in Baloch culture. The people dress up very pleasingly and in the same way in all the tribes. Turban is the common headwear of Bloch men along with wide loose shalwar along with knee-long shirts. Females dress consists of a shirt having a big pocket and embroidery and embedded round mirror work in front. A big Dupatta/ Chaddar is taken to cover the head and shoulders.
Punjab Culture
Punjabi Culture is one of the oldest in world history, dating from ancient antiquity to the modern era. The scope, history, complexity and density of the culture are vast. Some of the main areas of the Punjabi culture include Punjabi cuisine, philosophy, poetry, artistry, music, architecture, traditions and values and history. Some cities of Punjab have more importance for the Sikh community from India. The founder of Sikh religion was born in Nankana Sahib, a district of Punjab so Sikh from different parts of world come and visits Punjab. Jahangir tomb and Badshahi Masjid in Lahore are the important places of Pakistan. Data Sahib is very scared place in Punjab and most of the people come and visit Data sahib every year.
Costumes of Punjab are an indication of the bright and vibrant culture and lifestyle of the people. The costumes are a mix of colours, comfort and beauty and Punjab is well known for the use of phulkari (embroidery) in its costumes. In most of the villages of Punjab, men wear Pagri (turban), dhoti/lacha, kurta, khusa. Women wear gharara, or churidar pyjama or colourful shalwar kameez, paranda, choli/dupatta, khusa, kola puri chappal or Tilley wali jutti. Whereas in urban areas of Punjab men and women follow the latest trends and fashion, generally they wear different styles of shalwar kameez.
Sindh Culture
People of Sindh are more inclined towards an agricultural-based lifestyle. The fertile Indus Plains provide a valuable source of income for the local people who practice farming on these lands. Inland fishing is also practised along the Indus River in Upper Sind providing further opportunities for local people. Roaming way of lifestyle is commonly seen in the deserted regions of Thar where people move from place to place in search of drinking water sources along with their animals. The normal usage items include; clothes made of soosi and khadi. Among the most popular items in fashion apparel. Symbolizing the true Sindhi culture, the Sindhi Ajrak and topi (cap) are the most popular and widely used traditional clothing items. For Sindhis, Ajrak and topi are considered as a symbol of honour, pride and respect. Moreover, the Ajrak and topi come in various beautiful traditional designs, mostly used to honour a guest on occasions in educational institutions as well as given as a souvenir and also worn in wedding ceremonies and cultural events.
KPK Culture
Peshawar is one of the most former cities on earth. It is deemed as a conservative Islamic city with a great history. It has all kinds of professionals and manufacturers. From goldsmiths to silversmiths, traditional carpets (which is one of the biggest exports of the country currently), pottery, clothing and artwork on the wood, stones or brass.
People in Peshawar are certainly conservative in terms of clothing or socializing which is why we see a lot of shuttlecock burkas or chaddars or abayas around the town however this does not necessarily mean the majority is like that, with more and more cafes and places where teenagers get to hangout you will see the trends are slightly changing. But if you are a woman outsider and do not want to catch unusual attention then it is advisable to follow the locals for a change when it comes to dressing. Also, if you happen to look like a tourist then it is likely that you would be charged a higher price so as a trick to blend in you might want to cover the face and enjoy the perks.
Karachi Culture
Karachi is the largest city, main seaport and financial centre of Pakistan, as well as the capital of the province of Sindh. The city has an estimated population of 21 million people as of April 2012. Karachi is the most populous city in the country and the world’s 3rd largest city in terms of population by city. The city credits its growth to the mixed populations of economic and political migrants and refugees from different national, provincial, linguistic and religious origins who have largely come to settle here permanently. It is locally termed as the City of Lights for its liveliness and the City of The Quaid, for not only being both the birth and death place of Muhammad Ali Jinnah the founder of Pakistan but also his home after 1947. Residents and those born in the city are called 'Karachiites'. Mix culture are living in Karachi.
In conclusion, it should be said that the culture of Pakistan is diverse and incredibly unique. We, as Pakistani youth, have an obligation to preserve their heritage and not be influenced by western culture.