A Visit to Pakistan exploring the Social customs and etiquette

Initiating your trip with worthy information and tips

Going to some country where you never be, sounds a tough time waiting for you. But you don’t need to be worried worry as it is not that much difficult when you have planned a trip to Pakistan, you need to know some elementary things before you take your flight. Here we go:

A Suitable choice of clothes

When you are going to explore the culture of any nation, isn’t it a better impression to wear their dress? It can be valued due to two reasons. Firstly, you will be appreciated and praised by all. Secondly, it won’t give an odd look to you. Because wearing jeans or western dress is against the culture of Pakistan.

So pack a little to avoid excess baggage. On the off chance, your luggage exceeds, there are different cargo companies to offer cargo to Pakistan. Need not to worry in any case.

Legal documentation

You need to have a legal and updated passport and visa for your safe stay in Pakistan. In case, you have an old passport whose expiry date is near to come, it will be beneficial if you get renewed it. Make sure your all documentation is legal and lawful.

Good Health ensures a gratifying trip

When you are physically fit, it ensures you a joyous trip. So, you must take care of your health. Taking care of health not only means to intake a healthy diet but to keep yourself safe from upcoming illnesses.

Consequently, you should consult your doctor, he can better suggest apposite medication as well as vaccination if required.

When you have done with all of this, it’s time to visit a new realm.

SOCIAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR PAKISTAN

Nomenclature Conventions

According to the culture practised in Pakistan, the parental grandfather gives a name to a new-born child. The infant child is also enfolded in a piece of clothing that once belonged to the grandfather. Following Islamic tradition, once a name has been given, the head of the child is shaved and according to the weight of the hair, an equal weight in gold or silver is then given as a Charity.

 Meeting & Greeting across gender lines

Unlike Europe, greetings are often between members of the same gender; however, when dealing with people in the middle class, greetings may be across gender lines.

Men shake hands with each other. And, once a relationship is established, they may hug as well as shake hands. Women normally hug and kiss. Pakistanis take some of their time during greetings and ask about the person’s health, family, and business success.

Developing relation can take time!

Pakistani often prefer to work with the people they know and have trust. They used to prefer a lot of time understanding the new person. You must not seem angry by what may appear to be a purely social conversation. Pakistanis are hospitable and enjoy hosting foreign guests.

Relationships take time to grow and must be cherished. This may necessitate several stopovers. Pakistanis use to ask personal questions as a way to get to know you as a person. If possible, it is best to answer these questions.

In general, Pakistanis communicate in a roundabout or indirect fashion. Direct statements are made only to those with whom they have a time-honoured personal relationship. They also use a great deal of exaggeration and similes and go out of their way to find something to praise.

Be prepared to Judge by textures rather than words

Pakistanis have a preference to converse in a non-controversial manner, so they can say they “will try” rather confess that they cannot or will not be able to do somewhat.

Hence, it is vital to ask questions in numerous ways so you can be sure what was meant by a nebulous response. Silence is also used as a communication tool.

Personal Space is something not often practised

Almost opposite to western cultural conventions, Pakistanis do not entail as much personal space. For it, they will stand close to you while talking and you may feel as if your personal space has been violated. Do not back away, rather try to indulge in that culture. You will feel quite good at it.

Presenting the Presents in a graceful manner

If invited to a Pakistani’s home, carry a small gift for the host such as flowers or chocolates. Men should avoid giving flowers to women as the flower is a symbol of love and is taken critically. Gifts are not opened when received. They should be given with two hands.

 Dining and Food-a depiction of cultural values

As Muslims are in majority, therefore the food provided by them is Halal, of what they mean, the total food is cooked under religious restrictions. They have a limited number of animals from which they get meat, not everyone but in villages only.

Dining Tables are rare and families used to eat a meal together sitting on the floor. Many people in urban areas do not use eating gears, although more westernized families do.

Don’t be confused about it. Just watch other and do the same. Eating food by hand gives a unique taste, as they believe. Guests are always served first then the oldest, continuing in the same convention of age until the youngest is served.

Author credits: Abbie Ella