Islamic Period

The light of Islam penetrated in this part of the world as early as 712 A.D from the west with the Arab General Muhammad bin Qasim and during the 10th century A.D from the north with the Turk Sultan Mahmud of Ghaznah ( better known as Mahmud Ghaznavi).
Islam replaced the early way of life of worshipping idols and introduced new philosophy of faith in one God. With Islam in came a new culture in this land from Arabia and Central Asia. Hence, a new type of architecture, hitherto unknown in this area, was introduced. Tens of thousands of Mosques, Madrasahs, tombs and gardens were created by the Muslim rulers all over the Sub-Continent. The new style of Islamic architecture prevailed and matured in this land for over a thousand years. The direct influence of the Muslim Rulers was not only confined to the architecture; their food added a variety of new dishes in the Sub-Continental cuisine. The national dress of Pakistan, “ Shalwar Qamiz” is also a direct gift of the Muslim Turks.
Since the mother tongue of the Muslim Rulers was Arabic, Turkish and Farsi, it was only natural that the local languages of the Sub-Continent were greatly influenced and new language was introduced. Thus the most important contribution of the Muslim rulers to this land is a new language ‘Urdu’ which became the national language of Pakistan since its independence in 1947.
The legacy of our predecessors at the time of our independence, on August 14, 1947, came to us as a treasure which may be called as Pakistan’s national heritage. So rich and diversified is this heritage that Pakistani nation can be proud of its glorious past, be Islamic, Post Islamic or pre-Islamic period as far back as pre-historic times. No other country of the world can produce the treasure of by gone days as can be found in Pakistan. It is now incumbent upon us to treasure our national heritage and save it from further deterioration and theft.
The establishment of NFCH is much appreciated and a great interest is shown by the general public hence since its establishment in 1994 hundreds of proposals were received from different agencies and individuals for the conservation, preservation and publication of the Pakistan’s national heritage. It is hoped that with the continued patronage of the government, the Philanthropists and the Business Community to the NFCH we shall be able to achieve the aforesaid goal.

Gandhara Art Gallery

Gandhara Art Gallery

Pakistan is the land which attracted Alexander the great from Macedonia in 326 B.C., with whom the influence of Greek culture came to this part of the world. During the 2nd century B.C., it was here that Buddhism was adopted as the state religion which flourished and prevailed here for over 1000 years, starting from 2nd century B.C., until 10th century A.D. During this time Taxila, Swat and Charsaddah (old Pushkalavati) became three important centres for culture, trade and learning. Hundreds of monasteries and stupas were built together with Greek and Kushan towns such as Sirkap and Sirsukh both in Taxila. It was from these centres that a unique art of sculpture originated which is known as Gandhara Art all over the world. Today the Gandhara Sculptures occupy a prominent place in the museums of England, France, Germany, USA, Japan, Korea, China, India and Afghanistan together with many private collections world over, as well as in the museums of Pakistan. Nevertheless, the zenith of this Gandhara Art is one and only "Fasting Buddha" now on display in Lahore Museum, Lahore.

Finally, the light of Islam penetrated in this part of the world as early as 7th century AD. from the west with the Arabs and during the 10th century AD from the north with the Turks. Islam replaced the early way of life of worshipping idols and introduced new philosophy of faith in one God. With Islam in came a new culture in this land from Arabia and Central Asia. Hence, a new type of architecture, hitherto unknown in this area, was introduced. Tens of thousands of Mosques, Madrassahs, tombs and gardens were created by the Muslim rulers all over the Sub-Continent. The new style of Islamic architecture prevailed and matured in this land for over a thousand years. The most important contribution of the Muslim rulers to this land, however, is a new language ‘Urdu’ which became the national language of Pakistan since its independence in 1947.
The legacy of our predecessors at the time of our independence, on August 14, 1947, came to us as a treasure which may be called as Pakistan’s national heritage. So rich and diversified is this heritage that Pakistani nation can be proud of its glorious past, be Islamic, Post Islamic or pre-Islamic period as far back as pre-historic times. It is hard to find another country which can produce the treasure of by gone days as can be found in Pakistan. It is now incumbent upon us to treasure our national heritage and save it from further deterioration and theft.
The establishment of NFCH is much appreciated and a great interest is shown by the general public hence since its establishment in 1994 hundreds of proposals were received from different agencies and individuals for the conservation, preservation and publication of the Pakistan’s national heritage. It is hoped that with the continued patronage of the government, the Philanthropists and the Business Community to the NFCH we shall be able to achieve the aforesaid goal.

Cultural Heritage of Pakistan

The land where the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is situated today had been a seat of world’s leading Civilizations from the time immemorial. There is plenty of evidence from the pre-historic and historic period to support this argument, e.g. fossil jaws of apes, circa 14 millions years old found from Pothohar. They belong to a species named “Sivapithecus Pakininsis”, said to be the ancestor of Man. A 2 million years old earliest stone hand axe. Now on display in Islamabad Museum, Islamabad.
The legacy of our predecessors at the time of our independence, on August 14, 1947, came to us as a treasure which may be called as Pakistan’s national heritage. So rich and diversified is this heritage that Pakistani nation can be proud of its glorious past, be Islamic, Post Islamic or pre-Islamic period as far back as pre-historic times. No other country of the world can produce the treasure of by gone days as can be found in Pakistan. It is now incumbent upon us to treasure our national heritage and save it from further deterioration and theft.The establishment of NFCH is much appreciated and a great interest is shown by the general public hence since its establishment in 1994 hundreds of proposals were received from different agencies and individuals for the conservation, preservation and publication of the Pakistan’s national heritage. It is hoped that with the continued patronage of the government, the Philanthropists and the Business Community to the NFCH we shall be able to achieve the aforesaid goal.
The Cultural Heritage of Pakistan is spread over the centuries, starting from pre-historic times to the present day and which may be summarized in the following periods:
Indus Civilization:
Gandhara Civilization:
Islamic Period:
Sikh Period:
British Period:
Post independence Period

Business Etiquette & Protocol in Pakistan

Building Relationships & Communication
. Third-party introductions are a necessity in this relationship-driven culture. . Pakistanis prefer to work with people they know and trust and will spend a great deal of time on the getting-to-know-you part of relationship building. . You must not appear frustrated by what may appear to be purely social conversation. Pakistanis are hospitable and enjoy hosting foreign guests. . Relationships take time to grow and must be nurtured. This may require several visits. . Pakistanis often ask personal questions as a way to get to know you as a person. . If possible, it is best to answer these questions. . Pakistanis do not require as much personal space as most western cultures. As such, they will stand close to you while conversing and you may feel as if your personal space has been violated. Do not back away.. Pakistanis are generally indirect communicators. . Always demonstrate deference to the most senior person in the group. . In general, Pakistanis speak in a roundabout or circuitous fashion. Direct statements are made only to those with whom they have a long-standing personal relationship. . They also use a great deal of hyperbole and similes, and go out of their way to find something to praise.. Be prepared to flatter and be flattered. . Pakistanis prefer to converse in a non-controversial manner, so they will say they "will try" rather than admit that they cannot or will not be able to do something. . Therefore, it is important to ask questions in several ways so you can be certain what was meant by a vague response. Silence is often used as a communication tool. . Pakistanis prefer to do business in person. They see the telephone as too impersonal a medium for business communication.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are necessary and should be made, in writing, 3 to 4 weeks in advance, although meetings with private companies can often be arranged with less notice. . The best time to schedule meetings is in the late morning or early afternoon. . If at all possible, try not to schedule meetings during Ramadan. The workday is shortened, and since Muslims fast, they could not offer you tea, which is a sign of hospitality.. You should arrive at meetings on time and be prepared to be kept waiting. . Pakistanis in the private sector who are accustomed to working with international companies often strive for punctuality, but are not always successful.. It is not uncommon to have a meeting cancelled at the last minute or even once you have arrived. . In general, Pakistanis have an open-door policy, even when they are in a meeting. This means there may be frequent interruptions. Other people may wander into the room and start a different discussion. . Meetings are formal. . Business meetings start after prolonged inquiries about health, family, etc. . Never inquire about a colleague's wife or daughters. . During the first several meetings, business may not be discussed at all as the relationship is still being developed. . Maintain indirect eye contact while speaking.
Negotiating
. Companies are hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person. . Decisions are reached slowly. If you try to rush things, you will give offense and jeopardize your business relationship. . The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several layers of approval. . It often takes several visits to accomplish simple tasks. . If you change negotiators, negotiations will have to start over since relationships are to the person and not the company that they represent. . Pakistanis are highly skilled negotiators. . Price is often a determining factor in closing a deal. . Pakistanis strive for win-win outcomes. . Maintain indirect eye contact while speaking. . Do not use high-pressure tactics. . Pakistanis can become highly emotional during negotiations. Discussions may become heated and even revert to Urdu (the national language). It is imperative that you remain calm.
Business Card Etiquette
. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introduction. . Include any advanced university degrees or professional honours on your card, as they denote status. . Business cards are exchanged using the right hand only or with two hands. . Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting into your business card holder.

Etiquette & Customs in Pakistan

Meeting and Greeting
. Greetings are therefore often between members of the same sex; however, when dealing with people in the middle class, greetings may be across sex lines. . Men shake hands with each other. Once a relationship is developed, they may hug as well as shake hands. . Women generally hug and kiss. Pakistanis take their time during greetings and ask about the person's health, family, and business success. . Pakistani names often include a name that denotes a person's class, tribe, occupation, or other status indicator. . They may also include two names that have a specific meaning when used together, and the meaning is lost if the names are separated. . It is best to ask a person how they wish to be addressed. . In general, this is not a culture where first names are commonly used, except among close friends.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. If invited to a Pakistani's home, bring the hostess a small gift such as flowers or good quality chocolates.. Men should avoid giving flowers to women.. Do not give white flowers as they are used at weddings.. If a man must give a gift to a woman, he should say that it is from his wife, mother, sister, or some other female relative.. Do not give alcohol.. Gifts are not opened when received. . Gifts are given with two hands.
Dining Etiquette
. If invited to a home you will most likely have to remove your shoes. Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door. . Dress conservatively. . Arrive approximately 15 minutes later than the stipulated time when invited to dinner or a small gathering. . You may arrive up to one hour later than the stipulated time when invited to a party. . Show respect for the elders by greeting them first. . In more rural areas, it is still common to eat meals from a knee-high round table while sitting on the floor. . Many people in urban areas do not use eating utensils, although more westernized families do. . When in doubt, watch what others are doing and emulate their behaviour.. Guests are served first. Then the oldest, continuing in some rough approximation of age order until the youngest is served. . Do not start eating until the oldest person at the table begins. . You will be urged to take second and even third helpings. Saying "I'm full" will be taken as a polite gesture and not accepted at face value. . Eat only with the right hand.

Pakistan- Language, Religion, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Facts and Statistics
Location: Southern Asia, bordering Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km
Capital: Islamabad
Population: 159,196,336 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India at the time of partition and their descendants)
Religions: Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and other (inc. Sikh) 3%
Language in Pakistan
Urdu is the only official language of Pakistan. Although English is generally used instead of Urdu in this regard. English is the lingua franca of the Pakistani elite and most of the government ministries.
Urdu is closely related to Hindi but is written in an extended Arabic alphabet rather than in Devanagari. Urdu also has more loans from Arabic and Persian than Hindi has.
Many other languages are spoken in Pakistan, including Punjabi, Siraiki, Sindhi, Pashtu, Balochi, Hindko, Brahui, Burushaski, Balti, Khawar, Gujrati and other languages with smaller numbers of speakers.
Pakistani Society & Culture
Islam
. Islam is practised by the majority of Pakistanis and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. . Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening.. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. . During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing.

The Family
. The extended family is the basis of the social structure and individual identity.. It includes the nuclear family, immediate relatives, distant relatives, tribe members, friends, and neighbours. . Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationships, even business. . Nepotism is viewed positively, since it guarantees hiring people who can be trusted, which is crucial in a country where working with people one knows and trusts is of primary importance. . The family is more private than in many other cultures.. Female relatives are protected from outside influences. It is considered inappropriate to ask questions about a Pakistani's wife or other female relatives. . Families are quite large by western standards, often having up to 6 children.

Hierarchical Society
. Pakistan is a hierarchical society. . People are respected because of their age and position. . Older people are viewed as wise and are granted respect. In a social situation, they are served first and their drinks may be poured for them. Elders are introduced first, are provided with the choicest cuts of meat, and in general are treated much like royalty. . Pakistanis expect the most senior person, by age or position, to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. . Titles are very important and denote respect. It is expected that you will use a person's title and their surname until invited to use their first name